Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is Failing And Needs To Be Replaced

Many households use their garbage disposal on a daily basis while washing dishes. Unfortunately, a garbage disposal doesn't last forever, and the time will come when it needs to be replaced. If your garbage disposal is failing, your best option is to buy a new one and contact a plumber to install it for you. While it is possible to do a DIY garbage disposal installation, hiring a plumber is highly recommended if you want to ensure that the job is done right. Some common signs that your home's garbage disposal is failing and needs to be replaced include the following.

Needing to Reset the Garbage Disposal Often

Garbage disposals are equipped with a restart button. When a garbage disposal is working properly, the reset button should only have to be used rarely, typically after a clog is removed. However, as the internal components in the garbage disposal begin to fail, you may find that you have to use the reset button on a regular basis. In some cases, it may be necessary to push the reset button every time the disposal is used if it is close to failing completely. In this type of situation, it's best to have your garbage disposal replaced before it stops working altogether.

Strange Sounds

A garbage disposal is not a quiet appliance, but after using one a few times you will know what it sounds like when it is in good working condition. When your garbage disposal begins making strange sounds, it may be a sign that it is on its last legs. If you notice strange noises, first turn off the disposal and check to see if a piece of silverware went down the drain. In the event that the drain is clear, the strange sounds may be due to a failing motor or worn out components that are grinding against each other.

Strong Odors That You Can't Get Rid Of

A garbage disposal operates by grinding up food scraps so they are small enough in size to flow through the pipes until they reach the sewer line and are disposed of. Thus, if your garbage disposal is working properly, it should not smell bad because the food scraps are not sitting. However, when a garbage disposal is failing, it may lose the ability to grind up the food small enough and food particles can become trapped. When this happens, you may begin to notice very foul odors wafting up from your drain.

For more information, contact a local plumber today.


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