A properly functioning garbage disposal is an essential component of any efficient kitchen, as it will grind your leftover food into smaller particles and help prevent drain blockages. However, it can become a problem for homeowners once it stops functioning due to strange sounds, leaks, or even malfunctions.
If you happen to have any problems with your garbage disposal, then we highly recommend that you consult our company immediately to prevent further problems with your plumbing system.
Larkin Plumbing is always ready to provide quality garbage disposal repair and installation in Las Vegas and nearby cities, such as Henderson or Summerlin.
With over 80 years of professional plumbing experience, you know you’re getting the highest quality work at affordable cost with Larkin Plumbing.
Call (702) 382-2410 today to get your broken garbage disposal unit fixed or replaced. We provide professional installation and repair for residents throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and Summerlin.
What Are Some Common Garbage Disposal Issues?
Issues we often see with garbage disposals include:
Clogged Drain
The most common problem associated with garbage disposals is a clogged drain. When food is not adequately ground up by the blades, it can become lodged in your drainage pipes.
This causes clogs and backups that can lead to drainage issues and heavy odors coming from the sink. Drain cleaning services may be needed to help dislodge big clogs from your pipes if left untreated.
Jammed Blades
You may also experience a jammed garbage disposal if large chunks of food or other materials have fallen into the unit and prevent the blades from moving smoothly. Certain materials that are particularly fibrous (i.e., vegetable or banana peels) should never be thrown into your garbage disposal. Also, grease and fats should never be poured down the drain, as they will harden and potentially jam up your garbage disposal.
Motor Failure
Sometimes, there could be a malfunction of the motor, which will result in the garbage disposal stopping its operations. This will happen as you will notice that the blades cease turning and you will not hear the whirling noise of the motor working.
Leaks
Leakage of water into cabinet floors may result from the cracks in the disposal housing, and loose plumbing connections under the sink. Even leaks that are not very big should be repaired right away to prevent water damage.
Foul Odors
As mentioned, when food becomes jammed in the disposal or does not fully clear the drain, strong odors will start to develop as the materials begin to decompose. This is a clear sign that your garbage disposal may not be running at optimal levels.
Our technicians at Larkin Plumbing can inspect the unit and pipes to identify the exact cause of these problems and recommend the best solution.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, it’s always best to call a professional plumber immediately before the problem gets worse.
Repair vs. Replacement
To determine if you should repair or replace your garbage disposal, consider the age of the unit and how major the problem may be. While garbage disposals are long-lasting, they do wear out. Commonly, a disposal can last anywhere from eight to 15 years with decent care, industry experts say.
If the disposal is over 10 years old or has repeatedly burnt out (motor failures) or cracked, you would be better off spending your money on a new one. In contrast, simpler jams or clogs are often repairable within a short time.
A qualified plumber will assess the state of affairs and let you know if a repair can successfully resolve the issue or if it is better to replace it entirely.
Garbage Disposal Installation
Installing a garbage disposal requires plumbing and electrical work, so lots of homeowners choose to hire this job out.
The process generally goes through the following major steps:
Step 1: Mounting the Unit
The plumber shuts off power to the sink, then removes the old disposal and mounting hardware. The new disposal is then fastened to the flange or mounting ring.
Step 2: Electrical Connection
Then, the next step is connecting the unit to the house power. This typically involves either running it into a current socket underneath the sink or hardwiring it under a switch. Proper electrical connection is critical for safe operation.
Step 3: Plumbing Hookup
You connect the discharge drain pipe and P-trap to the disposal outlet. If a dishwasher is present, the installer removes the knockout plug in the disposal’s dishwasher inlet and connects the dishwasher drain tube.
Step 4: Testing for Leaks
Lastly, the plumber tests the unit by running water and activating the disposal unit. The plumber ensures that there are no leaks and the disposal unit grinds appropriately.
Following these steps (mount unit, connect power, attach drain lines, and test for leaks) is essential for a reliable, long-lasting installation.
Professional plumbing technicians also ensure that the unit is properly aligned with the sink and complies with local code requirements, which reduces the risk of leaks or electrical issues.
Tips To Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Properly
There are some things you can do to help make sure your garbage disposal is always performing at its best and lasts as long as it can.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Do not dispose of grease, fats, meats, pasta, or other fibrous foods using your unit.
- Always have a steady stream of water running while the garbage disposal is in use.
- If it sounds like a part of the disposal has become loose, stop running it immediately.
- Do not overextend your unit by running it for long periods of time.
Professional Garbage Disposal Services
Trying to repair a garbage disposal yourself can be dangerous. The grinding blades are sharp, and the unit’s wiring carries risk of shock. It’s best to call a professional if serious problems persist.
Licensed plumbers have the proper tools and training to safely unclog jams, fix leaks, or replace a faulty motor. They can also advise whether repair or replacement is more cost-effective for your situation.
Professional plumbing services can get your kitchen back to normal faster and prevent collateral damage, like water leaks or pipe bursts.
Conclusion
A reliable garbage disposal makes kitchen cleanup easy, but when it stops working or shows signs of trouble, don’t delay getting it fixed. From clogged drains and jammed blades to full unit replacement, Larkin Plumbing is ready to help.
As noted in this blog, regular maintenance and safe use will ensure you have a disposal that keeps working for years. And if your disposal is failing, a plumber can figure out what the problem is and get your kitchen running smoothly again.
Need expert garbage disposal repair or replacement? Schedule your service today and let our team restore your kitchen plumbing quickly and efficiently.
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