Garbage disposals make kitchen cleanup convenient in Long Beach homes. These hardworking appliances grind food waste and keep drains clear. When problems develop, they create frustrating kitchen disruptions.
Understanding common disposal issues helps homeowners respond appropriately. Some problems have simple DIY solutions while others need professional help. Knowing the difference saves time and prevents damage.
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
Disposal Won’t Turn On
If your disposal doesn’t run when switched, check several simple things first. The reset button on the disposal bottom sometimes trips during normal use. Press this button firmly to reset the unit and restore function.
Verify the disposal receives electrical power at the outlet. Check your circuit breaker or fuse box for tripped breakers. Test the outlet with another appliance to confirm power availability before assuming disposal failure.
Look under the sink for accidentally disconnected power cords. Sometimes cleaning activities unplug disposals without anyone noticing. Reconnecting the plug solves this frustrating problem instantly without any tools needed.
If power exists but the disposal still doesn’t run, the motor may have failed. Motors burn out after years of heavy use and grinding. Professional replacement becomes necessary at this point for restoration.
Jammed Disposal
Disposals jam when hard objects or excess waste overwhelm the grinding mechanism. You’ll hear a humming sound without the normal grinding noise. Never continue running a jammed disposal as this damages the motor quickly.
Turn off power to the disposal immediately at the breaker. Most units include a wrench specifically for freeing jams and clearing blockages. Insert this tool into the hex slot on the disposal bottom for manual operation.
Work the wrench back and forth to free the impellers carefully. Apply firm pressure but avoid excessive force that could damage components. You should feel the grinding plate begin moving freely again with proper technique.
Remove the object causing the jam from above using tongs or pliers. Never put your hand into the disposal even with power off completely. Once cleared, press the reset button and test the unit carefully.
Leaking Disposals
Leaks from garbage disposals come from several possible locations requiring investigation. Check the sink flange where the disposal attaches to the sink drain first. Loose connections here cause water to escape during use and create cabinet damage.
Examine the discharge pipe connection on the disposal side carefully. These threaded connections sometimes work loose over time through vibration. Tightening with appropriate tools stops most leaks at this connection point.
Water dripping from the disposal bottom indicates internal seal failure unfortunately. These seals wear out and can’t be economically repaired in most cases. Replacement becomes the practical solution for bottom leaks that persist.
Persistent leaking can cause serious water damage to cabinets and flooring below. Address leaks promptly to prevent expensive repairs beyond just plumbing work. Professional help ensures proper diagnosis and permanent repair of all leak sources.
Strange Noises
Unusual sounds from your disposal indicate problems needing immediate attention. Grinding or rattling sounds suggest foreign objects in the grinding chamber. Stop use immediately and investigate before continuing operation.
Common culprits include bottle caps, utensils, or hard food items accidentally dropped. Remove these objects using tongs or pliers from above safely. Running the disposal with metal objects inside damages components and creates worse problems.
If noises continue after removing objects, internal components may be wearing out. Loose impellers or damaged grinding plates create concerning mechanical sounds. Professional assessment determines if repair or replacement makes better financial sense.
Items That Don’t Belong in Disposals
Never Grind These
Fibrous vegetables like celery and asparagus wrap around impellers and jam mechanisms. These stringy materials resist grinding and cause operational problems. Dispose of them in trash instead of risking disposal damage.
Potato peels turn into starchy paste that clogs pipes downstream. Coffee grounds seem harmless but accumulate in drain lines over time. Both create problems beyond the disposal itself in your plumbing system.
Eggshells are controversial but generally not recommended for disposals. The membrane inside shells can wrap around components and restrict operation. Shells also don’t grind as finely as many homeowners believe they will.
Bones and fruit pits are too hard for most residential disposals to handle. They dull grinding components and may cause jams that require service. Large bones especially overwhelm residential disposal motors and cause premature failure.
Grease and Oil
Never pour grease or cooking oil down disposals under any circumstances. These substances coat pipes and solidify when cooled in drain lines. Grease causes most disposal-related drain clogs that require professional drain cleaning.
Even small amounts of grease accumulate over time in pipes. The problems build gradually until drains back up completely and stop working. Proper grease disposal in containers saves expensive drain cleaning service calls later.
Pour grease into cans or containers and throw them away properly. Let pans cool and wipe excess grease with paper towels before washing. These simple habits prevent most disposal drainage issues and extend system life.
Proper Disposal Use and Care
Best Practices
Run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal always. Cold water keeps grease solid so it grinds better and flushes through. Continue running water for 30 seconds after grinding stops to clear pipes completely.
Feed waste gradually rather than overwhelming the disposal with large amounts. Large quantities at once strain the motor and risk jams or stalls. Steady, moderate feeding works best and extends disposal lifespan significantly.
Grind small amounts of ice occasionally to clean grinding components naturally. Ice sharpens impellers and removes buildup without harsh chemicals. This simple maintenance extends disposal lifespan and improves performance noticeably.
Regular Maintenance
Clean your disposal weekly to prevent odor buildup and maintain efficiency. Grind citrus peels to freshen and clean components with natural oils. Lemon or orange peels work particularly well for this purpose and smell pleasant.
Flush the disposal monthly with baking soda and vinegar mixture naturally. This natural cleaner removes light buildup and eliminates odors effectively. Let it sit 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cold running water.
Never use harsh chemical cleaners in disposals under any circumstances. These products damage rubber components and don’t effectively clean grinding chambers. Natural methods work better and last longer without causing component damage.
When to Call Professional Help
Electrical Problems
If you’ve checked the reset button and breakers without success, call a plumber immediately. Electrical issues require professional diagnosis to identify the actual problem. Don’t attempt complex electrical repairs yourself without proper training and tools.
Frequently tripping breakers indicate motor problems or electrical faults developing. These issues won’t resolve themselves without professional intervention. Professional assessment determines if repair or replacement is more appropriate and cost-effective.
Persistent Leaks
Leaks that continue after tightening connections need professional attention immediately. Internal seal failures require replacement in most cases rather than repair. Attempting DIY seal repairs rarely succeeds and wastes time and effort.
Water damage from leaks costs far more than professional plumbing service calls. Act quickly when leaks occur to prevent property damage below sink. Our team responds fast to prevent damage to expensive cabinets and flooring.
Complete Failure
When disposals stop working despite troubleshooting, replacement often makes better sense. Motors burn out, grinding components wear down, and internal parts fail with age. Replacement costs less than extensive repairs on old units in most cases.
Modern disposals offer better performance and efficiency than older models significantly. They run quieter and grind more effectively with improved motor designs. Upgrading improves your kitchen’s functionality and reliability substantially.
Choosing Replacement Disposals
Size and Power Considerations
Garbage disposals come in various horsepower ratings for different needs. Larger families need more powerful units to handle heavier use patterns. A 3/4 or 1 horsepower motor handles heavy use better than smaller options.
Smaller households can use 1/2 or 1/3 horsepower models successfully without issues. These cost less and consume less electricity during operation. Match disposal size to your actual needs rather than buying more than necessary.
Installation Requirements
Professional installation ensures proper connections and reliable operation long-term. Incorrect installation causes leaks and may void manufacturer warranties completely. Licensed plumbers have tools and expertise for quick, correct installation every time.
Some disposals require hardwired electrical connections per local building codes. Others use standard plugs for simpler installation and future replacement. We’ll assess your current setup and recommend appropriate replacements that meet all codes.
Long Beach Plumbing Expertise
Garbage disposal problems frustrate Long Beach homeowners daily in busy kitchens. Understanding common issues helps you respond appropriately and quickly. Know when DIY solutions work and when professional help saves time and money.
Our team provides expert disposal repair and replacement throughout Long Beach and the South Bay area. We carry quality units and install them correctly the first time according to manufacturer specifications. Our residential plumbing services ensure your kitchen operates smoothly and efficiently.
Call Camco Rooter for garbage disposal help in Long Beach today. We’ll diagnose problems accurately and explain all options clearly before starting work. Trust experienced professionals for reliable solutions that restore kitchen convenience quickly and affordably.
