A food disposer is a fast, modern, and convenient method of processing food waste without having to place in the trash. Your food disposer is an important part of keeping your kitchen odor-free and sanitary. If you use your food disposer on a daily basis, it is important to keep it in optimal condition.
However, there are a number of key signs to look out for that might indicate it is time to replace your food disposer. If you suspect that there may be a need for you to replace your food disposer in the near future, it is time to consider these top 5 signs that now might be the time.
Lingering Odors Around the Sink
If you notice that there are lingering foul odors recently, it might be a sign that your food disposer needs to be replaced. Such odors are usually a result of wet food deteriorating in the sink that is stuck in the food disposer. After you have determined that the source of these odors is indeed your sink, you might have to contact a plumber for professional assistance.
Grinding Sounds
While food disposers do create noise when running, it should never grind. For some cases, there may be a small piece of silverware trapped in the unit and getting rid of it will stop the noise. Do remember not to place your fingers near the food disposer when it is operating. If the grinding is loud and persistent, it is an obvious sign that there is something wrong with the unit, and it needs to be replaced.
Clogging in Sink Drain
The food disposer should be able to easily break down any food that is left in the sink. However, water that rises to the top quickly as the faucet is running may be a sign that there is a clog caused by the food disposer. Other than foul odors, experiencing frequent clogs in the sink drain are also tell-tale signs that you need to get a new food disposer.
Leaking Underneath the Sink
Water leaking underneath the sink might be due to a cracked disposer or one that has deteriorated at the connecting parts. You should never let a leak go unrepaired. You might be able to resolve this issue by redoing the plumber’s putty or tightening the rings. But in certain instances, particularly if the leak was noticed too late, it is recommended to get a new food disposer.
Constant Resets
All food disposers will include a reset button, and if you are using it only once in a blue moon, there is most likely nothing wrong. However, if you find yourself having to frequently reset it for normal operations, it might be a sign that the wiring is faulty, or your food disposer is getting older and needs to be replaced. While this is a job you can do on your own, it is better to engage a professional, especially if it involves wiring that may come with a risk of fire.
