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Kellie plumber tightening drain connection underneath sink

Garbage Disposal Repair and Care

A good garbage disposal is an unsung hero in your kitchen sink. When a reliable garbage disposal does its job right, you won’t even think about it. If you don’t watch out, though, a broken garbage disposal can cause clogs, slow drainage, and even bigger problems.

When a broken garbage disposal isn’t repaired or replaced in time, clogs can build up and break the seal between the garbage disposal and the exit line. Staying alert for the first signs of trouble will save you time and money in the long run and preserve your pipe. It will also spare your nose from the foul odors that come with a broken disposal!

When it comes to garbage disposal repair, your best option in Central Indiana will always be to call in a Kellie Plumbing professional for an efficient and effective fix.

Preventing Problems

There’s no magic way to keep your garbage disposal working forever, but you can extend your garbage disposal’s lifespan with these simple tips.

Here are some things that you can do to keep your system in proper working order:

  • Some materials clog more than others. Avoid using your garbage disposal to handle coffee grounds, potato skins, banana peels, and eggshells.
  • Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain, which thicken as they cool and clog your pipes.
  • Continue running the disposal and water for a minute after the last item goes through.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals and cleaners with your garbage disposal. The chemicals can linger in your drain and could splash out the next time you run the disposal.
  • Always put items through the disposal one at a time.
  • Make sure to cut up larger items into smaller, more manageable pieces.
  • Run cold water while using your garbage disposal. Higher temperatures can cause food particles to partially dissolve and stick to the side instead of breaking up.
  • Keep your garbage disposal clean by running ice and dish soap through the line periodically.

Even with these tips, there’s no avoiding garbage disposal repair forever. Kellie Plumbing has the trained pros you need when you want a quick, lasting fix for your garbage disposal woes.

Use Your Senses

The best way to tell when your garbage disposal needs to be repaired is to use your own senses. A damaged disposal has many telltale signs. Identifying the sights, sounds, and smells of a broken garbage disposal is the first step to getting things repaired.

Take a Look

A broken garbage disposal usually can’t grind the things that you try and put through it. Keep an eye out for pieces of food that come back up the drain. Slower drainage can also be a sign of bigger trouble underneath your sink.

Lastly, check for leaks from your garbage disposal. The leak is often a sign of a more significant clog inside, which can put pressure on your pipes.

Listen Closely

Garbage disposals are loud on a good day— but a unit running louder than usual and struggling to grind can point to trouble.

Familiarize yourself with what your garbage disposal sounds like when it’s in working order. Unusual sounds can indicate a stuck grinding plate or worn blade bearing.

Lastly, silence speaks louder than words. If your garbage disposal isn’t making a sound (or isn’t coming on at all), it’s the clearest sign yet that you need a professional plumber to come to get it fixed.

The Smell Test

When food waste doesn’t drain correctly, it takes on a foul smell that lingers around your sink and kitchen.

Any or all of these signs can mean that it’s time to call in a plumber for garbage disposal repair or replacement. By catching problems early, you can limit damage to your system and avoid more costly repairs.

Repair vs. Replacement

Sometimes there’s no avoiding it— your garbage disposal has reached the end of its life. At Kellie Plumbing, we will work with you to find the option that’s right for you. We can help you to determine whether a repair or a replacement is what you need.

How Can I Find a Plumber Near Me?

Finding a plumber is easy -- just turn to the team at Kellie Plumbing. With two convenient office locations and over 67 years of continued customer satisfaction, our team of experienced professionals is proud to be serving Central Indiana. We’ve been serving members of our community since 1954.

Our plumbers cover Avon, Bargersville, Beech Grove, Carmel, Columbus, Edinburgh, Greenwood, Indianapolis, Mooresville, Whiteland, and all points in between. We’re ready to take your call at your convenience.

Our technicians are available 24/7 to schedule garbage disposal repair or replacement. Call today!