When used properly, your garbage disposal is a handy way of disposing of unwanted food. Unfortunately, some people put things down the garbage disposal that should be thrown away instead and the the older your disposal gets, the higher likelihood that your garbage disposal will need to be disposed of.
The average garbage disposal’s lifespan is 12-15 years. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your garbage disposal or get help with garbage disposal repair in Springfield Missouri? Here are some telltale signs.
Frequent Clogs
Few things are as irritating as having to deal with your garbage disposer shutting off and needing to press the reset button due to a clog. While infrequent garbage disposal clogs can often be freed with an allen wrench or by pouring soapy water down the drain, frequent clogs may indicate that one of the unit’s internal parts has dulled. This part is likely the shredder ring, which is responsible for actually shredding the waste that gets inserted into the disposal. The cost of replacing internal parts with garbage disposal repair could be more expensive than just replacing the unit entirely and could only be a temporary fix.
Another reason for frequent clogs might be that the disposal is simply too small to meet your needs, in which case a newer model is the only option.
Excessive Leaks
A garbage disposer leak may be something as simple as one of your pipes being in need of tightening. However, a persistent leak may indicate that your disposal has rusted internally, which puts your garbage disposer unit beyond repair. Another possibility is the seals being worn out. If that’s the case, replacing the unit might be cheaper than garbage disposal repairs.
Strange Noises
Grab a flashlight and shine it down into your disposal to see if anything is clunking around down there that shouldn’t, such as a piece of silverware. If it’s something more serious, such as pieces of the unit having broken off, you’re best off replacing the disposal rather than paying for garbage disposal repair.
A lack of noise can be an issue too. If your garbage disposal hums but doesn’t churn, then the motor is probably dead. Time for a replacement food waste disposer.
Persistent Odors
Occasional odors are to be expected in a garbage grinder and can often be eliminated with vinegar, baking soda and dish soap. However, sometimes odors persist despite your best efforts. Odor-causing organisms or other embedded particles may have nestled into your unit. If you don’t want to deal with the smell, consider garbage grinder replacement.
A garbage disposal can have a good, long life, but when its time is up and a replacement is in the cards, consider calling the expert plumbers in Springfield Missouri to install it for you. United Plumbing is here and ready to help you with any garbage disposal repair and replacement needs. You can count on us to offer honest advice on whether it makes more sense to repair or replace your garbage disposal.