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Top 5 Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Professional Repair
A garbage disposal might need a pro to fix it if it makes odd noises, smells bad all the time, or clogs often. Other signs include not turning on, leaking too much, or dull blades that can’t grind waste well. Fixing these problems early can save money and help your unit last longer.
Strange Noises Coming from Your Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal sounds like it’s chewing on rocks, something’s wrong.
Grinding, rattling, or clanking usually means something is stuck or a part inside is loose.
A utensil, small bone, or bit of debris might be caught, stopping it from running smoothly.
Ignoring these sounds can make things worse.
Loose parts can wear out faster, shift out of place, or even cause a total breakdown.
Sometimes, you can fix a small jam by resetting the unit or clearing the blockage, but if the noise keeps coming back, it’s time for a pro.
If a part inside has come loose, it can damage the motor or other key components, cutting the unit’s lifespan short.
Worn-out bearings or a failing motor can also cause strange grinding sounds.
Keep using a damaged unit, and you risk leaks, electrical issues, or the unit quitting on you when you least expect it.
Instead of guessing, let the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC take a look.
Their skilled plumbers can handle everything from a small fix to a full replacement, making sure your system runs smoothly—without those scary noises.
Persistent Foul Odors That Won’t Go Away
If your garbage disposal smells bad no matter how much you clean it, something deeper is going on.
Trapped food, grease buildup, or bacteria might be the cause.
Baking soda and vinegar might mask the smell for a while, but they don’t fix the real problem.
Food waste can get stuck deep inside or cling to the walls where rinsing won’t reach.
Over time, this buildup creates the perfect spot for bacteria to grow, leading to stubborn odors that won’t go away.
Grease and fat make things worse.
When you pour them down the drain, they harden and stick to the inside, trapping food and feeding foul-smelling bacteria.
Unlike surface grime, this buildup usually needs a deep, professional cleaning to remove completely.
If you’ve tried all the home remedies and the smell is still there, it’s time to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC.
Their experts can deep-clean your unit, check for hidden problems, and make sure everything is working right.
A clean, fresh-smelling system keeps your kitchen smelling great—without the stink.
Frequent Clogs and Slow Draining
Your garbage disposal should break down food waste with ease.
If your sink drains slowly or clogs often, something’s off.
Most times, the problem comes from putting the wrong things down the drain—fibrous foods like celery or corn husks, or starchy items like potato peels and pasta.
These don’t break down well and can clog the unit or pipes.
Grease buildup is another big issue.
It might seem harmless to pour grease down the drain, but over time, it hardens, blocks water flow, and traps food debris.
Running hot water won’t fix it for good.
Trying to clear the blockage with chemical drain cleaners can make things worse.
These cleaners have harsh chemicals that can eat away at components and pipes.
Sometimes, they just push the clog deeper, leading to bigger plumbing headaches.
A professional cleaning can clear out tough clogs and keep your system running smoothly.
A licensed plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC can inspect your unit, remove deep blockages, and give advice to prevent future issues.
If your garbage disposal keeps clogging, you might need professional repairs to avoid bigger, costlier problems in Conway, SC.
Your Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
Nothing’s more frustrating than a garbage disposal that won’t turn on, especially when you’re in the middle of cleaning up.
Most of the time, it comes down to either an electrical issue or a jammed part.
First, check if it’s plugged in.
Then, take a look at your kitchen’s circuit breaker.
A tripped breaker or blown fuse might be cutting power to the unit.
If flipping the breaker doesn’t work, press the reset button on the bottom of the unit—it’s there to restart the motor after an overload.
Still not working?
The impeller plate might be jammed.
Food scraps, bones, or even small objects can block the blades and stop them from moving.
If you hear a humming sound but nothing is spinning, the motor could be burned out.
Hitting reset over and over won’t fix it and could make things worse.
If these steps don’t solve the problem, it’s time to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC.
We can figure out if it’s a simple fix or if you need a replacement.
Don’t wait—acting fast can save you from bigger plumbing headaches in your Conway, SC home.
