At some point, installing a new garbage disposal will become inevitable. Is it that time at your house?
Just as with every other appliance you own, your garbage disposal is likely to give up the ghost at some point. If yours is having problems, or doesn’t seem to be working like it used to, repair could be an option. However, repair isn’t always practical or possible.
How can you tell if now’s the time to install a new disposal? These pro tips can help you determine whether your disposer can be fixed or if it’s time for a replacement.
Does Your Garbage Disposal Have Motor Problems?
So, your disposal won’t turn on. Now what?
This could indicate a fault with the motor, in which case you would need to install a new garbage disposal. The same may be true if you hear unusual or excessive grinding noises, or if the disposal vibrates heavily when the unit is in operation.
But hold on a minute.
A disposal that won’t come on at all doesn’t necessarily indicate an irreparable motor problem. If you’re lucky, you may be able to fix the issue by resetting the circuit breaker. Alternatively, your issue could be resolved by pressing the reset button on the bottom of the disposal. Or, it is possible the unit simply came unplugged.
You might be surprised how often one of these solutions works. It’s definitely worthwhile to try these steps before calling a plumbing contractor.
How is Your Garbage Disposal Working?
Maybe your disposal is still running, but doesn’t seem to be operating as well as it should.
The wear and tear of regular use may be taking a toll on your unit, making it run slower and less effectively. And, if yours is a larger household, the stress on your appliance could be greater due to the amount of cooking – and disposing – that you do.
You could put off replacement until the appliance actually stops working, of course. Garbage disposals are typically made to last about 10 to 12 years, though, so if it’s been several years since yours was installed, you may want to plan on replacing yours sooner rather than later.
Some factors do make these little workhorses fail prematurely. Extremely hard water, for example, or the tendency to discover foreign objects (toy cars, rocks) stuck inside can bring on an early failure.
Garage Disposal Repair vs. Replacement
Plumbing contractors can easily repair some garbage disposal problems.
If yours springs a leak, for example, the bolts and clamps can be tightened. Or, if your flywheel is stuck because a bone or spoon is lodged inside, the item can be removed to restore function to your disposal.
If, however, repair issues seem to be cropping up more frequently, it may be time to consider replacing the appliance. Repeated problems indicate that your garbage disposal is on its last legs, so installing a new unit may be wiser – and more cost-effective — than continuing to pay for repairs.
Do repairs make sense for your appliance? Or should you install a new unit? The experts at American Plumbing Services can help you decide on the best course of action Call our Provo, Utah, office today to schedule a fee consultation to evaluate the future of your garbage disposal.
