Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposal for Austin, Texas Homeowners

When Austin, Texas homeowners experience problems with their garbage disposals, they may be left wondering what to do. Problematic disposals can cause a significant amount of frustration and inconvenience, but they don’t have to spell disaster. With the right understanding of what’s wrong, it’s possible for homeowners to take the necessary steps to get the garbage disposal running again or make an appointment with a qualified plumber for assistance.

Before making any moves, it pays to read up on typical garbage disposal issues, proper maintenance, and other factors. With that in mind, below are some of the most commonly asked questions about garbage disposals in Austin, TX and the surrounding areas.

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Jammed?

The most common cause of a jammed garbage disposal is food becoming stuck in the blade mechanism. This can happen if food scraps are too large and have gotten stuck on the blades while the unit is running, or due to excessive buildup of grease and debris. Unfortunately, this type of problem can’t be fixed until the homeowner turns off the power, disconnects the unit, and removes the debris by hand.

The Garbage Disposal is On, But It Isn’t Working – What Next?

In some cases, the garbage disposal will turn on, but the blades don’t spin. This is usually a sign of an electronic issue, such as a bad switch, loose wire, depleted motor, or faulty circuit breaker. If the debris has been removed from the blades, this could also be due to an underlying plumbing issue, such as the drain’s P-trap not providing enough water to keep the blade assembly lubricated. A licensed plumber will be best-equipped to diagnose the problem and take the necessary steps to restore the unit to working order.

What Common Habits Should I Avoid With regards to Garbage Disposal Maintenance?

It’s important to remember that garbage disposals are not trash cans and should never be used as such. To prevent unnecessary wear and tear, it’s recommended to not put any kind of fibrous material, such as onion skins, corn husks, artichokes, eggshells, banana peels, or celery in the disposal. Most containers also place restrictions on grinding up cooked fat, bones, and large amounts of fibrous materials, as these items can lace the blades and create blockages or create entanglement with the blade shaft.

How Often Should I Schedule a Professional Maintenance Session for My Garbage Disposal?

As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended to schedule annual professional maintenance sessions with a qualified plumbing technician for each of the unit’s sub-systems. This includes checking the entire unit for mechanical integrity, cleaning and lubricating its moving parts, and ensuring the wiring connections are secure. Doing so will help extend the life of the garbage disposal unit, save money and energy in the long run, and provide peace of mind.

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