Homeowners who have a garbage disposal unit don't know how they got on without it. The first advantage of a garbage disposal is that you have less garbage to bag and throw out, whether you toss it into the trash compactor, have to drive to a recycling place, or lug it to a trash barrel for the sanitation team to pick up. The smells from your garbage can aren't as pungent, and you also don't have to spend as much money on garbage bags. When the garbage disposal starts to act up, many people assume that there's something wrong with its electrical system, and call in an electrician. However, there might be problems that are best seen by a plumber. The garbage disposal, after all, flushes the ground-up trash down the plumbing system's drain and into the sewer system. Here are three reasons to call a plumber to fix your garbage disposal.
1. The Garbage Disposal Doesn't Turn On
Most models of garbage disposals come with anti-jamming features. When the garbage disposal doesn't turn on, a homeowner may be tempted to believe that it's an electrical problem. It may indeed be an electrical problem, but it may also be a problem with the plumbing. If you're not sure which professional you need to call, listen to the unit after you press the "on" button. If it's humming but the blades aren't working, it's possible that there's a clog somewhere in the system. You may be able to clear the clog, but if you can't find it, press the reset button. This is usually a red button on the bottom of the unit. If this doesn't fix the problem, call the plumber.
2. The Garbage Disposal Leaks
A garbage disposal that's been properly installed really shouldn't leak, but if it does, it's clearly time to call a plumber. Garbage disposals can leak from several spots, including the sink flange, the hose that connects it to the drain, or even from the reset button. Garbage disposals also leak because a seal inside of it is broken, because nuts or bolts in the unit are broken, or it's been somehow damaged, which might lead to a crack in the unit. A plumber can fix most of these problems save a crack in the body of the unit. If cracks appear, the garbage disposal needs to be replaced.
3. It Clogs Frequently
Garbage disposal units inevitably clog now and then, but if it keeps clogging, it may be time for the plumber to take a look at it. You might not exactly see the clog, but rotten smells from inside the unit are signs that something is stuck somewhere in the unit. Another thing to consider if your garbage disposal keeps clogging is its age. Most garbage disposal units don't last longer than 15 years, and if your unit is older than that, it might be time to simply replace it. The plumber is the person to call if you need to replace your old garbage disposal unit.
If your home's garbage disposal is experiencing any of the above problems, reach out to a plumbing service in your local area to fix the problem immediately.
