Discover The Top Problems That Put Brookhaven Garbage Disposal Replacement On The Radar.
Is garbage disposal replacement a must, or can you just fix the problem? The disposal is a quirky little gadget. You use and abuse it almost daily in the kitchen, thinking it will last forever. When you least expect, however, it fails. Instead of repairing the issue, the plumber recommends you install a new one. Why is that? Here are the top reasons why you should invest in a new garbage disposal.
It Keeps Making Strange Sounds
Yes, garbage disposals are noisy when in use. But, they shouldn’t sound like the rhythmic section of a heavy metal band. In most instances, a loud sound means there is something stuck in the blades. If it’s close enough to the surface, you may be able to pull it out with your fingers. Caution! Before you stick your hand into the drain, make sure you unplug your disposal—after all, you probably want to keep all of your fingers.
Sometimes, the foreign object isn’t retrievable. Besides, the object may have caused significant damage to the blades. Even if you do manage to get your disposal unjammed, it may not work the same again. In cases like this, it’s often better to replace the unit.
It Smells Like Rotten Eggs
It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that garbage disposals sometimes stink—and we don’t mean metaphorically. Think about all the leftover food that you shove down the drain every day. Whatever doesn’t rinse away will eventually rot, much to the dismay of your nostrils. Running fresh water for an additional 30 seconds after chopping up food will help prevent this from happening.
Closeup of a plumber using a wrench to tighten a fitting beneath a kitchen sink. Only the man’s hand and arm are visible. Horizontal format.
If you notice a foul odor emitting from your kitchen sink, you should try to clean out the disposal. Put a few pieces of orange or lemon peel down the drain and turn on the unit. Not only will it cover up the scent immediately, but citrus also has some antibacterial powers. Putting a few ice cubes into the disposal will both clean and sharpen the blades. But, if the smell is stubborn, you may decide it’s time to replace the disposal instead.
It Keeps Leaking Under The Sink
As your garbage disposal ages, the connections and seals may wear out. When this happens, you’ll notice small puddles of water at the base of the unit. It’s official—you have a leak. You can try to tighten any loose connections, but in the majority of instances, you just have an old appliance that is past its prime.
Replacing the unit makes a lot more sense than fixing a leak that will probably reappear in the near future. Most plumbers won’t even mention that repairing the seal is an option because they know it won’t hold for long. Even though it will cost more upfront, installing a new garbage disposal now will save you money down the road.
It’s Not Big Enough For Your Family
Did you know that disposals come in a variety of sizes? Many homeowners just use whichever model came with their house without giving it a second thought. However, if you don’t think your disposal has enough power to keep up with your growing family, you may be right. You should select the size depending on how many people live in your household:
- If only 1-2 people live in your home, a 1/3 or 1/2 HP motor is plenty.
- Households with 3-6 people should consider upgrading to a motor that is 1/2 or 3/4 HP.
- Those with large families of 5-8 people need at least 3/4 HP, but a 1 HP motor is even better.
- If more than eight people live in your home, look for a disposal with a 1 or 2 HP motor.
Of course, those are only recommendations. If you do a lot of cooking at home, you may prefer a larger motor, even if only two people live there. And, if the space under your kitchen sink is tight or cramped, you may not have enough room to upgrade to a larger garbage disposal.
Let A Trusted Plumber Install Your Next Brookhaven Garbage Disposal
While it may tempt you to install new disposal as a DIY project, you may find yourself in over your head. There are a lot of things that could go wrong, and if you don’t install it the right way, you may end up needing a plumber anyway. Besides, the process involves water and electricity—one wrong move could send you to the hospital.
The Plumbers Guild has over a decade of experience dealing with all types of plumbing concerns. With our expertise and know-how, your kitchen sink is in good hands. Our friendly team of skilled plumbers will go above and beyond to make sure you get the right disposal for your home. Connect with us online to schedule a Brookhaven garbage disposal replacement with the best plumbers in Brookhaven.