Most homes in the Chicago suburbs have garbage disposals, which are great for disposing of food remnants without having to scrape plates into the trash can. However, garbage disposals are not perfect and can become clogged or malfunction.
TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical has a team of licensed plumbers that can perform garbage disposal repairs when necessary, or install a new garbage disposal when repair is not possible. We’ve been serving the garbage disposal needs of suburban Chicago residents since 2008, and we pride ourselves on providing outstanding service and work of the highest quality.
How a Garbage Disposal Works
A garbage disposal is fairly simple contraption that grinds waste before it moves down your drain pipe. It consists of four parts:
- The motor that powers the grinding process
- The grinding chamber where the food grinding takes place
- The impellers that grind the waste
- The drain pipe that connects the disposal to the plumbing system
Common Garbage Disposal Issues and Repairs
You may encounter some common garbage disposal issues from time to time, some of which you may be able to tackle yourself.
Clogs
The most common issue with garbage disposals is clogging. You’re probably familiar with the disposal wrench that you can insert in the bottom of the disposal and rotate to clear debris. However, this may not work for serious clogs, which is when you need to give us a call.
Jammed Blades
You can also use the garbage disposal wrench to try to free jammed blades (impellers). It may take some serious pressure to do so. Again, if this doesn’t work, give us a call.
Leaking
If the leak is coming from the connection between the drain pipe and the disposal, you should be able to simply tighten the connection. If the disposal itself is leaking, you likely need to replace it.
Won’t Turn On
If the disposal won’t turn on, check the plug and the circuit breaker. You can also try pushing the reset button. If this doesn’t work, you may need a new motor.
Noises
You’ve likely heard noises when something is stuck in the disposal, like a bone, which you should be able to remove. Noises can also come from loose parts or damaged components, which will require professional repair or replacement.
Odors
If your drain is a little stinky, try running water and the disposal to flush it out. You might also try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
Replacing Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are relatively inexpensive, so if you’re experiencing frequent issues, it may be time to replace it. If it’s old, or you notice rust or corrosion, you also probably need a replacement.
Our team of plumbers can offer different garbage disposal options based on your needs and budget, and get the installation done quickly.
What Not to Put in Your Garbage Disposal
You can avoid issues with your garbage disposal by not putting items in it that can create clogs. These include:
- Grease, oil, or fat
- Coffee grounds
- Fruit pits or nuts
- Potato peels
- Banana peels
- Corn husks
- Rice
- Pasta
- Egg shells
- Vegetable peels
Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
In addition to not putting harmful things into your garbage disposal, you can do several things to keep it in good working order.
- Run your garbage disposal daily while running cold water. This prevents rusting of the blades from sitting idle.
- Don’t put anything too large in the disposal.
- Keep running the water for 10 to 20 seconds after putting waste in the disposal.
- Clean the disposal regularly by first putting ice cubes through it. This dislodges food waste and sharpens the blades. Then run a mix of baking soda and vinegar through it to remove odors.
Why Choose TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical?
TR Miller has been providing plumbing services to suburban Chicago residents since 2008, and as a family-owned and operated company, we care about our customers and their families.
No matter what you need, we’ll give you our full attention. From garbage disposal installation to plumbing repairs to inspection and maintenance, we are here to assist.
When you need a plumber you can trust in the suburban Chicago area, give TR Miller a call and experience for yourself why we’re a leader in plumbing services in the region.
How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?
Garbage disposals generally last about 8 -10 years, depending on how well they are maintained.
What Can I Put in the Garbage Disposal?
You can put small food waste items into your garbage disposal. You should avoid putting in items like potato peels, egg shells, pasta, and coffee grounds.
How Do I Choose a Garbage Disposal?
You should choose a garbage disposal with the capacity to handle your family’s needs. A plumber can recommend the right size garbage disposal for you.Do Garbage Disposals Need to be Emptied?
You should empty your garbage disposal regularly. You can turn it off and reach in to remove items. You can also run ice cubes through it to dislodge food waste.
Do Garbage Disposals Need Maintenance?
Garbage disposals should be emptied and cleaned regularly. They should also be run daily with cold water to prevent rust. Also avoid putting in items that can cause clogs.
Providing the best plumbing services to homeowners in the Greater Chicago area. Proudly serving these cities and surrounding areas:
