BlogMarylandPlumbingGarbage Disposal Repair: Unclogging & Maintenance

January 24, 2025by Bella Eva0
Garbage-Disposal-Repair

It’s important for garbage disposal repair to keep your kitchen appliance efficient and functional. The garbage disposal is a handy tool that can effectively get rid of food waste within minutes. Like any other mechanical system, it may develop problems over time. This may include the most common issues such as a jam, leak, or odor. In this blog, we will address various problems of regular garbage disposal, methods to safely unplug them, future prevention methods, tools such as unclogging mechanisms, replacement options for garbage disposal, and finally the costs for performing the repair work. If you live in Maryland and are looking to get help with garbage disposal repair, this guide will give you the insight and information needed to effectively have your kitchen looking neat and functional. 

Common Garbage Disposal Issues

Garbage disposal repair is often required when the unit malfunctions due to common issues. Below are some of the most frequent problems:

1 Jams: The jam is a very common problem formed from large or fibrous food items stuck in the grinding mechanism, permitting the motor to shut off. Hard bones, fibrous vegetables, or large food scraps mostly lead to jams that will have to be attended to.

2 Leaks: When there is leakage, it may also be due to a malfunctioning seal or damaged pipe connection. When pooling or leaking occurs around the unit, it is vital to repair the leak to avert possible mold development under the sink.

3 Bad Odor: Foul-smelling residues begin with food particles stuck in the disposal. As the particles work into the grinding chamber, foul odours usually set in. Keeping the disposal clean is the fiendishly simple solution to preventing this from happening and keeping the place smelling fresh. 

Safe Unplugging Methods

Safety comes first before you try to fix a garbage disposal yourself. Hence, several safe approaches should be used to work on a clogged or dysfunctional disposal.

  • Reset Button: Its dashboard houses a reset button, pressed only when the disposal suddenly stops working. The reset button may handle minor jams or some difficult re-starts on a motor.
  • Wooden Spoon: If the garbage disposal is jammed, do not use your hands. You can use a wooden spoon or some other similar tool to dislodge debris safely. Don’t use metal objects, as they may damage the blades and internal parts. 

Important: Always turn off the power at the circuit breaker before attempting to repair your garbage disposal.

Preventing Future Problems

Prevention, they say, is better than cure. After reading through the following simple tips for garbage disposal maintenance, you can ensure that repairs will be put off for as long as possible:

  • Appropriate Use in Disposal: Always dispose of only food waste fit for garbage disposal. Do not put hard bones, fibrous vegetables, grease, or huge quantities of food in the garbage disposal, as these clog or jam it.
  • Regular Cleaning: Clean the garbage disposal unit regularly. In this case, grinding ice cubes with the peels of citrus will reduce the growls coming from the debris and stench reduction. Once a month works wonders for the device’s efficacy.
  • Water Flushing: Always run cold water after use for about 30 seconds to remove food particles that still stick in the disposal, thus the build-up. 

Tools Used for Garbage Disposal Unclogging

If you’re trying to fix garbage disposal yourself, certain tools can help with the job:

1 Allen Wrench: Many disposals have a small outlet at the bottom, where you insert an Allen wrench. This tool manually rotates the blades and breaks up clogs.

2 Plumbing Snake: Often used for more severe clogs located deep within the drainpipe, intending toward disposal.

3 Rubber Gloves: Always put on rubber gloves when reaching for anything in the disposal. They will protect your hands from injury.

These tools are essential for garbage disposal repair, helping you resolve issues and keep your system running smoothly.

How to Replace a Garbage Disposal

An old disposal may be due for a replacement or upgrade, thus, you will have to remove it. The following is a step-by-step guide for replacing the disposal.

1 Switch off the Power: Always connect the power to the unit before you start becoming impatient with the replacement. Switch off the power at the circuit breaker to be on the safe side.

2 Disconnect Disposal: Remove the garbage disposal from the mounting assembly. You may need to unscrew bolts or twist the unit to disconnect from the sink and drainpipe.

3 Put the New Disposal in Place: Place your new disposal under the sink; fix it there. Reconnect the plumbing and power to the unit and test it to ensure proper function. 

While replacing a garbage disposal is manageable for some homeowners, disposal installation can be tricky. If you’re unsure about the process, it’s best to call in a professional to ensure a smooth installation.

Cost Involved in Garbage Disposal Repair

The cost of garbage disposal repair can vary depending on the type of issue and the complexity of the repair. Here’s an overview of the typical costs involved in the repair and replacement process:

Service Cost
Basic Garbage Disposal Repair $100 – $250
Disposal Unclogging $75 – $150
Replacing a Garbage Disposal $300 – $700 (including installation)
Garbage Disposal Installation $150 – $250

The cost of disposal installation can vary based on the model and the complexity of the installation. For the best pricing and expert service, you can always reach out to a professional plumber in Maryland.

Conclusion

If you’re having problems with your garbage disposal, need garbage disposal repair services, or need a new garbage disposal installation, GoGetFix is right there with you. From minor clogs to complete replacements, our team is ready to tackle any problem in short order and at great prices, bringing our professional service right to your doorstep anywhere in Maryland. Whether it’s fix garbage disposal repair work or installation of a new one, we’ve got it all down.

At GoGetFix, it is our job to work on the garbage disposal situation, in a smooth, seamless, and budget-friendly manner for you. We do not only conduct garbage disposal repair; we also help perform regular maintenance on the unit in top shape to prevent expensive repairs in the future. Be it maintenance or diagnosis of the problem: our experienced professionals will always leave your kitchen clean, running, and free of hassle. Dedicated to delivering a service of the highest quality while prioritizing your satisfaction.

Do not let a faulty garbage disposal take a toll on your day. Contact GoGetFix today, and let us handle your garbage disposal repair needs. We will expertly tiptoe around the issue, restore full functionality to your kitchen in no time, and leave you a happy camper. Services with expert disposal installation or fix garbage disposal just for your needs await you. We are just a call away to make sure your garbage disposal lives in a contention of itself with GoGetFix! 

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