Blogs from April, 2018

Garbage disposals grind up food particles in order to keep your drains clear. Over time, the blades can become worn down, and other problems may occur. If your garbage disposal breaks down, or you notice that it hums without actually grinding up food, it may be a sign that the system is jammed. It is important to fix the problem as soon as possible to protect your drains from clogging and to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.

There are three common garbage disposal problems:

• It is jammed. One of the most common problems with garbage disposals is that the blades become stuck on something. Plastic ties, bottle caps, stringy foods like celery, and other items may cause the blades to become jammed. If this happens, the engine will hum but you won’t hear any actual grinding. It is important to never reach your hand into the garbage disposal, and to never run the garbage disposal if it is jammed, as this may cause the motor to overheat. Our professional plumbers will inspect the system and work quickly to remove the source of the blockage.
• It will not run. If your garbage disposal does not run at all, this could mean it is not receiving power. Even if the blades are stuck, you should still hear a humming sound when you turn it on. The lack of any noise should alert you to the loss of power. To fix this issue, you may be able to push the reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal to get it working again. If this fails, it may be necessary to call our plumbing team to determine the issues. We will repair necessary components or install a high quality, durable garbage disposal to replace your existing one if necessary.
• It is leaking. In some cases, the garbage disposal may leak, putting your home at risk for mold and water damage. The top flange, dishwasher connection, or hose may develop leaks, and the seals may become brittle and cracked over time. It is important to inspect and repair your garbage disposal on a regular basis to prevent leaks, and to call our professional plumbers at the first sign of an issue.

Tips for Avoiding Garbage Disposal Problems

In order to prevent these problems, there are several steps you can take to keep your garbage disposal running efficiently. First of all, you should never put stringy foods like celery, eggshells, and apple seeds down the garbage disposal. Furthermore, plastic twist ties from store-bought bread, coins, and staples may also fall into the sink and cause it to become stuck. It is best to exercise caution with what you put into the system to prevent a serious problem.

In general, garbage disposals become worn down in about 5 years. This means you may need to replace it to avoid more expensive issues in the future. By keeping your garbage disposal clean and functional, you can help it last longer.

Call Moe Plumbing Services Today at (818) 396-8002

At Moe Plumbing Services, we provide experienced assistance to residential and commercial customers. Garbage disposal issues are frustrating, and may result in clogged drains and other issues. Our Los Angeles plumbers will work quickly to fix the problems and leave your plumbing system fully functional.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services for your convenience.