Excessive Leaks Under Your Sink
If your garbage disposal is leaking, it can cause water damage, mold, and expensive repairs if you don’t fix it fast.
Finding the source of the leak is key since it can come from different places.
One common issue is a worn-out seal.
Over time, the rubber gaskets and seals inside can break down, letting water seep through.
Leaks can also occur in the sink drainage system, especially at connection points between the unit and the sink drain or dishwasher.
If these parts loosen or fail, water may start pooling under your sink.
Sometimes, the problem is a crack in the disposal itself.
This isn’t common, but years of use or dropping hard objects inside can cause small fractures that let water escape.
If the housing is cracked, replacing it is usually the only option.
Ignoring a leak can damage your cabinets or floors, and too much moisture can lead to mold.
If you spot water under your sink, turn off the system, check for visible issues, and call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC for help.
A professional can find the problem and make sure your garbage disposal is working without leaks.
Blades Aren’t Grinding Food Properly
Is your garbage disposal struggling to break down food scraps?
If you’re noticing larger food pieces left behind or dealing with frequent clogs, the blades might be dull or damaged.
Over time, regular use wears down the blades, making it harder for the unit to do its job.
Certain foods—like eggshells, coffee grounds, and fibrous vegetables—can speed up this wear or even jam the mechanism.
Tossing in hard items like bones or fruit pits can dull the blades even faster or even break them.
When the blades get dull, the motor has to work harder, which can lead to strain and, eventually, failure.
Forcing a struggling unit to keep running can cause more damage and expensive repairs.
If your disposal isn’t grinding food like it should, it’s time for a professional check-up.
A plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC can inspect the unit, see if the blades need sharpening or replacement, and get it running efficiently again.
Don’t wait until a small issue turns into a major plumbing headache—take care of the problem now.
Garbage Disposal Keeps Resetting? Here’s Why
If your garbage disposal keeps tripping the reset button, something’s not right.
Hitting reset once in a while isn’t a big deal, but if it happens often, there’s a bigger problem.
One common issue is an overloaded motor.
If your unit struggles to grind food, it might pull too much power and shut off to protect itself.
This happens when tough foods like bones or fibrous scraps like celery go down the drain.
Too much strain over time can wear out the motor for good.
Another cause could be faulty wiring or electrical problems.
Loose connections, damaged wires, or internal shorts can make the system shut off unexpectedly.
If other kitchen appliances also have power issues, the problem might be your circuit breaker.
A worn-out reset button could also be to blame.
If the button is too sensitive, it might trip too easily, making it seem like there’s a bigger issue.
This isn’t as common, but if your unit is old, it’s something to check.
Since electrical problems can be dangerous, it’s best to have a pro take a look.
If your garbage disposal won’t stay on and keeps resetting, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC can find the issue and fix it fast.
Water Backing Up into the Sink
If your sink fills with water when you run the garbage disposal, there’s likely a blockage somewhere in the drain.
This isn’t just annoying—it could be a warning sign of a bigger plumbing issue.
Clogs often form in the unit or further down the pipes.
Starchy foods like potato peels, pasta, and rice tend to clump together, creating a thick sludge that stops water from draining.
Grease buildup is another common problem—it hardens over time, narrowing the pipes and making it harder for wastewater to flow.
A small clog might clear with hot water or a mild cleaning solution.
But if the water keeps backing up, the issue might extend beyond the appliance.
If multiple kitchen drains are slow, your home’s plumbing system could be the problem.
Worse, forcing the unit to grind through a clog can strain the motor or even damage key parts.
That’s where we come in.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC, we diagnose and fix tough drain issues to keep your garbage disposal and plumbing running smoothly.
If backups keep happening, it’s time to call an expert in Conway, SC.
Unusual Vibrations or Shaking While in Use
If your garbage disposal is shaking like crazy, something’s off.
These machines should run smoothly, so if yours is bouncing around, there’s likely a problem with its alignment or how it’s mounted.
One common cause is a loose or misaligned impeller plate.
If it’s not balanced right, the whole unit becomes unstable, leading to that unwanted shaking.
