Let's say you're all wrapped up for the night and are about to take out the trash when you hear strange noises. And no, it wasn't the usual grinding noise that sends food and other wastes right down the drain. The noise started suddenly and got louder and more frequent, including a metallic grinding sound.
If you're like most people, your initial impulse would be to investigate. And rightly so! In most cases, it's just a clogged garbage disposal and can be easily fixed. But it's always best to be safe and call a professional to take a look.
In the meantime, here are a few things you can try:
Remove Any Foreign Objects
One of the primary reasons behind clogged garbage disposals is when foreign objects become lodged in the blades. This can be caused by anything from small pieces of food to larger objects such as silverware or bottle caps. When these objects become lodged, they can prevent the blades from rotating, which can cause the disposal to become clogged.
If you notice that your garbage disposal is not working properly, you should first try to clear the clog. This can be done using a plunger to create suction on the drain. If that doesn’t function, you might need to use a plumbing snake to dislodge the object. If you cannot clear the clog, you need to call a professional to help.
Loosen the Flywheel or Impeller
If you hear your garbage disposal producing humming noises, there's a high chance that it has experienced flywheel or impeller damage. This scenario often happens with disposals damaged by objects accidentally dropped into the unit. When this occurs, you can try to loosen the flywheel or impeller to see if that will fix the issue.
To do this, you will need to remove the bottom panel of the disposal. Once done, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the flywheel or impeller. Once it is loose, you can remove it and replace it with a new one. Make sure you tighten the flywheel or impeller before turning the panel back on.
If this doesn't fix the problem, you'll have to open your disposal and replace the flywheel or impeller. This will require some specialized tools and a lot of experience. If you're uncomfortable doing this alone, it's best to call a professional.
Replace Your Appliance
If nothing seems to work and you have already done the best you can do, it's time to replace your clogged garbage disposal. This is a big job, but it's one that a beginner can do. You will need to shut off the power to the disposal, remove the mounting bolts, and pull it out. Once the old disposal is gone, you can install the new one. Make sure to follow the instructions that come with the new disposal.
Final Thoughts
When your garbage disposal is making a noise, there are a few things you can do to resolve the problem. If the noise is coming from the blades, you can use a wooden spoon to clear any food that may be caught in the blades. If the noise comes from the motor, you can try to unplug the disposal and plug it back in. However, if these tips don't work, you may need to call a professional to help fix the problem.
The Shroom Company lets you say goodbye to clogged garbage disposals forever with our revolutionary minimalist strainers. We ensure that our products can handle food waste, so you never have to worry about your disposal again. Buy from us today!
Disclosure: Links in this article are affiliate links to Amazon products. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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