Garbage Disposals

Asheville Garbage Disposal Services

Garbage Disposal Experts Serving Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties

Your garbage disposal is supposed to help make kitchen cleanup a breeze. These devices grind up food waste into tiny particles, allowing them to be easily flushed down the drain with water.

Has your garbage disposal stopped working, or are you concerned it’s no longer doing its job as well as it should? Our licensed and insured plumbing technicians can provide expert assistance with repairs, replacements, and new installations on all makes and models of garbage disposals. We can get to the bottom of what is wrong and implement the appropriate solution, whether that’s delivering an efficient repair or helping you choose and install the right replacement unit. At iFix Electric & Plumbing, we aim to earn your satisfaction with fast response times and quality work backed by our lifetime craftsmanship warranty.

Call (828) 569-6253 or contact us online if you need professional garbage disposal services in Asheville, NC. We provide free estimates!

Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Professional Repairs

If your garbage disposal is acting up, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps you should try before giving our team at iFix Electric & Plumbing a call. First, if it's not turning on, check your circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. Then, look for a small red reset button, usually located on the bottom of your disposal unit. Pressing the reset button can often restore normal operation.

If you hear a humming sound but no grinding, something might be jammed inside. Turn off the power and then carefully look into the drain with a flashlight to see if you can spot any foreign objects. If you see something, try to remove it with pliers or tongs, but never use your hand. If your garbage disposal still isn’t working right after completing these steps, you likely need professional repairs.

Don’t wait to schedule repairs if you are dealing with any of the following issues:

No power or failure to turn on (after resetting). If your disposal still won’t run after basic troubleshooting, there's likely an internal electrical or motor issue that requires professional diagnosis and repair.
Humming but not grinding. This is a classic sign of a jam. If you cannot clear a simple jam with pliers or tongs or if the humming persists without grinding even after removing a foreign object, it likely means the grinding plate is still obstructed or that the motor is struggling. This suggests a more stubborn clog or mechanical problem that needs a professional's specialized tools and expertise.
Loud or strange sounds. If your disposal is making unusual rattling, clanking, or excessive vibrating noises, it could indicate loose or damaged impellers, broken internal components, or something hard lodged within the grinding chamber that you can't see. Continued use when these sounds are present can cause further damage.
Persistent leaks. Any visible water leaking from the bottom of your garbage disposal unit or from the discharge pipe is a problem that requires an inspection. Leaks can be caused by loose connections, cracked housing, or seal failures, and if not addressed quickly, they can lead to water damage under your sink cabinet, mold growth, and structural issues.
Foul odors that won't go away. While some odors are normal and can be flushed with water, a persistent, foul smell coming from your disposal suggests that food particles are accumulating and rotting in hard-to-reach areas. There could also be a more significant blockage in your piping that is preventing proper drainage and flushing. Professional cleaning or repairs might be necessary to clear any obstructions and eliminate the source of the odor.
Slow draining or clogs in the sink. If your kitchen sink drains slowly or if you frequently experience clogs even after using your disposal, your unit either isn't effectively grinding food waste, or there's a blockage in the disposal itself or the connected drainpipes. This can be caused by worn-out grinding components or a build-up of non-disposable items.

Tips for Avoiding Garbage Disposal Issues

Garbage disposals are incredibly convenient, but they're not indestructible. Knowing what to put down your disposal and how to care for them properly can significantly extend their lifespan and prevent frustrating clogs and malfunctions. By following a few simple guidelines, you can help keep your disposal running smoothly and reduce the likelihood of issues that require repairs.

Here are some tips for avoiding garbage disposal problems:

Grind small batches. Don't overload your disposal. Instead of dumping a large amount of food waste all at once, feed it in small, manageable batches. This allows the motor to work efficiently and helps prevent jams.
Always run cold water. Always turn on a strong stream of cold water before you turn on the disposal, and let it run for a bit after you've finished grinding. Cold water helps to solidify any grease or oils and allows the grinding plates to break them up more effectively. The continuous flow also helps flush all the food particles completely down the drain.
No grease, oil, or fat. This is one of the most important rules. Grease, oil, and fat solidify as they cool, coating the inside of your pipes and your disposal. This can lead to stubborn clogs, so always dispose of these materials in the trash.
Avoid stringy, fibrous foods. Steer clear of putting highly fibrous foods down your disposal, including celery stalks, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes, and asparagus. Their stringy nature can wrap around the grinding components, leading to jams and motor strain.
No hard materials. Never put hard materials like fruit pits, bones, seafood shells, or coffee grounds down your disposal. These items are too hard for the grinding plates and can dull them, damage the motor, or cause severe jams.
Limit starchy and expanding foods. Foods like pasta, rice, potato peels, and bread can expand when wet, creating a sticky, paste-like sludge that can lead to clogs in your disposal or the drainpipes.

If you think you may need a new residential or commercial garbage disposal, we have you covered! Call (828) 569-6253 or contact us online to start exploring your options.

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