Leak Detection
Garbage Disposal Replacement
A garbage disposal is a valuable kitchen appliance that helps reduce the risk of clogs by grinding down food waste into tiny particles that are less likely to get stuck in the drains. However, a garbage disposal installation is not perfect or self-sufficient. Proper care, routine maintenance, and timely repair are essential. On this page, we’ll share some tips on taking care of your garbage disposal. If you need garbage disposal repair in Reno, then call Rooter Man Plumbing to book an appointment or request urgent assistance today. Our plumbers are ready when you are.
What is the Garbage Disposal & How Does it Work?
A garbage disposal unit is typically installed in the space beneath the kitchen sink. It consists of a grinding chamber with sharp blades or impellers, a motor, and a housing that connects to the sink’s drain.
Food waste that goes down the kitchen sink drain falls into the grinding chamber where it is shredded into smaller parts typically 2 millimeters in size. As the food waste is ground up, water from the sink’s faucet is usually running, helping to flush the ground-up waste particles down the drain.
Garbage disposals are designed to handle a wide range of food waste, including fruit and vegetable scraps, small bones, and leftover food particles, but they are not intended for non-food items like paper, plastic, or metal, as these can damage the disposal unit.
Proper maintenance, such as occasional cleaning and avoiding overloading the unit, can prolong the life of your garbage disposal.
When to Repair the Garbage Disposal
A functional garbage disposal is convenient, and it can help reduce the amount of organic waste in your trash and can be environmentally friendly by diverting food waste from landfills. However, a faulty or broken kitchen garbage disposal installation in Reno can be more of a liability.
It’s probably time to call for a garbage disposal repair if there are:
- Unusual or loud noises, such as grinding or rattling sounds
- Clogs, slow drainage, and gurgling sounds
- Leaking water from your disposal unit or the connections under the sink
- Frequent resets
- Persistent foul odors emanating from the disposal can
- Sluggish grinding action
- No power
Care Tips for Your Garbage Disposal
Though the garbage disposal is designed to grind a wide range of foods, there are some that can strain the device. Fibrous and stringy foods like celery and onion skins can wrap around the impellers and other components.
Further, it’s better to avoid pouring used fats, oils, and greases down the kitchen sink. Always run cold water and continue to run it for a few seconds after you turn off the unit. Cold water helps solidify grease and oils, making them easier to chop up and wash away.
If odors are a problem, occasionally grind up citrus peels, like lemon or orange rinds, to help freshen the disposal and eliminate odors. The natural oils in citrus peels can also help clean the blades.
Is It Time to Replace Your Unit?
When is it time for a garbage disposal replacement? We typically recommend a replacement if the housing is cracked or the motor is damaged, or if repairs cost more than half the cost of a new unit, then a garbage disposal replacement in Reno might be the cost-effective option.
If it’s time for a new garbage disposal, then call Rooter Man Plumbing to schedule a convenient appointment.
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Great work and Rory Harms was very professional. Thanks a ton! I recommend Rooter Man Plumbing to anyone in the area looking to hire a local plumber. We came across Rooter Man when searching a nearby plumber on Google. They were quick and affordable. We will use them again if we need a plumbing repair.
Excellent experience with Rooter Man. They took great care of my leaky pipes. Called them Sunday night about the issue. They gave me great advice to keep the issue as minimal as possible until they could make it out. Rory showed up Monday and took care of everything quickly. He did an excellent job! Highly recommend!
Great work and Rory Harms was very professional. Thanks a ton! I recommend Rooter Man Plumbing to anyone in the area looking to hire a local plumber. We came across Rooter Man when searching a nearby plumber on Google. They were quick and affordable. We will use them again if we need a plumbing repair.