Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is Broken

You rely on your garbage disposal to make food waste disappear quickly, but things can get messy fast when it’s not working. Knowing the signs of a broken garbage disposal can save you from bigger problems down the line. If your garbage disposal is making a strange humming sound, leaking under the sink, or simply not grinding food scraps properly, it’s a sign something’s wrong. 

When these issues pop up, it’s a good chance you need a professional plumber to take a look. In most cases, electrical problems or jammed blades cause the disposal to fail, and ignoring these signs can lead to worse trouble, like leaks or motor burnouts. Being aware of these issues can help you get a professional garbage disposal service to handle the problem quickly.

Bad Odors

One of the first signs your garbage disposal is broken is the smell. If foul odors start lingering around your sink, it’s usually because food waste is trapped inside the grinding chamber or discharge drainpipe. Even properly maintained disposals can sometimes collect solid food waste, which starts to rot. When this happens, the smell rises through the sink drain and fills your kitchen. A professional plumber can inspect the disposal and determine if a deeper issue, like a clogged drain trap or a leaking unit, is causing the smells. 

Unusually Long Lag Times

If your garbage disposal takes longer than usual to process food waste, that’s a sure sign something is wrong. A properly functioning disposal should make quick work of grinding food scraps, but if you’re finding it struggling or stalling, the motor or blades might be worn out. In some cases, this lag time can be due to electrical problems, such as a bad power cord or a loose connection to the power source. These lag times might also point to clogged or dull blades, reducing the disposal’s effectiveness. You might hear the motor working, but if it’s not grinding food efficiently, it indicates that repair or replacement could be in order. Ignoring this sign could result in clogs, leaks, and the need for more extensive repairs down the line.

Frequent Clogs

A garbage disposal that’s constantly clogging isn’t doing its job. If your disposal unit clogs regularly, there’s likely a problem with the grinding chamber or blades. Over time, these clogs can back up the sink drain, making it harder for water and waste to flow through. The more clogs you experience, the more damage your disposal may endure, leading to leaks or even motor failure. In most cases, homeowners can clear minor clogs, but it’s best to contact a professional plumber if this becomes a regular occurrence. They can inspect the unit, clear the blades, and fix any deeper issues causing your garbage disposal to malfunction.

The Most Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Clogs

Frequent clogs in your disposal can be a real hassle, but they often stem from common mistakes in usage. Knowing the most frequent culprits can prevent clogs and ensure smooth operation. Typically, clogs occur when the wrong types of food or debris are placed in the disposal, leading to a build-up that blocks the blades. Here are the most common causes:

• Fats, oils, and grease: These substances solidify once they cool, creating stubborn blockages.
• Fibrous foods: Items like celery, onion skins, and corn husks tangle around the blades and slow down the disposal.
• Starchy foods: Potatoes, rice, and pasta expand when exposed to water, clogging the disposal’s drain.
• Large food scraps: Big chunks of food can overwhelm the disposal, leading to blockages.
• Non-food items: Accidentally dropping utensils, sponges, or other non-food objects into the disposal can cause jams and clogs.

Taking note of these factors can help prevent future issues, keeping your garbage disposal running efficiently.

Constantly Trips the Circuit Breaker

If your garbage disposal keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the electrical connection. When this happens, there’s usually an overload in the disposal’s motor, which causes it to draw too much power. This can occur when food waste jams the blades or the grinding chamber is damaged, forcing the motor to work harder. In some cases, it could be due to a faulty switch or an issue with the power outlet itself. Resetting the breaker might fix the problem temporarily, but if the disposal keeps shutting off, there’s a good chance the appliance needs professional repair.

Loud Noises

Garbage disposals aren’t exactly silent, but something’s off if yours is making unusually loud grinding or rattling noises. Often, loud noises occur when a foreign object — like a fork or piece of glass — falls into the grinding chamber and gets stuck. In other cases, the problem could be with the blades themselves, which might be dull, broken, or misaligned. You might hear a humming sound indicating that the motor is working, but the blades aren’t spinning properly. This type of noise can be an early warning that your garbage disposal is on its way to breaking down. Ignoring these noises could lead to further damage, and it’s often a good idea to call a professional plumber to fix the issue before it becomes a more expensive repair.

Frequent Leaks

If your garbage disposal leaks, it’s a clear sign something is wrong. Leaks can happen in various places, from the sink flange to the discharge drainpipe. Often, the leak is caused by loose connections, a damaged seal, or worn-out parts that need replacement. Water leaking from your disposal can damage your cabinets, flooring, and even the unit’s electrical components. In most cases, leaks signify that the disposal is no longer properly maintained and needs a thorough inspection. A professional plumber can determine whether the leak can be fixed or if it’s time for a replacement. Don’t let a small drip become a major problem—addressing the issue early can save you from more significant damage.

Contact Silver State to Get Your Garbage Disposal Fixed By the Best

When you notice any of these signs — whether it’s bad odors, frequent clogs, or strange noises — it’s time to get your garbage disposal checked out. At Silver State, we can help you fix or replace your broken garbage disposal. From diagnosing electrical problems to clearing out clogs, we handle it all. With our professional kitchen plumbing team, you can trust that your garbage disposal unit will be working like new again in no time. Don’t wait for small problems to become big ones. If your disposal unit is leaking, humming, or constantly clogging, contact us today and let us take care of the issue before it turns into something more serious. Trust Silver State to keep your home’s plumbing systems running smoothly.