There are some common food disposer problems that many homeowners will experience at some point in time. Fixing these problems immediately will help to maintain your appliance and avoid bigger issues in the future.
Food disposers are one of the most useful appliances in the kitchen. When they are used properly, a food disposer can break down and grind food debris into tiny particles that will not be stuck in drain pipes. Using a food disposer helps to prevent food debris from rotting away in landfills. In many homes today, a food disposer is usually installed already. Food disposers can last for an average of 10 to 15 years when used properly, and are relatively inexpensive.
Most food disposers are created to break down light food scraps. Not every range of foods will be able to go down the food disposer. Hence, it is important to take note of the types of food that can be broken down by the food disposer. Other than what you place inside, the way you operate it is crucial too. Always turn on the cold water first before switching on the food disposer.
Clogged Food Disposer Problems
A food disposer typically has no issue with grinding food waste. However, clogs can happen when the grounded food particles react to water during the process. If not enough water or the wrong kind of food is being used in the grinding process, there could be a clog developed in the drain. Clogs can develop over time as the drain trap starts to accumulate with food waste. If your disposer is experiencing slow drainage, there is most likely an issue with the drain trap. To fix this, simply take away the trap and remove the clog manually.
Leaky Food Disposer Problems
Leakage due to the food disposer could lead to water damage, and cause problems like mold growth, warped cabinetry, and foul odors. Leaks must be identified immediately and resolved as soon as possible to avoid further damage. There are a number of areas on the unit that could develop a leak, such as the drainage hose and plumbing connections. A leak found around the plumbing connections may only need a tiny repair. However, leakage due to cracks or corrosion in the unit itself are best resolved by replacing the whole appliance.
Jammed Food Disposer Problems
If your food disposer is not able to grind but the motor is creating a loud noise, it is likely that the inner flywheel is jammed. Similar to clogs, jams are typically the result of the wrong kind of food waste being grinded or an excessive amount of food waste being broken down at the same time. When the food disposer jams, the onboard circuit breaker will be tripped, preventing the motor from burning out and overworking.
Bad Smell and Odors
A smelly garbage disposer is unappetizing and irritating. Odors are most often caused by food particles that are trapped in the drain pipe. This is usually due to not flushing sufficient water down the disposer while the food debris are being grinded. Luckily, there are some simple ways to flush down food debris and their odors, such as using vinegar and baking soda, or dishwashing soap.
