What does a plumber really think about garbage disposal repair in Atlanta, Georgia?
A plumber should be the first person you think of when you need garbage disposal repair in Atlanta, Georgia. While many homeowners don’t realize this, the garbage disposal is part of your plumbing system. How can you be certain? Does it require water? Yes. Is it connected to a drain and pipes? Once again, the answer is yes. Because of this, you should always schedule service with a plumbing company if your disposal stops working.
Most modern homes have at least one garbage disposal installed in the kitchen. The role of this device is to chop up larger food particles so that they easily rinse down the drain. Without a functioning disposal, you’d probably deal with a lot of clogs in the kitchen sink. This is why you should never put off getting a broken one fixed. Here are a few facts you may not know about repairing your garbage disposal.
Don’t Become a Science Experiment
Garbage disposals require electricity to run. You also find them connected under the kitchen sink. Now, think back to elementary science. What two things should you never play with together? If you answered electricity and water, you’re correct! Unless you want to get electrocuted, this is not a wise combination. But, how can you avoid this dangerous situation when fixing your garbage disposal?
Every plumber will tell you to take the necessary steps to prevent electrocution before repairing your disposal. Always disconnect the disposal from the power source. Make sure the switch is in the “off” position and unplug the unit. If you have a hardwired disposal, make sure to flip the circuit breaker. Only after you’ve disconnected all sources of electricity is it safe to fix this appliance. Even better, call a plumber to do the job for you.
The Blades Are VERY Sharp
When you look down your kitchen sink, you can see the garbage disposal blade. From a distance, it looks small and dull. However, that’s only an illusion. Think about the things your disposal chops up each day. Some of these may be soft, but a good amount of the food you put down the drain is hard. Therefore, your disposal needs a super sharp blade to get the job done.
You should never stick your hand down the drain when the disposal is running. It’s also not smart to put your hand in the disposal when it’s off unless it’s unplugged. Even if you can see something clogging the blade, don’t do it. The disposal can’t tell the difference between a carrot and your finger. Take our word for it.
You May Be Able to Fix It Yourself
While a plumber will come out to fix any problem with your disposal, you may be able to do it yourself. In a lot of cases, a simple clog is to blame. People sometimes put inappropriate items down the sink. Something may have fallen into the drain without you knowing. If you think a clog is to blame, try to remove it yourself.
As stated previously, ALWAYS turn off the power first. Look down the drain with a flashlight to see what’s stuck in there. Try to reach it, and slowly pull it out. After you remove the blockage, try running the disposal again. If it runs, you solved the problem! However, if you were unable to unclog the drain, it’s time to call a plumber.
There Is a Reset Button
On the bottom side of every garbage disposal is a red button. And, unlike most red buttons, you can actually push this one without fear. This button prevents the disposal from overheating. When the motor gets too hot, the button pops out and shuts off the unit. If your garbage disposal won’t turn on, check this button first. Try pushing it back in to see if it solves the problem. If so, then you have nothing else to worry about. However, if the reset button doesn’t work, you may have a more serious problem with your disposal.
Clean Your Garbage Disposal
While your garbage disposal may help keep your sink clean, it’s not a self-cleaning device. You should make sure to clean it out after every use. Pieces of leftover food and grime build up over time. This can lead to some very unpleasant aromas. The next time you turn on your garbage disposal, pour a bit of dish soap down the drain. Let it bubble up and clean the disposal.
If you want to get rid of a sour smell, you can use citrus fruits. Any time you eat a lemon, lime, or orange, put the leftover peel down the drain. Citrus has antibiotic properties. Not only will it disinfect the disposal, but citrus peels will also leave it smelling fresh.
Plumbers Offer Garbage Disposal Maintenance
If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t even think about your garbage disposal until it stops working. However, you should have your disposal inspected by a plumber at least once a year. Do this at the same time you have the rest of your plumbing system inspected. And, if you don’t regularly have your plumbing inspected, then start scheduling yearly checkups now.
During a maintenance call, the plumber will make sure all the parts of your disposal are in working order. This checkup doesn’t take long, and you won’t feel a thing! However, you may save money in the long run. If the plumber notices something amiss, they can fix it right away. Regular maintenance also reduces the chance of your disposal suddenly going out without any warning.
You Can’t Fix Everything
All good things must come to an end, and your garbage disposal is no exception. On average, most disposals last for about 5-7 years. The lifespan of your disposal will depend on how much you use it and the quality of the machine. If your disposal is old, a plumber will most likely recommend replacing it. Even if you have a newer model, it’s best to compare the price of a repair versus installing a new one. In many instances, getting a new disposal is more cost-efficient.
Never try to install a garbage disposal by yourself. It’s always better to hire a plumber to do it for you. Not only will a plumber properly hook up your new disposal, but they can help you select the right size model for your home. For example, if you live all by yourself, a small disposal with one-third horsepower should suffice. But, if you live with a bunch of people, you’ll want something with at least one-half horsepower or greater.
Trust the Garbage Disposal Experts at Morningside Plumbing
Does your garbage disposal make a strange humming sound? Did your child put their favorite toy down the kitchen sink? No matter how strange the problem may seem, it’s nothing we can’t handle at Morningside Plumbing. Garbage disposal repair is one of the many services we provide our customers throughout the Midtown Atlanta area. With over 40 years of experience under our plumber’s belt, we can fix any issue you may have. As we like to say, if water flows through it, we can repair it!
Our team at Morningside Plumbing wants to change the way you think about plumbers. When you choose us, we will send out the best plumbers in the business. As a licensed and insured company, we always put our customers first. Don’t wait around for the other guys to show up. We’ll be there on time with everything we need to get it fixed today! Got a backed up garbage disposal? Click or call 404-873-1881 for garbage disposal repair from a trusted plumber in Atlanta, Georgia.