If you deal with plumbing clogs on a regular basis, you might find yourself struggling with bent wire hangers, chemical drain cleaner, and unfamiliar pipes. Unfortunately, unless you are a trained professional, all of your efforts might be in vain. Most people don't realize it, but it is possible to damage your plumbing by making a few missteps. If you use the wrong chemicals or you push a little too hard, you might end up dealing with damaged pipes or your clogging problem could get worse. Fortunately, you might be able to use this blog to help you to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.
Your garbage disposal is an essential part of your kitchen's plumbing, as it is the most efficient way to remove food waste quickly from your sink. However, due to the nature of how a garbage disposal works, it experiences a great deal of general wear from normal operation. This can lead to damage which can negatively affect how well your garbage disposal operates. Understanding some of the warning signs associated with a worn-out garbage disposal can help you identify when you should contact a plumber about replacing your unit.
1. Drainage Issues
One of the first, and also one of the clearest, signs that you may need to replace your garbage disposal is if you notice that water is draining slowly out of your sink. This is usually caused by a clog in the drain itself, which in turn is caused by food particles that have not been adequately ground down by the disposal.
Often, the blades are too dull, or the motor has been burned out, reducing the effectiveness of the unit. You should replace your garbage disposal quickly, as repeated clogs can cause significant strain to other parts of your plumbing system (not to mention that clearing them can take a great deal of time and effort).
2. Strong Smells
Another sign that your garbage disposal is no longer able to properly dispose of organic waste that is put down the drain is if you notice that there is a strong, unpleasant smell that is coming out of your drain that does not seem to be fixed by running water or vinegar down the drain. In a similar line to the above point, this points to food waste that is not being fully ground down, leading to food decomposing in the drain instead of being removed.
3. Odd Noises
Finally, another indicator that your garbage disposal is not working as intended is if you notice loud and irregular sounds coming from the unit while it is operating. This is in addition to the normal grinding sound of operation: instead, listen for sounds of metal grinding on metal, which can take the form of high-pitched screeching, on top of excessive sounds of bumping and grinding.
This points to a mechanical issue, which will likely grow worse and cause more damage to your unit if you continue to operate it, raising the risk of breaking parts and causing the entire unit to cease functioning.
Contact a company like Garabedian Plumbing & Heating Inc for more information and assistance.
Share25 March 2018
