Jacksonville Garbage Disposal Repair

Garbage Disposal Symptoms to Keep an Eye On

Get in touch with our Jacksonville garbage disposal repair technicians if you start to notice any of the following issues.

• Strange noises coming from the disposal. Garbage disposals are loud and often unpleasant to listen to, but you are likely familiar with the noises they are supposed to make. If you begin to consistently hear unusual sounds when the disposal is on, there may be an issue with its motor or blades. For example, a blockage or foreign object inside the disposal could be blocking its blades and preventing them from rotating freely. Because your disposal’s blades can cause serious injury if they make contact with your fingers, hand, or wrist, you should ensure power to the appliance is completely off and disconnected before attempting to locate the blockage. If you cannot immediately find the source of the issue, it is safer to call a professional to handle the repair. 
• Slow drainage. Your garbage disposal might experience slow drainage for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is an obstruction in the pipes, such as a buildup of grease or food particles. This can create a blockage that prevents wastewater from flowing smoothly through the system. Other possible causes include objects jamming up the blades, a clogged impeller, and corroded parts. If there are multiple drains in the house that suffer from slow drainage, then the problem may not be specific to the disposal itself. You could be dealing with a main line blockage further down in the plumbing system that requires the attention of a professional plumber.
• Clogs. Clogs are one of the most common issues with garbage disposals and can stem from one of many sources. Grease buildup is one of the primary culprits, as grease that accumulates inside the unit can coat the blades and prevent them from rotating properly and grinding food particles down. In addition, objects such as bones, pits from fruit, or fibrous vegetables can get stuck in the grinding chamber and block wastewater from flowing through it. Other causes of clogs may include incorrect installation or poor maintenance. For instance, if the sink flange is not securely fastened to the sink or countertop, then it can allow food particles to escape into the pipe, where they can accumulate over time and create blockages. Additionally, not using cold water when running your disposal can cause grease to stick to the insides more easily. You may be able to clear a minor clog by pressing the reset button on your disposal and running cold water through it for a few minutes to dislodge any stuck-on particles. However, if you notice liquid not passing through your lines after trying this method and checking for other obvious obstructions, you will likely need help from a professional.
• Water leakage. Water leaking from underneath or around a garbage disposal can indicate a number of issues, ranging from faulty seals and gaskets to corroded parts needing replacement. When seals or gaskets become worn over time and crack, they can cause leaks that allow water to escape into the surrounding area. This is often due to old age or heavy use of the disposal. In addition, certain types of seals will require lubrication to stay flexible and prevent leaks from occurring. Corroded parts are another common issue leading to leaks in garbage disposals. Corrosion is caused by an electrochemical reaction between metal parts and water, resulting in rust and wear on metal surfaces. Over time, corrosion can eat away at components such as blades, grinders, impellers, housings, splash guards, and mounting screws leading to cracks and leakage. If left untreated for too long, this type of damage can cause even more serious problems within the unit. Sometimes, incorrect installation can lead to leaks in a garbage disposal unit. If the unit has not been securely fastened to the sink or countertop, the resulting gaps may allow water to escape instead of passing through properly.