If you’ve ever been using your garbage disposal and suddenly heard a strange noise, you know how alarming it can be. Whether it’s a grinding, buzzing, or clanking sound, it’s important not to ignore these noises. At Hudson Plumbing, we’ve seen it all when it comes to garbage disposal issues. Our team is here to help you understand why your garbage disposal might be making strange noises and how you can fix them. Remember, TRUST IN US for all your plumbing needs!
Common Causes of Strange Garbage Disposal Noises
A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen tool that helps break down food waste and keeps your sink clear. But like any appliance, it can develop problems over time. If you hear an odd sound coming from your disposal, here are a few common causes:
- Foreign Objects in the Disposal Sometimes, items like utensils, small bones, or hard food scraps get stuck in the disposal, causing a loud, grinding noise. These items can get wedged between the blades, making the motor work harder and creating a disturbing sound. Always make sure to only put soft food scraps in your disposal and never items like silverware or fibrous foods.
- Worn-out or Loose Parts Over time, the parts inside your disposal, such as the flywheel or motor, can wear out. This can cause a scraping, grinding, or even rattling noise. If you’ve had your garbage disposal for several years, it might be time to have a professional look at it to make sure everything is in good working order.
- Jammed Disposal A jam occurs when food waste is stuck between the blades or the motor shaft. This can lead to a buzzing sound when you try to run the disposal. If you notice a humming sound but the disposal isn’t grinding, a jam could be the culprit. You should never use a plunger to try and fix this. Instead, turn off the power to the unit and carefully remove the blockage.
- Loose Mounting Bolts If your garbage disposal is installed improperly or the mounting bolts become loose, it may cause rattling or banging noises. This can happen over time as the disposal vibrates during use. Tightening the bolts or adjusting the installation may fix the issue, but you may need a plumber if you’re unsure how to do it yourself.
How to Fix Your Garbage Disposal
Now that you know some common causes of strange noises, let’s look at what you can do to fix your garbage disposal:
- Turn off the Power: Always make sure to turn off the power to your garbage disposal before attempting any repairs. You can do this by unplugging the unit or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Check for Foreign Objects: Use tongs or pliers to remove any foreign objects that may be stuck in the disposal. Never use your hands.
- Reset the Disposal: Most disposals have a reset button at the bottom. Pressing it can sometimes fix a jam or electrical issue.
- Call a Professional: If you’re not able to fix the issue yourself, or if the noise continues, it’s time to call a plumber. TRUST IN US at Hudson Plumbing to diagnose and fix any garbage disposal issue quickly and efficiently.
Preventing Future Problems
To prevent strange noises from happening in the future, try these tips:
- Run Water While Using the Disposal: Always use cold water when running the disposal. This helps to keep the motor cool and allows food particles to move through the pipes more easily.
- Avoid Hard and Fibrous Foods: Never put things like bones, grease, or fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks down the disposal.
Conclusion
Strange noises coming from your garbage disposal can be annoying and frustrating. However, many of these issues can be fixed with simple maintenance or a quick adjustment. If you’re unsure how to handle the problem, TRUST IN US to handle all your garbage disposal and plumbing needs. Contact Hudson Plumbing today for expert help, and let us take care of your plumbing problems before they become bigger issues!
