As is the case with any other machine, a garbage disposal unit needs regular maintenance and care. As it is a mechanical device, there would be several instances when you would be required to repair it. At any given point in time, if you feel your garbage disposal is broken, you must make the necessary arrangements to get it fixed. But the question is, how do you know when your garbage disposal is broken?
Usually, when a garbage disposal unit leaks water, it is one of the most obvious signs of it being broken. A garbage disposal unit works with minimal noise and so if you have been observing it making weird or very loud noises, there is a good chance of it being broken.
How do I know if my garbage disposal needs to be replaced?
I can tell you that it’s really easy to figure out when garbage disposal needs to be replaced. You just need basic observational skills to see any signs that hint towards the requirement of replacing your garbage disposal unit. When your garbage disposal unit doesn’t function despite being switched on, you suspect an electrical issue. If you find out there is no electrical issue, then you must know there is some serious technical problem with the unit which might necessitate the need to replace it.
Using a garbage disposal unit that is damaged wouldn’t be advisable either. A broken device suffers from leakage issues and is likely to make a lot of noise while operating. If you delay the replacement, you will face several bigger issues in the future. If you have been facing a drainage issue with your machine, you can try getting it repaired (it often doesn’t make sense because it costs more than a new device.). If it persists even after getting it fixed, then you might be required to replace the device altogether.(Recommended article: “The Best Garbage Disposals on the Market In 2021“)
How to recognize if garbage disposal is clogged or broken?
Garbage disposal getting clogged or suffering from damage are two different things and there are different ways in which you can identify whether your garbage disposal unit is clogged or broken. When the motor of the garbage disposal unit makes a slight humming noise indicating that it is operational but the grinding process doesn’t start, you must know that the disposal unit is suffering from a clog. When this happens, you must switch off the motor to avoid any risk of the unit getting damaged. A broken garbage disposal unit, on the other hand, will exhibit other kinds of indications. When water leaks from the machine, there is a strong possibility that it is broken. Some of the other symptoms associated with a broken garbage disposal unit are drainage system functioning slowly, foul smell emanating from the device and the machine malfunctioning frequently.(Recommended article: “Everything You Need to Know About Using Modern Garbage Disposal“)
Can you overheat a garbage disposal?
A garbage disposal can get overheated if you use it for way too long. While overuse is the most common reason behind a disposal unit getting overheated, it can also be caused by a jammed motor. The motor gets jammed when the impellers get clogged. When this happens, switch off the machine and get the bottom housing removed so that the clog can be dislodged from beneath the device. If you don’t have the confidence to resolve this issue yourself, you can reach out to a maintenance specialist to sort it out.(Recommended article: “What You Should Know Buying Garbage Disposal in 2021“)
Why is my disposal humming and not working?
If your garbage disposal is humming but not working, it means the machine is receiving power but the blades are not moving. This kind of situation indicates the motor of the device being clogged with some waste material that it could not shred into smaller pieces, thereby getting stuck around it.
How do you fix a broken garbage disposal?
If the problem is not too serious, you can fix it yourself by following some simple steps. Let me explain the process now.
Step 1
Press the reset button present on the bottom of the garbage disposal unit and try to start it again. You must ensure that the power cord is inserted properly into a functional electrical outlet or connected to an electrical box. If you find it necessary, you could also reset the circuit breaker that is responsible for transferring electrical power to it.
Step 2
To remove a jam, put a ¼-inch long hex wrench inside the hole present on the underside of the disposal unit. In case you don’t have a hex wrench at your disposal, you can try another method.
Step 3
Disconnect the power cord and insert a short-sized broomstick inside the garbage disposal unit. Push it through one of the blades and keep rotating the impeller for a while to remove the jam.
Can you run your dishwasher if your garbage disposal is broken?
You can run your dishwasher even if the garbage disposal is broken. The only thing you have to ensure is that all the big or not chewable food particles from the plate have been set aside for the garbage can. The dishwasher discharge is linked to the garbage disposal unit. That’s because the garbage disposal takes charge of one of the drains connected to a dual sink system. So even if the garbage disposal unit is broken, it wouldn’t have any effect on the discharge or drainage unit of the dishwasher. (Recommended article: “What Food Can Go In Garbage Disposal“)
Can you run the dishwasher if the garbage disposal is leaking?
You can run the dishwasher if the garbage disposal unit is leaking. However, if there is a leakage issue, it would be advisable to get it fixed first before running either of the two machines. The leakage could be caused by different things like the flange not working properly, an issue with the pipe connections or worn-out seals.
What is the life expectancy of a garbage disposal?
An average garbage disposal unit has a life expectancy of 10 years. Usually, most garbage disposal units start malfunctioning frequently after being used for 10 years or so. However, this doesn’t mean that any garbage disposal unit that you buy will last for a decade. The brand, model, components it is made of and several other factors play an important role in determining how long a garbage disposal will last. To ensure that your garbage disposal unit lasts for several years and doesn’t give you much trouble during this time, you must maintain it properly and clean it thoroughly.(Recommended article: “The Best Garbage Disposals on the Market In 2021“)
Related Questions
How hard is it to replace a garbage disposal?
Even if you don’t have much plumbing experience, replacing a garbage disposal unit shouldn’t prove to be too hard for you. First, you need to gather a few important tools like a hacksaw, pliers, hex wrench, hammer and screwdriver that you would need to carry out the replacement process. After this, you need to follow a few steps ranging from understanding the internal mechanism of a disposal unit to the final step that involves tightening the pliers. You could get a manual to guide you through the process or seek the help of a friend who has had some experience in replacing garbage disposals.
How long does it take to replace a garbage disposal?
On average, it takes between 30min to 2 hour to install a new garbage disposal unit. The number of hours that could take to complete this process depends on a few things like how well the existing plumbing system in your kitchen supports the installation of a garbage disposal unit, the condition of the sink and the plumbing situation around it and the size and type of the disposal unit. If you have no plumbing experience and decide to carry out this task on your own, it would take longer than hiring an experienced plumber to get it done.
How much should it cost to replace a garbage disposal?
The cost of replacing a garbage disposal unit ranges from $150 to $500. The cost depends on the kind of agency or plumber you go for. If you hire a very experienced plumber, who also holds a very good reputation, his charges will be higher than an individual who has just a couple of months of plumbing experience behind him. If you replace it yourself, the cost would be much lesser as you would just be spending some cash on procuring the tools and other material and will not have to pay a technician.
How much does Home Depot charge to replace a garbage disposal?
Home Depot charges around $120 to replace a garbage disposal unit. The price could vary depending on the size of the device and the plumbing challenges associated with it.
How much does Lowes charge to install a garbage disposal?
Lowes charges close to $105 to install a garbage disposal unit. If you buy the garbage disposal unit for them, you might get a small discount on the overall costs. If we take parts and labor into account, you will have to pay between $260 – $270 for procuring and getting the garbage disposal unit installed in your home.
Related community topics
If you have any other questions that are not answered in this article, you can ask them on our Home Improvement Community Forum by clicking on this link.
