A common call at Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning involves kitchen sink issues, specifically the garbage disposal. To protect yourself from experiencing issues, there are a few things you should not put down the garbage disposal. This would be shrimp shells, generally greasy foods, or foods that do not dissolve.
If you do need to put greasy foods down the garbage disposal, there are some things you can do. First, make sure that you are running hot water as you grind food. Also, pour dish detergent down the drain to help break up greasy substances.
Sometimes garbage disposals just won’t turn on. This is most likely as a result of a safety feature installed in the garbage disposal that protects the internal motor when things go wrong. This can be fixed by first turning the power off and then resetting the disposal. Every garbage disposal has a red reset button underneath it. Simply press this button, turn the power back on and the issue should be relieved. If this does not alleviate the issue, it is time to call a plumber.
Another issue commonly encountered is when a garbage disposal may be jammed. Most importantly, do not stick your hand down the disposal to remove the jam or retrieve lost utensils. If you need to do this, turn the disposal off first.
If these tips do not help alleviate the problem, you might have a bigger issue. Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning is willing and prepared to help fix any issues you experience. Contact us at 972-235-6600. For the fastest service, please fill out the service request form on our website.
Foods the Garbage Disposal Can Handle
The name says it all: garbage disposal. But that doesn’t mean it is designed to process every kind of food. In fact, most garbage disposals cannot handle hard, fibrous foods, and starchy items can expand over time, creating blockages. Common foods that should not be placed in the garbage disposal include:
- Celery
- Watermelon rinds
- Pasta or rice
- Potatoes or their peels
- Corn cobs
- Animal bones
- Crustacean shells
Although it seems easiest to just toss them down the hole with the rest of the food, these items can lead to a necessary garbage disposal repair.
Signs of a Faulty Garbage Disposal
The average garbage disposal can last around 15 years if cared for properly. Otherwise, it may have trouble doing its job, and you’ll need a replacement sooner rather than later. Other than age, how can you tell it’s time to replace a garbage disposal?
Keep your eyes and nose open for any of these warning signs.
- Strange noises coming from the appliance, like metal clanking
- Lingering foul odors
- Backed up sink
- It doesn’t turn on
- Motor hums without rotating
- Water leaks from the garbage disposal
- You constantly need to reset it
The first thing you can do is check to ensure that nothing is blocking the unit, like a sneaky bottle cap or unruly fork. If that’s not the case, you need to call Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning for a garbage disposal repair.
Why Call the Professionals for Garbage Disposal Repair?
When you suspect an issue with your garbage disposal, the best solution is to call the professionals. Trying to resolve the problem on your own could be a disaster for your kitchen plumbing and you!
Garbage disposals have sharp blades that could easily cut you. Throw in some exposed electrical wires and leaking water, and you’ve got the recipe for accidental electrocution!
Broken garbage disposals can also leak, causing water damage and mold formation. It also creates a space for rodents and other critters searching for water and gives you an entirely new problem to address!
Professional plumbers from Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning understand the intricate parts of garbage disposals. We will inspect the appliance and determine whether it is worth investing in repairs or if you should replace it altogether. When needed, our technicians will replace gaskets and seals, blades, flanges, lugs, etc.
Quality Garbage Disposal Repair
When you hire us for your garbage disposal repair, you’ll get quality service right from the start. Our experts are thoroughly trained to complete the necessary steps, including unclogging your drains. You’ll also receive on-time service and a comprehensive inspection of your drain to ensure that the repair was successfully completed.
Call Today for Convenient Garbage Disposal Repair
At Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning, our garbage disposal repair experts are standing by, ready to answer your questions. We have 20 years of experience serving the DFW area and look forward to many more! If you are currently experiencing garbage disposal issues and are ready for help, contact us today!