Does My Garbage Disposal Need To Be Repaired?
Everyone knows that appliances don’t last forever, but sometimes it can be difficult to know when you need to replace one as opposed to repairing it. Thankfully, a garbage disposal will usually exhibit distinct signs that it needs to be replaced.
If you experience any of the following situations, you may need to repair or replace your kitchen disposal.
Frequent Clogs
If you start to experience clogs, make sure you’re always running water with each use for a minimum of 20 seconds. In addition, be sure to only dispose of food items that are approved by the manufacturer.
Frequent clogs may also be a sign that you need a larger disposal capacity to suit your needs, so it might be a good idea to install a larger model.
Lingering Odors from your Garbage Disposal
If you’ve tried freshening your garbage disposal with citrus peels, baking soda and apple cider vinegar only to have odors linger, it might be time to repair or even replace it.
Many times, food particles become trapped in the disposal lines and it’s impossible to clear them. Continuing to flush the lines will only mask the problem and that’s why the odor returns. If you aren’t able to repair it, your best bet is to replace your disposal if you find yourself having to flush the line more often than not.
And while trying to flush the lines provide a temporary fix, it doesn’t solve the underlying issue. Dismantling and reassembling your disposal may be more than you bargain for, so replacing it is the better choice.
Persistent Leaking
While some leaks in your drain or dishwasher lines can be fixed by tightening the connections or replacing the O-ring, other kinds of leaks can become a costly endeavor. If you find a leak in the sink flange, replacing the entire disposal may be the better route to go.
Weighing Your Options
When deciding whether you should repair or replace your disposal, be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. While minor clogs don’t warrant replacement, ongoing or continual issues do. A professional opinion from a garbage disposal repair professional can guide you.
See also “Five Signs Your Garbage Disposal May Need Repair“
Photo by Dean Hochman from Flickr using Creative Commons license.
