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Common Garbage Disposal Issues

Under the sink garbage disposal unit.

Are you having trouble with your garbage disposal? If so, you’re not alone! Garbage disposals are a great convenience and time saver, but they can also be quite temperamental. From clogs to slow draining, there are several common issues that homeowners experience with their garbage disposals. Fortunately, the experts at Faszold Heating & Cooling in St. Charles and St. Louis County can help you troubleshoot and repair your garbage disposal quickly and efficiently. Let’s take a look at some of the most common garbage disposal problems and how to fix them.

Garbage Disposal Not Turning On

If your garbage disposal will not turn on, the issue could be electrical related, or it could be due to an obstruction inside the unit. First, check that the power switch is turned on and see if resetting the breaker helps. If not, then you may have an obstruction inside the unit such as a bone fragment or piece of hard food that has jammed up the blades. To remove this obstruction, ensure your garbage disposal is turned off and then insert an Allen wrench into the hole at the bottom of your disposal, turning it back and forth until it is freed up.

Not Grinding

If your garbage disposal will turn on but won’t grind up food waste properly, there may be something stuck in it that needs to be dislodged. To do this, first look for any visible obstructions in the sink drain or near the grinding chamber opening before attempting to use an Allen wrench as described above. You can also use a plunger to try and break up whatever is blocking or jamming up your disposal blades.

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Draining Slowly or Clogged

If you notice water slowly draining out of your sink or even leaking out around your garbage disposal, then chances are you have a clog somewhere in your plumbing system that’s preventing water from flowing freely through it. The best way to remedy this issue is by using a plumbing snake or auger to clear out any clogs that may be present in your pipes. Alternatively, Faszold Heating & Cooling offers professional plumbing services if you need more assistance with fixing this issue yourself! 

Bad Odors

One of the most common issues with garbage disposals is bad odors coming from the sink or the drain. This is usually caused by food particles stuck in the blades or trapped in pipes further down the line. To get rid of this smell, try running hot water and dish soap through the disposal for several minutes and then pour a bit of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with hot water again. If that doesn’t do the trick, it might mean that something is stuck inside your pipes, which will require professional assistance from Faszold Heating & Cooling to remove it safely and effectively.

Noisy Operation

Another common problem people experience with their garbage disposals is noisy operation when they turn them on or off. This could mean that something is stuck inside the appliance itself or that there’s a need to lubricate certain parts to reduce friction while they move around during normal use. Check beneath your sink for any objects that may have been accidentally dropped into the sink, then try using motor oil or mineral oil to lubricate any moving parts inside the unit itself if needed — just make sure you unplug it first before attempting any repairs!

Contact Faszold Heating & Cooling for Help!

Faszold Heating & Cooling can help get your garbage disposal issues taken care of quickly so that you can get back to enjoying all of life’s conveniences again! We want nothing more than for our customers in St Charles and St. Louis County to have access to reliable solutions when dealing with tricky plumbing problems like those associated with their garbage disposals!

Contact us today at (314) 656-7399 if any further assistance is needed — we look forward to hearing from you soon!

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