Your garbage disposal is like a kitchen sidekick—quietly handling the mess, until it starts making a mess of its own. Ignoring the signs of a struggling disposal can lead to bigger and messier problems.
If your unit is acting up, it might be time for garbage disposal repair before things get worse. Here’s what to watch for.
1. It’s Making Unusual Noises
Garbage disposals aren’t silent, but they shouldn’t sound like a construction site either. If you’re hearing grinding, rattling, or metal-on-metal scraping, something’s wrong. A common culprit is a foreign object lodged inside—like a piece of silverware that slipped in unnoticed.
But if there’s nothing blocking the blades, you could be dealing with a worn-out motor or loose components. Running a failing disposal can cause more damage, so it’s best to have it checked sooner rather than later.
2. It Clogs More Than It Crushes
A disposal’s job is to break down food waste efficiently. If yours is clogging frequently, struggling to drain, or backing up into the sink, it’s a red flag. Dull blades, a weak motor, or even buildup from grease and fibrous foods can slow things down.
While minor clogs might be fixable with a reset or a vinegar flush, persistent issues may mean your disposal is reaching the end of its lifespan—or at least needs a professional tune-up.
3. You’re Hitting the Reset Button Too Often
The reset button is there for the occasional overload, but if you’re pressing it constantly, your disposal is crying out for help. Frequent resets could mean an electrical issue, a dying motor, or a jam that isn’t going away.
If the unit shuts off mid-use and won’t turn back on without a reset, it’s a good sign you need garbage disposal repair before it stops working altogether.
4. It’s Leaking Under the Sink
Leaks under the sink are never a good sign, and if they’re coming from the bottom of your disposal, that’s even worse. Seals and connections wear out over time, and cracks in the unit can lead to serious water damage if ignored.
Small drips can quickly turn into major leaks, damaging your cabinets, flooring, and even causing mold growth. If you spot water pooling under your sink, don’t wait—get it checked out.
5. There’s a Persistent Bad Smell
A slight odor after grinding up food is normal, but if your sink smells bad no matter how much you clean it, food particles could be trapped inside. Over time, buildup in the disposal chamber or drain pipes can lead to foul odors that won’t go away.
Flushing with baking soda and vinegar might help temporarily, but if the stench lingers, professional cleaning or repair might be needed.
6. It’s Not Grinding Like It Used To
Does your garbage disposal seem weaker than before? Maybe it’s leaving behind bigger chunks of food or taking longer to break things down. Dull blades or a failing motor could be the cause.
A disposal that can’t handle basic food scraps anymore is close to breaking down completely. At that point, repair—or even replacement—may be necessary.
7. It’s Completely Unresponsive
If your garbage disposal doesn’t turn on at all, don’t panic just yet. First, check if it’s plugged in and try pressing the reset button. If that doesn’t work, check your circuit breaker. Still nothing? Then you might be looking at an electrical issue or a burnt-out motor.
When a disposal is completely dead, the only solution is either repair or replacement.
Broken Disposal: Recipe for Kitchen Chaos
A struggling garbage disposal can lead to plumbing issues, kitchen messes, and even costly water damage. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t wait for things to get worse. A professional garbage disposal repair can save you from bigger headaches down the road.
At TC Appliance Repair, we know how to get your disposal back in working order quickly and efficiently. Contact us today and let’s get your disposal back to doing what it does best!
