GARBAGE DISPOSAL REPAIR

Even when using a garbage disposal correctly, some food or other organic material can become stuck or clog the drain. If you hear a humming noise when trying to operate the garbage disposal, instead of the normal grinding noise, you likely have something stuck in the disposal mechanism. The unit may also run loudly, run and halt, or refuse to run at all. When any of these events occur, your garbage disposal is likely clogged.

First, turn your garbage disposal off. Don’t continue to run it when it’s jammed, this will simply burn out the motor. When your garbage disposal doesn’t work, Plymouth Plumbing & Heating has a team of experts ready to help. We carry a range of Insinkerator garbage disposals you can trust to get the job done. We offer repairs, replacements, and installations. If it’s an emergency repair, our Plumbing Technicians are ready to help 24/7.

1. Unplug the garbage disposal. Never operate a clogged garbage disposal. You could burn out the motor. You should also never attempt any work on a garbage disposal without first disconnecting the power source.
2. Clean with natural cleaners (baking soda and vinegar) or Drano. Allow the cleaner to fizz in the drain before washing it down with scalding hot water.
3. Run water to clear the clog.
4. Repeat if necessary.
5. If the clog remains, see if you can locate any item that could be jammed in the garbage disposal and blocking the drain. Remove any items you can free and pluck out.
6. If a problem still remains, vigorously plunge with a plunger. Be sure to fill the sink so that water covers the plunger.
7. If the clog remains, it’s time to call a plumber. Plymouth Plumbing & Heating professionals are here to help with garbage disposal repairs, installations, or replacements.

• Leaking from the top? Most likely it is a corroded or loosened sink flange. This is the seal that connects the disposal to your sink. Your disposal needs to be resealed.
• Leaking from the bottom? The culprit could be broken seals inside the disposal. Internal seals wear out with use, so it’s time to get a new garbage disposal.
• Leaking from the side? A common problem is drain line leaks. These are connected to the sides of your garbage disposal. The small pipe connects the disposal to the dishwasher. The larger pipe connects the disposal to the sewer. You need to tighten and reseal these connections.

If you are experiencing a leak you can’t fix, call Plymouth Plumbing & Heating today for emergency garbage disposal repair. We are available 24/7/365.

The dishwasher wastewater is typically connected to the garbage disposal through a small hose. If your broken disposal only affects the motor blades, it will not affect your dishwasher drain and discharge. So, it’s safe to use.

Your garbage disposal repair cost will vary according to the problem it presents. Some problems are simple to fix and require no parts or component replacement, while others may require hoses or complete unit replacement. Most garbage disposal repair costs fall between $70 to $400. A Plymouth Plumbing & Heating professional can provide an estimate after examining your garbage disposal problem.

1. Coffee Grounds - Although grounds appear finely milled, they are dense and turn paste-like when removed from the filter. This is a surefire way to clog your drain.
2. Pasta, Rice, and Bread - These foods all absorb water and expand, making them easy culprits for drain clog.
3. Animal Bones - Bones are too difficult and tough to grind.
4. Nuts and Shells - Your grinder is simply not built for this type of food.
5. Pits and Seeds - They are small and hard, not ideal for disposal. Rule of Thumb: If you can’t cut it with a knife, throw it in the trash.
6. Egg Shells - Their membranes can obstruct the grinder.
7. Stringy Fruits and Vegetables - The fibrous strands may be good for your health but they are bad for your grinder, especially banana peels, celery, corn husks, or rhubarb.
8. Potato Peels - Potato peels can catch in the drain. Avoid starchy beans and vegetables as well.
9. Grease, Oil, and Fat - These can congeal in your pipes, causing a blockage.
10. Non-Food Materials - This should be obvious. If it isn’t biodegradable food, it should not be thrown down your drain. Paper towels, plastic wrappers, tissues all can lead to major plumbing problems.