3 Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair

Garbage disposals are a great addition to any household. By disposing of food waste immediately, not only do they make your home more sanitary, but they reduce the amount of money you have to spend on garbage bags and related cleaning items. Unfortunately, no kitchen appliance can last forever, garbage disposals included. Here are a few signs your garbage disposal needs repair:

1. Standing Water: Standing water in the sink is one of the most common signs of a clogged or jammed garbage disposal unit. If your garbage disposal is having trouble draining, or is draining slowly while allowing dirty water to flow back into the sink, then the unit most likely is clogged or jammed. To fix this, a homeowner can first try to spin the blades manually with the key.  If that doesn’t work then the entire unit must be disassembled, which can become dangerous if certain steps are overlooked. It’s a fix best left to the experts.

2. Loud Rattling:  A loud rattling sound might be audible if the blades in the unit are broken. If this happens, the disposal will no longer be able to grind up material. Even if there is not a loud rattling sound, however, the disposal unit may be in need of repair; the blades might be dull and need to be replaced or professionally sharpened. In some cases, when the blades are completely broken and replacement blades are not available, the unit may need to be replaced entirely.

3. Excess Water:  Excess water can be found underneath the sink area or dripping from the disposal unit if it is leaking. This could be happening due to one of two reasons:  (1) the rubber gasket might need to be replaced, or (2) the joints that connect the unit to the sink and dishwasher might need to replaced or retightened. While avoiding disposing of harsh chemicals such as bleach can lengthen the life of the rubber gaskets and help to prevent future leaks, if you have a leak  you should get professional help today before the problem becomes worse. If you have a garbage disposal problem, contact a professional to get the job done right. For a fast and reliable garbage disposal repair service, call the professionals at CW Service Pros. Available 24/7 for your convenience, call 972-395-2597 or book online today!

FAQs

Does standing water mean my garbage disposal is broken?

Not necessarily. Standing water may result from an obstruction in the disposal or connected drain plumbing. The cause should be identified before deciding whether the disposal needs repair or replacement.

Why is my garbage disposal making a rattling noise?

An unusual noise can indicate a foreign object or a mechanical problem. Switch the unit off and disconnect power before any inspection. Never put your hand inside it; arrange service if the cause is unclear.

Do garbage disposal blades need sharpening?

Disposals should not be treated like kitchen knives. For example, InSinkErator models use impellers and a grind ring rather than sharp blades. Poor grinding performance needs diagnosis rather than an assumption that sharpening will fix it.

Why is water leaking from underneath my disposal?

Possible sources include the sink mounting assembly, drain connection, dishwasher connection, or disposal housing. Water may run down from a higher connection, so the visible drip location can be misleading.

Can I use a wrench to free a jammed garbage disposal?

Some models provide an external wrench socket for this purpose. Disconnect power and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. Do not force an incompatible tool or attempt to dismantle the unit.

Should I repair or replace my garbage disposal?

The decision depends on the fault, condition, warranty, and total cost. A connection problem may need a different solution from internal damage. Ask for an explanation of the diagnosis and a comparison of the available options.

Recognize the Signs Before the Problem Gets Worse

Standing water, unusual noises, and leaks are reasons to investigate your garbage disposal, but they do not always mean the unit needs replacement. The problem may involve the disposal, its connections, or the surrounding drain plumbing. Stop using a leaking or malfunctioning unit and arrange an assessment if the cause is unclear or the problem keeps returning.

Get Help With Your Garbage Disposal

Is your garbage disposal leaking, making unusual noises, or leaving water in the sink? Contact CW Service Pros to have the problem assessed and discuss the appropriate repair or replacement options. Call 972-395-2597 or request service online.