Another possible issue is loose mounting hardware.
If the unit isn’t tightly secured to the sink flange, it can move during use, which wears it down faster.
Ignoring the shaking can make things worse.
Vibrations can loosen pipes and flanges over time, which could lead to leaks, motor strain, or even total breakdown.
If your disposal is shaking badly, stop using it to avoid more damage.
Homeowners in Conway, SC dealing with this issue should reach out to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC for a professional inspection.
We’ll check the mounting, look for any misaligned parts, and make sure your unit is running safely and efficiently.
A secure, well-balanced garbage disposal lasts longer.
If yours feels more like a jackhammer than a kitchen appliance, it’s time to get it checked.
Don’t wait—fix the problem now before it turns into an expensive repair.
Your Garbage Disposal Is Smoking or Sparking
If you ever see smoke or sparks coming from your garbage disposal, stop using it right away.
This is a serious electrical problem and could even be a fire hazard.
Electrical issues in a unit like this usually happen because of faulty wiring, an overloaded motor, or damaged internal parts.
Sometimes, moisture can get inside the motor housing and cause a short circuit, leading to sparks.
If your disposal is old, the insulation on the wires might be worn out, making things worse.
The first thing you should do is turn off the unit immediately.
Unplug it or flip the circuit breaker to cut the power.
Don’t try to use it again, as this could cause more damage or create an even bigger electrical risk.
At this point, you need a professional plumber to check the unit.
They can figure out if it can be repaired or if you need a new one.
If the issue is with the wiring, only a licensed expert has the right tools and skills to fix it safely.
In Conway, SC, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC provides reliable repair services to handle these issues before they turn into bigger problems.
If your garbage disposal is smoking or sparking, don’t wait—call a professional right away to protect your home and keep your kitchen safe.
When to Call a Pro for Garbage Disposal Problems
Not every garbage disposal issue needs a pro, but knowing when to call one can save you time, stress, and costly repairs.
If your unit keeps clogging, makes loud noises, or struggles to grind food, a plumber can fix the issue before it gets worse.
A big red flag is if your disposal repeatedly trips the reset button or won’t turn on at all.
Electrical issues like bad wiring or a worn-out motor can be risky and should only be handled by a licensed plumber.
Likewise, constant leaks under the sink could mean the seals are failing or the unit has cracks—both of which may need professional repairs or even a full replacement.
Another warning sign is water backing up into the sink when you run the disposal.
This often points to a bigger drainage problem that could affect your whole plumbing system.
Trying to clear a deep clog without the right tools could lead to costly damage.
Also, think about the age of your unit.
Most last 8 to 15 years, depending on how well they’re maintained.
If yours is old and acting up often, replacing it might make more sense than paying for constant repairs.
If you’re dealing with ongoing garbage disposal problems in Conway, SC, the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC can help.
Don’t let a small issue turn into a big one—call a trusted plumber today.
FAQs
Why is my garbage disposal making a humming noise but not grinding food?
If your unit hums but won’t grind, it’s probably jammed. A stuck object or trapped debris could be blocking the blades. First, turn off the power. Then, use a hex key to turn the flywheel manually. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to call a plumber in Conway, SC.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to unclog my garbage disposal?
No, chemical drain cleaners can damage the unit and corrode your pipes. If you have a stubborn clog, professional cleaning is the best way to clear it without causing more harm.
How can I keep my garbage disposal from smelling bad?
Run cold water while using the system to help prevent buildup. Grinding citrus peels or using baking soda with vinegar can help with odors. If bad smells stick around, food may be trapped deep inside, and a professional cleaning might be needed.
What should I do if my garbage disposal keeps tripping the reset button?
If you’re constantly hitting the reset button, your motor may be overloaded, your wiring could be faulty, or the unit might be failing. If resetting only works for a little while, a plumber in Conway, SC, can check for electrical issues and see if you need a repair or replacement.
How do I know when to replace my garbage disposal?
If your unit is over ten years old, needs frequent repairs, or struggles to grind food, it might be time for a new one. A plumber can check its condition and help you decide the best next step.