Garbage Disposal Repair & Replacement

Keeping Your System Unclogged and Uncompromised

Having Issues with Your Disposal?

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Our team of specialists is here to help you get set up with the highest-quality garbage disposal systems available in Austin. Whether you need a minor repair or a full replacement, we’ve got you covered. You’ll be satisfied with our services the first time, guaranteed.

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Garbage Disposal: Prevalent Issues and Solutions

Some Answers for Your Most Common Questions

Every day we utilize tools like the faucet, heater, dishwasher, and of course our food processor. It’s natural to us, a part of everyday life that we have grown accustomed to utilizing. These systems help us maintain a safe and sanitary home, and in return, we do our best to maintain them. Now we don’t all need to be experts, but as a homeowner, it is important to be able to identify potential problems and address them. To help you out, we’ve compiled some of the most common problems people experience with their garbage disposals and provide solutions so that you can keep your disposal running like new.

Newly Installed Garbage Disposal Unit
Garbage Disposal Leaking

Leaking Water Above or Below the Sink

Leaks are one of the most common issues we see as garbage disposal repair specialists. There are many reasons that your disposal may be leaking, be it from a crack, worn-out system, or something else entirely. 

There are a few different reasons why your garbage disposal could be leaking water. The most common reason is that there is a crack or hole in the unit itself. If this is the case, then unfortunately you will need to replace the entire unit. Another common reason for leakage is that the seals or gaskets around the disposer’s moving parts have become worn down and no longer provide a tight seal. In this instance, you may be able to solve the problem by simply replacing the worn-out seals or gaskets. In the best of cases, the system is just simply overloaded. When a disposal is overloaded, the seals and gaskets can become damaged, causing leaks. To avoid this problem, be sure to only put small amounts of food waste at your disposal at a time.

In truth, a leak could be the result of any combination of these problems. Your best bet is always to defer to a specialist with the experience and training necessary to handle it.

Unusual Smells from Your Disposal

Let’s face it, nobody likes smelly garbage disposal. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also attract pests like flies and rats. Worse yet, smelly disposal can indicate that your unit isn’t functioning properly, which can lead to bigger problems down the road. 

Most of the time, the smell of your disposal is the result of what goes into it.

One of the most common culprits behind stinky garbage disposal is food scraps. Over time, these organic materials will begin to rot, which creates an incredibly foul odor. To prevent this from happening, make sure to scrape all food scraps into the trashcan before running your disposal. You should also run cold water for at least 30 seconds after using your disposal to flush away any lingering food particles.

Another common cause of bad odors is sulfur-bearing wastes like eggshells, coffee grounds, and tea leaves. These materials release hydrogen sulfide gas when they decompose, which gives off a rotten egg smell. To get rid of this odor-causing agent, simply add a few slices of lemon or lime to your disposal and run it for 30 seconds. The citrus scent will neutralize the hydrogen sulfide and leave your disposal smelling fresh and clean.

In some cases, the source of the bad smell may not be coming from your garbage disposal at all. If you notice an ongoing sewage smell near your unit, you may have a backup in your main sewer line. This is a serious issue that should be addressed by a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Water is Draining Slowly from Your Sink

Have you ever turned on the faucet, only to have the water come out in a feeble stream? Or maybe the water drains out of the sink very slowly after you turn off the faucet. If so, you’re probably wondering what’s causing this problem and if there’s anything you can do about it.

There are a few possible reasons why water might be draining slowly from your sink. It could be due to a clogged drain, a leaky faucet, or corrosion in your pipes. A professional plumber would be able to take a look at your sink and diagnose the problem. In the meantime, here are a few things you can try on your own to get things flowing smoothly again.

If you think the problem might be due to a clogged drain, there are a few ways you can try to unclog it. First, see if anything is blocking the drain that you can remove by hand. If not, you can try using a plunger or a plumber’s snake. If those methods don’t work, you can pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain and let it sit for an hour before flushing it with hot water.

If you think the problem might be due to a leaky faucet, here’s an easy way to check. Turn on the faucet and put a cup underneath it to catch the water. Then, use a marker to make a mark on the cup where the water level is. Let the faucet run for two minutes and then check back to see how much water has collected in the cup. If there’s more than an inch of water, then chances are there’s a leak somewhere in your faucet.

If neither of those solutions works, then it’s possible that corrosion has built up inside your pipes and is causing water to drain slowly. This is generally not something that homeowners can fix on their own and will require professional help.

When to Hire a Professional

A Checklist

We’ve all been there. You’re minding your own business, going about your daily routine when suddenly your garbage disposal starts making weird noises. Or it starts leaking. Or it just plain stops working. And you think to yourself, “Do I need to hire a professional garbage disposal technician? Or can I fix this myself?”

The answer, of course, depends on the situation. But if you’re not sure whether you should tackle the problem yourself or call in the pros, here are five signs that indicate it’s time to hire a professional:

1. You don’t know how to fix it.

If you don’t know how to fix the problem, then it’s probably time to call a professional. Trying to fiddle around with something you don’t understand will likely only make the problem worse—and could even be dangerous. Play it safe and hire someone who knows what they’re doing.

2. It’s a big job.

If you are handy, but you get in there and find that the problem is bigger than just a simple clog or leak, then it’s probably beyond your scope of expertise and you’ll need to hire someone who can handle the repairs.

3. You don’t have the right tools.

Even if you know how to fix the problem, if you don’t have the right tools for the job, then again, it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals. Without the right tools, you might not be able to properly fix the issue—or worse, you could end up damaging your garbage disposal (or yourself!).

4. It’s an emergency situation.

If your garbage disposal has stopped working entirely and you can’t use it at all, then that’s an emergency that requires assistance. The sooner you can get someone out to take a look at it, the better—because living without a garbage disposal is no fun!

5. You just don’t have time for it.

Let’s be honest—if you’re like most people, you’re probably pretty busy and don’t have a lot of free time on your hands. The last thing you may want to do with your time, then, is trying to fix up your home’s plumbing system So if fixing your garbage disposal is going to take up several hours of your time that you just don’t have to spare, then again, it might be better (and less stressful) to just hire someone else to take care of it for you.

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Ready to Get Started?

Check with a Professional Here

Nobody likes dealing with broken garbage disposal—but unfortunately, sometimes life throws us a curveball and we have no choice but to deal with it. If your garbage disposal is giving you trouble and you’re not sure whether you should try fixing it yourself or hire a professional technician, don’t hesitate to consult with one of our team members. They just might help you make the right decision for your particular situation!

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