A garbage disposal unit is a boon to a homeowner with a busy kitchen. But like every other appliance, it is subject to wear and tear over its working life. This is especially true since the garbage disposal unit is water-dependent, and if your Waldorf, Maryland home is like others, the water is full of minerals, which means it is hard. Hard water can lay down limescale on the parts of your garbage disposal. This makes it less efficient and can shorten its life.
There are many signs that let you know that your garbage disposal needs repair or, in the worst case, replacement. The most obvious sign is no power even when you turn the garbage disposal on. A garbage disposal that shuts off by itself while it’s still running also needs attention. If there’s nothing wrong with your electrical system, the problem most likely lies with the motor. This calls for a visit from one of our plumbers.
Having to constantly hit the reset button on the appliance may also mean that something is wrong with it. Frequent clogs are another problem. These clogs happen even if you are careful to make sure what you’re putting in the unit isn’t too big for it to handle. Along with frequent clogs, a bad smell that cleaning the unit can’t dispel is another sign that the garbage disposal isn’t working the way it should.
Another sign of trouble is unusual noises or noises that are louder than normal. If you take a look at the blades and see that there’s nothing that shouldn’t be in there, such as a fork, it may be a sign that the machine’s components are out of alignment. This is an easy fix, but it should be addressed quickly as misalignment can stress the motor.
Leaks that leave puddles on the floor are a sign that the garbage disposal is really on its last legs and needs to be replaced. To make sure that the leak is coming from the appliance and nowhere else, call one of our plumbers.
Repair Your Garbage Disposal or Get a New One?
Whether you decide you want to repair your garbage disposal unit or buy a new one depends on several things. You may want to replace the unit if any of the following applies.
- Unit is over 15 years old
- Expired warranty
- Extensive limescale damage
- Broken seal
Call A Better Plumber for Superior Garbage Disposal Service
Residents of Waldorf deserve expert service when it comes to their plumbing. If your garbage disposal is acting up, don’t hesitate to call our plumbers at A Better Plumber. We can find the cause of the issue and help you decide if it’s time for repair or replacement.
