5 Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Help

A garbage disposal in Brooklyn is an amazing convenience, but like any appliance, it can break down. Especially if it’s been seeing a lot of use or you’ve been putting items in that you shouldn’t.

But how can you know if you need service or replacement for your garbage disposal?

Here are some tips from the Brooklyn plumbing experts at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning. Or call us today to take a look at your garbage disposal and get up and running again.

1) Your Garbage Disposal Smells Funky

One of the top problems people have with their garbage disposals is that every now and then they start to have an odor. Most of the time, this isn’t cause for concern. Food particles sometimes get trapped in the disposal and decompose, emitting a foul smell.

Try running hot water through the disposal and letting the disposal run for 30-40 seconds. This should move the food on through. You could also fill the sink with hot water and soap, then pull the plug and turn the disposal on. If this doesn’t take care of the problem, you might need to call for service.

2) Your Garbage Disposal Is Struggling

If your disposal is having a hard time doing its job or is draining slow, you probably need to call a plumber. If the disposal hums but doesn’t start or won’t turn on at all, that’s also an indication you need a plumber.

You can take steps to keep your garbage disposal in good working order, though. Make sure to put only soft, small pieces of food in the disposal. Never use the disposal for potato peels, banana peels, coffee grounds, corn husks or eggshells. Also, keep fats, oils and grease out of the disposal as much as possible.

3) Your Disposal Is Aging

The lifespan of garbage disposals differs depending on the model and how often you use it and maintain it. But overall, most garbage disposals will last from 8 to 15 years. If you’ve noticed your garbage disposal isn’t working as efficiently as it was and it’s nearing its typical lifespan, you probably need a replacement.

4) Your Garbage Disposal Is Overheating and Shutting Off

Is your garbage disposal overheating and turning itself off? It’s possible you’re overworking it and putting too much down the disposal and running it for too long. But if you notice it’s turning off after a few minutes and not much is in the disposal to begin with, you need some garbage disposal maintenance or repair.

5) Your Garbage Disposal Needs to Be Reset Frequently

Are you finding yourself trying to resolve your garbage disposal by constantly resetting it? Something is amiss. Call our Brooklyn plumbers to take a look at your garbage disposal. We’ll talk through your options and come up with a plan with upfront costs.

How to Avoid Garbage Disposal Problems

Once you know some of the red flags of garbage disposal problems, here are some ways to avoid issues and keep it in top-notch shape:

• Use Cold Water: Always run cold water when using the disposal to help grind food waste more effectively and prevent overheating.
• Add Food Gradually: Gradually add waste into your sink and disposal to avoid overloading and clogs.
• Throw In Soft Foods Only: Only dispose of soft, easy-to-grind items to prevent damage to the blades.
• Avoid Hard Items: Do not put hard items like bones, seeds, or pits into the disposal, as they can damage the blades.
• Steer Clear of Fibrous Foods: Avoid disposing of fibrous materials like celery stalks, corn husks, and onion skins, which can tangle around the blades.
• Don’t Let Fats, Oils, or Grease Into Your Disposal (or sink!): Fats, oils, and grease can solidify inside the disposal and pipes, leading to clogs.
• Use Ice to Clean Your Garbage Disposal: Occasionally grind ice cubes in the disposal to clean the blades and remove any stuck-on debris.
• Add Citrus for Freshness: Grind citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to naturally freshen the disposal and eliminate odors.
• Use Your Brooklyn Garbage Disposal Regularly: Regularly run your disposal to prevent rust and corrosion and ensure all parts remain moving smoothly.
• Clean Regularly: Regularly clean the disposal with a mix of baking soda and vinegar to keep it fresh and clear of buildup.
• Don’t Throw In Expandable Foods: Avoid disposing of foods like pasta and rice that can expand with water and cause blockages.
• Avoid Chemical Cleaners: Harsh chemicals can damage the disposal’s internal parts; stick to natural cleaners for safe maintenance.
• Get Professional Help for Major Issues: For serious clogs or mechanical issues, call the team at Petri Plumbing right away than a DIY fix that could cause even more damage.

Call Petri for Brooklyn Garbage Disposal Help!

Whether you need a Brooklyn garbage disposal repair, replacement, or maintenance, we can help. The team at Petri Plumbers are experts at getting homeowners plumbing and garbage disposals up and running for the convenience you deserve.

Ready to get started? Call us today to schedule your appointment!