A garbage disposal is a real helper in the kitchen. It can quickly get rid of food scraps, so you do not have to dispose of them in your wastebasket. It makes cleanup faster and easier.
After repeated use, your garbage disposal may fail or show signs of failure. When it begins to show symptoms, it may be time to replace it. But is it worth replacing your garbage disposal? Or should you replace it with a quality garbage disposal?
Signs for Garbage Disposal Replacement
With proper use and maintenance, a garbage disposal should last around 15 years. However, if the wrong items are inserted into the disposal or it is not rinsed out after each use, it can fail prematurely.
If your garbage disposal experiences a problem, it will not be able to chop up food bits and dispose of them. When it begins to have issues, it may show some symptoms. Below are 7 common issues you may encounter.
1. The Reset Button Needs to be Pressed Frequently
When the reset button needs to be pressed frequently, the garbage disposal is failing. It will need to be replaced in the near future.
2. Your Garbage Disposal Will Not Turn On
If the garbage disposal does not turn on, check to make sure it is plugged in. If it is plugged in, check the circuit breaker and the reset button. When none of these things help, you will need to have the garbage disposal repaired or replaced.
The cost of repairs will vary depending on the model. It may be more feasible to replace the garbage disposal instead during maintenance and repairs.
3. It is Always Clogged
Clogs will happen from time to time. But if they happen a lot, the blades are probably dull. If the blades are dull, there are a few tricks you can do to sharpen them. You can add a cupful of rice or rock salt into the disposal.
Turn the disposal on and run the water until there is no more grinding. If this does not help, it will probably be best to replace it with a quality garbage disposal. Another reason the garbage disposal may be clogged all the time is because it is too small.
When purchasing a new quality garbage disposal, take into consideration the size of your household. The more people that are in your home will require a garbage disposal with more power.
4. Leaking Garbage Disposal
If you are finding puddles under the garbage disposal, there may be a crack in the unit, or it may need to be tightened. Try tightening all the bolts. If it still leaks, the unit will need to be replaced.
5. It Runs Slow
When the motor begins to fail, the machine will slow down. In some instances, it may be able to be replaced. Check with your repairman to see if it would be cheaper to have it fixed or if you should replace the whole unit.
6. Garbage Disposal Makes Humming Noises But Does Not Grind Waste
If the garbage disposal is extremely loud but is not doing its job, the motor has probably failed. Before replacing the unit, make sure there is not anything blocking the blades from working.
7. There is a Bad Odour
When there is a bad smell coming from the garbage disposal, there is food stuck in it. Make sure that you always run water into the disposal when you are chopping up the food pieces. The blades may also be dull, leading to chunks of leftover food rotting in the disposal.
If you always run water when using the machine, try sharpening the blades. Run a lemon peel through the machine to deodorise it. You can use a flashlight to look down into the machine. Never put your hand in it.
Before You Replace Your Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is acting up, and it is 15 years or older, and our tips did not fix the issue, invest in a new quality garbage disposal. If the disposal is newer, check the warranty to see if you can get it replaced for free.
For simple fixes, it may be cheaper to call in a repairman. But before you go out and spend money, try our tips. These tips can often fix the issue and save you money.
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