Residential Garbage Disposals2023-01-13T17:01:43-06:00

Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation from Howe Technicians

Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation from Howe Technicians

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Your kitchen’s garbage disposal can be a useful piece of equipment. When used properly, it breaks down food waste and ensures kitchen plumbing isn’t negatively affected. Unfortunately, it isn’t always clear what should and shouldn’t go into the disposal. A broken or malfunctioning garbage disposal can cause all sorts of trouble, including clogs.

To keep your garbage disposal working, call or text Howe at 605-339-2020. Our professional garbage disposal service in Sioux Falls, is fast and effective. Let us know as soon as you realize something’s wrong, and we’ll have your disposal back up and running in no time.

Garbage Disposals Keep Kitchen Plumbing Flowing Smoothly

With a garbage disposal, cleaning up after meals can be much less tedious and time-consuming. Small blades housed within the disposal carve up food waste into smaller pieces, making it easier for your home’s plumbing system to handle. And for homeowners who care about energy efficiency, they’ll be happy to know that a disposal needs minimal water and electricity to function.

A Few Problems Your Disposal May Encounter

Most of the issues your garbage disposal faces are a result of either an electrical issue or what’s put into the disposal. Knowing what it can and can’t handle will go a long way toward stopping problems from happening in the first place.

But when something does go wrong, Howe technicians will make sure to find the source of the problem as soon as we can. This gives us the best chance of saving the disposal and prevents you from having to get a new one installed.

1. The Disposal Won’t Start

Most food disposals have a reset button you can try first. Locate the button and firmly press it unless you notice an obvious jam in the disposal’s blades. If the disposal still isn’t starting at all, it’s usually because of an electrical problem or because the blades are stuck. Wiring can be hazardous to inspect and repair, so it’s best to leave garbage disposal repair to professional technicians.

2. The Disposal’s Blades Aren’t Running

Garbage disposals make some amount of noise when running. If you hear the disposal but the blades aren’t actually spinning, it could be an electrical error, a problem with the motor or another malfunction somewhere between the blades and the motor. Howe repair technicians will make sure the disposal is off before determining why the blades aren’t working.

Sometimes, it’s because a stubborn piece of debris has gotten stuck inside the disposal, catching the blades and preventing them from moving. Even though they’re relatively small, these blades are sharp and capable of injury. Make sure never to reach into a garbage disposal if you aren’t certain it’s turned off and unplugged.

3. Leaks

A telltale sign there’s something wrong with your garbage disposal is evidence of a leak. If a piece of debris is hard/tough enough, it can crack or otherwise damage internal components and potentially spring a leak.

Nearby water damage can also be a sign there’s something wrong with the disposal. If you see mold or damp spots underneath your sink, the garbage disposal may be to blame.

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What Should and Shouldn’t Go in Your Garbage Disposal?

A frustrating aspect of garbage disposals is trying to determine what kinds of food waste should go into the disposal, and what shouldn’t go in the disposal. Here are few reminders that can help you make decide whether it should go straight into the trash:

  • Keep pieces of food as small as possible: The smaller a piece of food waste is, the more likely the disposal can grind it up without issue.
  • Avoid grainy, fibrous items like vegetable skins: The skins of root vegetables like carrots and potatoes can be tough and fibrous due to the presence of cellulose. This substance can very easily clog up your garbage disposal.
  • Most liquids are fine. Avoid oil and grease: While most liquids will pass right through the disposal without problem, cooking oil and grease can solidify and gum up internal components.
  • Coffee grounds and eggshells are frequently the culprit: Many clogs or broken garbage disposals can be traced back to coffee grounds and eggshells. Because these items can be broken down into small pieces, many homeowners assume they won’t clog the disposal.

Garbage Disposal FAQs

Want to get the most out of your home’s garbage disposal? Take a look at these garbage disposal FAQs to find out what questions are most commonly asked.

Can you repair a leaking garbage disposal?2023-01-10T11:58:42-06:00

A leak is a common problem for broken or malfunctioning garbage disposals. If it’s leaking from the top or side, then oftentimes repairs are an available option. If it’s leaking from the top, it could be a loose or damaged seal. Garbage disposals use this seal and a flange to connect to the sink without letting water leak out. Over time the seal may break down or be shaken loose, which can result in a leaking garbage disposal.

If it’s leaking from the side, it could be due to the dishwasher drain tube, or the disposal drain tube seal which would be a minor repair. If the leak is from a crack in the unit, though, it will need replacement. If your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, it could be a internal compromised seal which can’t be repaired, and the unit will need to be replaced.

How do I know if my garbage disposal is broken?2023-01-10T11:47:39-06:00

A few telltale signs your garbage disposal is broken include loud rattling noises and no response if you try to use it. If your garbage disposal isn’t working, first check the power source for signs of damage. In some cases the disposal is just unplugged!

You can also try clearing out any debris from the drain, after first turning the power off. After unlodging any debris, reset the disposal and see if it’s working again. If not, you could check your circuit breaker or the wiring behind the outlet. If resetting and checking the electrical components doesn’t resolve the problem, it’s best to call Howe’s experienced plumbers to have it replaced.

Do I need a plumber to install a garbage disposal?2023-01-10T11:47:11-06:00

While you may be able to install a garbage disposal without a professional, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes it’s best to trust the pros, especially when it involves a fixture that helps get rid of food waste. However, if you ultimately decide to install a new garbage disposal yourself, install a new model that’s as close as possible to the old one. This is because in order to work properly, certain garbage disposal models may need existing pipes re-routed.

How do I troubleshoot my garbage disposal? Do garbage disposals have a reset button?2023-01-10T11:45:38-06:00

Troubleshooting garbage disposals is a fairly simple process, and most models have a reset button. Your garbage disposal has safety mechanisms that can be tripped when overfilled or if something is producing a clog. This prevents damage to the garbage disposal, giving a professional technician a chance to resolve the problem.

You’ll usually find the reset button at the bottom of the disposal. Make sure you unplug the garbage disposal before reaching in and removing the debris. Once it’s clear, plug it back in, press the reset button and turn on the water as well as the disposal to make sure it’s working properly again.

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Howe Ensures Quality Disposal Repair and Replacement

When something’s wrong with your garbage disposal, you can trust Howe to find the source of your problem and complete repairs fast. That being said, sometimes the cost of repair is about the same as new garbage disposal installation. If that’s the case, you can also trust Howe to let you know all available options, ensuring you make a well-informed decision.

To request garbage disposal service, call or text Howe today at 605-339-2020

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