Think you might need garbage disposal repair in Midtown Atlanta? First, let’s take a quick look at the most common reasons you would.
If you’re on this page, we’re guessing you need garbage disposal repair in Midtown. Moreover, we’re guessing that realization went a little something like this: Huh, it’s not working. I wonder why it’s grating/humming weirdly/doing nothing even though it’s on/overflowing/laughing at me because I need to get to work and instead I’m doing this. What should I do?
Good question. The short answer? Call a plumber. If that’s the one you like, feel free to pick up the phone and dial 404-873-1881, and you’ll win a conversation with one of our lovely team members faster than you can say “I think I lost a shot glass down there.”
On the other hand, if your problem isn’t as simple as that misplaced shooter from college, you might need a more thorough treatment of the subject.
Good news! We’re here to give you the 411 on garbage disposals, specifically why they break and what you can do about it. If you want to keep your home healthy, happy and free of those gross potato peels, then it’s time to get your disposal education.
What Up With Your Garbage Disposal, Anyway?
First and foremost, how much does Ol’ Grinder (as we like to call him) really do for you? Is it just the convenience of washing a few strawberry tops down the drain, or does a garbage disposal do more than that?
Believe it or not, it does quite a bit more. In 1927, architect John Hammes created the first garbage disposal in his home workshop. In the 90 years since then, it has become a significant tool for fighting evil, especially when it comes to the environment.
CityLab reports that, according to a New York City Department of Environmental Protection report, garbage disposals can save cities millions of dollars in solid waste disposal costs. Moreover, they prevent the burning of fossil fuels to truck that waste long distances, and they make it easier for waste management companies to capture harmful methane (a greenhouse gas).
So in addition to being convenient, the garbage disposal also strikes a blow for Mother Earth. Huzzah!
Now for the real issue: What is making Ol’ Grinder crap out? Let’s talk about that now.
The Most Common Reason for Garbage Disposal Repair in Midtown
So let’s get right down to it: What are the most common reasons for repair? Here you go:
1. The Impellers Got Broken or Jammed
One of the most common reasons garbage disposals stop working is because the impellers, or blades, get jammed. Perhaps you lost a shrimp fork or dropped a glass down there. Maybe some well-meaning kid tried to grind up a watermelon rind, or a rubber band found its way into the chamber. Whatever the case, the blades will stick, or could even break off.
When this happens, resist the urge to reach down there and pull the object out. While it’s tempting to deal with the issue yourself, and quickly, you won’t save any time or money by losing a finger. Sometimes pulling an object out can release built-up tension in the blades, which is incredibly dangerous, even when the unit is off. You need professional help.
Also, call a plumber. (Ha. See what we did there?)
2. Your Unit Overheated
Like any motor, a garbage disposal is at risk of overheating. The only way to grind food is to do it in small amounts, with water running at the same time. If you make your disposal work without paving the road for it, the blades will have to work too hard, it won’t be able to grind the food, and it will eventually overheat.
When that happens, it is possible that some cooling off time will fix the problem. Resist the urge to fiddle with it endlessly. Just leave it overnight, then try in the morning. If that doesn’t help, you’re probably looking at a repair.
3. The Disposal Got Clogged
Sometimes your garbage disposal needs repair because it’s clogged. The food or debris may be stuck on the sides, jamming the impellers, which causes water and food to get trapped above it.
Food can also get stuck between the impellers and the flywheel. Think of this like the grater fitting in a food processor: If something gets caught in the half inch between the top of the grater and the lid of the food processor, it can spin until the end of time but nothing will happen. When this occurs in your disposal, you will hear a whirring noise, but the water will still pool.
The good news is that usually, the plumber needs only to take apart the unit and clean it out.
4. Blown Fuse
It’s possible that something as easy as a blown fuse is at the root of the problem. Head to the fuse box and check if a circuit has tripped. Is the unit plugged in? Great. Press the reset button on your garbage disposal. If this fixes the problem, awesome. If not, you’ve got a more serious issue on your hands.
Call a Trusted Plumber
No matter what is causing your garbage disposal issues, the answer is pretty much the same: You need to call for a repair. Of course, it’s always possible that you actually need garbage disposal replacement instead; your plumber – us – will be able to guide you in that choice.
We care enormously about helping our customers feel safe and secure in their homes, and we understand that nothing makes people feel quite so nervous as a garbage disposal on the fritz. Is it going to clog? Will it break your entire sink or ruin your pipes? Can it come alive and eat you? Will you ever get your shot glass back?
Typically there’s not much cause for concern. Disposals may clog your sink and can damage pipes if water sits in them for too long, but as long as you call right away, there’s nothing to worry about.
A Midtown Atlanta Garbage Disposal Expert, at Your Service
Morningside Plumbing has been serving Midtown Atlanta for more than 50 years now. In that time, we’ve learned a thing or two about both our customers and the humble garbage disposal: As long as they get proper attention and care, they’re happy. We would love to help you and your appliance live long, healthy and happy lives, so don’t wait to get in touch.
When we receive your call, our team will immediately get to work planning a visit to assess your problem. If possible, we’ll make a quick fix as soon as we get to your home. If we can’t, we’ll talk about the best and quickest way to get you a new garbage disposal, as well as offer you guidance in picking the right one. (You can also just grab the checklist below for help on that.)
Get garbage disposal repair in Midtown Atlanta by picking up the phone and dialing 404-873-1881 or sending us an email today. We offer both residential and commercial service, as well as 24/7 emergency service. We love our community, and that includes you! Feel free to put that love to the test today.