Garbage Disposal Repair, Replacement, and Installation

From time to time, garbage disposals will stop working. It may only require a quick fix, such as depressing the reset button. Other times, a professional plumber, like those at MNS Plumbing, must look it over to diagnose the problem and complete the repair.

As garbage disposals age, the blades become dull and no longer effectively grind up food. When the food particles are too large to flow through the drain lines, they can create a blockage. When a disposal has reached the end of its useful life, it’s best to replace it.

When purchasing a new garbage disposal, installation instructions are included. But before scraping the old disposal, it might be best to hire a professional plumber to install it.

There are several reasons to hire out garbage disposal installation. In addition to the convenience of not having to struggle with it themselves, homeowners may preserve the manufacturer’s warranty. Some warranties cover parts and labor for five years or more; however, some manufacturers require professional installation and repair.

Garbage disposal tips

When using a garbage disposal, there are some tips to remember to ensure it works well.

• Do not put your hand into the disposal.

• Do not put bones, metal, or stringy material like artichokes, potato or banana peels, or large seeds, such as those from avocados, down the disposal.

• Don’t put plastic, rubber, metal, bones, or gristle down the disposal.

• Use a strong flow of cold water when grinding waste. The cold will help harden grease so it doesn’t clog the garbage disposal or drain line. The water flow will ensure the ground-up waste passes into the sewer and doesn’t clog the drain lines.

• Leave the water running for a minute after turning the disposal off.

• Do not use chemical drain cleaners in the disposer.