Garbage disposal problems can derail any kitchen. While you may be incredibly conscientious when it comes to preventing food from going down your drain, there will always be some that slip through the gaps. And you know what that leads to? Clogged up pipes, and nobody wants that.

With a garbage disposal, it shreds this food for you so that it's small enough to pass through your plumbing system with no problems at all. Which is why you probably don't realize how much you rely on it until it breaks.

Common Garbage Disposal Issues

---

There are plenty of common issues that can cause your garbage disposal to malfunction, some of which include:

Your unit won't turn on

---

If your unit refuses to work even when you've done the classic ‘turn off and on again’ ritual, or even reset it, it could mean that it's burnt out.

Jammed disposal

---

If it still won't turn on, or the unit is making a humming sound, it could mean there is something jammed inside of it.

It is slowly draining

---

A functioning unit should work very quickly. If it takes longer to grind up the food, it could mean the blades are dull or there is a clog further down the pipe.

It has a foul odor

---

You may need a garbage disposal repair if there are unpleasant smells coming from your unit.

Grinding noises

---

This could mean some parts are moving incorrectly or something is stuck inside the unit.

It is leaking

---

The extent of the problem depends on where the leak is coming from. Usually it's because an O-ring needs tightening or replacing. More severe problems occur if the leak is coming from the sink flange.

What Can I Put Down The Garbage Disposal?

---

It's okay to put the following items down garbage disposals:

• Ice cubes
• Liquids and soft foods
• Citrus rinds (these also benefit the equipment due to the acidity cleaning the pipes!)
• Cold water
• Dish soap

The following items should not be put down your unit:

• Bones
• Egg shells
• Celery
• Coffee grounds
• Grease
• Pasta
• Fruit pits
• Potato peels

Garbage Disposal Installation Service

---

Many people don't realize how much they need a garbage disposal unit until they get one! When you install one of these units, you'll notice you spend a lot less time scraping food into the garbage or picking soggy bits from the drain. Essentially, they make your kitchen life a lot easier.

Schedule a Service

---

If you've already got one of these trusty units, but you think it could do with some maintenance, why not schedule a service with one of our trained technicians? Offering expert garbage disposal repair, your unit will be as good as new in no time!