Everything about the Garbage Disposal and its Maintenance | Plumber in Fort Worth, TX
Do you know that the first garbage disposal was created by an architect in his home workshop in the year 1927? While the garbage disposal did not gain popularity until 1938, after World War II, homeowners did begin the modernization of kitchens. With time, there was a significant increase in sales and now, millions of garbage disposals are being sold by competitive manufacturers.
Fortunately, due to this increasing competition amongst the top manufacturers and expert plumbers in Fort Worth, TX, we are now able to choose from a variety of different types of disposals, in accordance to our needs. However, the use of garbage disposals always demands proper treatment. Proper use of a garbage disposal can not only keep it running smoothly but also increases its longevity for up to 10 years.
While many plumbers in Fort Worth, TX emphasize on the importance of keeping a garbage disposal clean, majority of the people do not follow the instructions and leave it unclean. This not only creates issues like jamming or clogging of a disposal but also becomes the source of the acrid smell and ultimately, a clogged drain. Moreover, a clogged garbage disposal may also become the perfect place for bacteria to grow rapidly.
Since all of us have had a good and a bad experience with the garbage disposals in our homes, taking this opportunity, let us discuss some of the major problems of a garbage disposal. This will not only assist you in handling a garbage disposal carefully but will also give you some tips to keep it clean with just a little effort and in no time, without creating the need for plumbing in Fort Worth, TX.
#1 – Garbage disposal does not work when you turn it on
If you turn on a garbage disposal and it does not work, then the first thing that you need to do is to check the power. Check the circuit breaker or the fuse box. If you do have power, then it’s time to check the small red button at the bottom of the garbage disposal. Most of the time, this is located underneath the unit and called the ‘reset’ button. In the case that the button is popped out, it means that the disposal motor has gotten way too hot.
This usually occurs when you leave the jammed disposal turned on for too long. Therefore, in this situation, you need to clear the jam first and then reset the overload by pressing the red button. With this, you will hear a clicking sound that is perfectly normal. However, in the case that the button pops again upon turning the disposal on, this is a clear indication of a jammed disposal.
Moreover, if there is no sound whatsoever and you have power but the disposal will not turn on, then the disposal motor has most probably worn out and it is time to call your plumber in Fort Worth, TX to simply replace the disposal.
#2 – Garbage Disposal gets jammed frequently for no reason
No garbage disposal gets jammed without a valid reason. You might have overlooked the reason behind it but the plumbers in Fort Worth, TX suggest that the most common reason for it, is the introduction of certain food items and other tiny objects in the disposal.
These food items may include, avocado leaves, corn husks, vegetable matter, tiny bones or glass etc. To avoid this jamming problem though, most of the garbage disposals now come with a small socket hole. At the bottom center and underneath the motor, this socket helps in turning the masher plate back and forth with the use of an Allen wrench, hence clearing the clogging of the disposal.
Following that, always remember never to put your hands in the garbage disposal. A pliers or tongs should always be used to clear the disposal.
#3 – The leaking of disposal is a common problem
In the case that you experience a leak in the garbage disposal system, always the check the joints and drain connections. If you spot the leak from the drain pipe itself, it’s good news because this can simply be fixed by replacing a rubber gasket.
If the rubber gasket has been newly installed, then plumbers in Fort Worth, TX suggest that you should check the ring close to the sink flange. Make sure it is tight. However, if the reason of the leak is the body of the garbage disposal itself, then it’s time to call a plumber in Fort Worth, TX and get it replaced immediately.
#4 – The disposal has suddenly started making more noise than usual
Sometimes your garbage disposal makes a sound that is not only weird but consistent and highly irritating. That usually happens when a piece of bone, metal or any other object enters the disposal. It creates quite a racket on turning on the disposal unit. While most of the time, it usually jams the unit, at other times, it may make its way out the drain system itself.
However, the reasons behind the disposal producing more sound than usual includes worn bearings, loose mounting screws, worn out lugs or blades, and broken flyweights. All these problems need to be addressed by professional services offering plumbing in Fort Worth, TX.
#5 – The disposal clogs the drain line
In the case that you have to clean a clogged drain now because of faulty garbage disposal, then first turn the power off at the main connection. The plumbers in Fort Worth, TX suggest dissembling the trap and then clearing the drain clog by using a drain snake. Once done, re-assemble the trap and check if the clog is gone by turning the water on. Make sure that after following these steps, the water runs smoothly through the disposal and the drain line itself.
What needs to be done now?
If you have or are currently facing a garbage disposal issue, then it’s time to get it resolved once and for all. For that, however, we highly recommend you to check out the website of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Fort Worth as your ultimate solution to hiring services for plumbing in Fort Worth, TX. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.