A Closer Look at Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is a mighty tool that shreds food scraps into tiny particles, making them small enough to pass safely through your plumbing system. Most people picture the disposal to be filled with sharp blades that cut food up, but that’s not the case. It uses a spinning plate with impellers that push food scraps against a stationary grind ring. The ring breaks down the waste, and as you run your faucet, a steady stream of cold water flushes it away through the drain and down the pipes. It helps reduce kitchen waste, keeps your sink clean, and prevents unpleasant odors from lingering.

Foreign Objects in the Garbage Disposal

We’ve all been there. A fork slips from your grasp, a bottle cap bounces into the sink, or a piece of a sponge tears off during cleaning. Many garbage disposal issues start when something other than food waste enters the unit. These foreign objects can cause immediate and serious damage. Common culprits include:

• Pieces of Sponges or Scouring Pads – They absorb water and can expand, causing clogs.
• Bottle Caps – Metal or plastic caps can cause jams and damage the grinding components.
• Fruit Pits – Hard objects like peach or avocado pits are too tough for most disposals to handle.

Common Garbage Disposal Problems We Fix

• Water Leaking Below the Sink – Puddles in the cabinet under your sink are a major red flag. Leaks can come from several places, including the flange connecting the disposal to the sink, the dishwasher connection, or cracks in the disposal unit itself.
• Consistent Clogging – If your sink backs up frequently, even when you’re only disposing of small scraps, it could mean the disposal isn’t grinding finely enough or there’s a blockage further down the drain line.
• Foul Odors – Lingering bad smells that don’t go away with cleaning are often caused by trapped food particles rotting inside the unit.

Our technicians are trained to diagnose and fix these problems quickly. We carry parts for most major brands and offer free diagnostic service with repair, so you’ll know exactly what’s wrong before we get to work.

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

Most garbage disposals last between 8 and 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If your unit is over a decade old and starting to show signs of wear, like frequent clogs, strange noises, or reduced grinding power, consider a replacement. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your disposal, but like all appliances, it won’t last forever. We’ll help you determine whether a repair or replacement is the best option for your situation.

Garbage Disposal Replacement Services

We repair garbage disposals, but if that’s not the best option, we can replace yours. We offer professional installation and can help you choose the right model for your kitchen and budget. We’ll remove the old unit, install the new one, and ensure everything works perfectly before leaving.

What to Look for in a Garbage Disposal

If you’re in the market for a new garbage disposal, here are a few features to consider:

• Component Materials – Look for units with stainless steel grinding components. They’re more durable and corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel, which helps the unit last longer and perform better.
• Noise Level – Some disposals come with advanced insulation and anti-vibration technology to operate more quietly. If a noisy kitchen is a concern, look for models advertised as “quiet” or “ultra-quiet.”