

Use a flashlight to examine beneath your sink to confirm the leak is originating from the garbage disposal and not somewhere else, such as a pipe or joint. Over time, these materials can warp, develop cracks, lose adhesive properties, or become otherwise defective. Garbage disposals use seals, flanges, gaskets, and other materials to stay watertight.
#HOW TO REPLACE GARBAGE DISPOSAL GUARD HOW TO#
The presence of water leaking from the unit is one way how to tell if a garbage disposal is broken. But if there’s such a substantial amount of gunk that you’re noticing an unpleasant smell, it’s usually time to buy a new garbage disposal altogether.
#HOW TO REPLACE GARBAGE DISPOSAL GUARD PROFESSIONAL#
It’s also possible for a professional to open up a garbage disposal and manually clean it. If you’re noticing a persistent foul smell from your sink’s drain, the accumulation of rotten food, bacteria, and mold in your garbage disposal is the likely culprit.Ĭleaning solutions can provide some temporary relief. Sometimes trapped food particles aren’t bulky enough to significantly impair drainage, but they can still cause unpleasant odors. If you’ve exhausted your solutions to unclog the drain and water is still slow to drain, your disposal could be suffering from mechanical defects or a buildup of gunk and debris. Depending on the nature of the clog, you may need to use a plunger or plumber’s snake. Review some of the best ways to unclog your kitchen sink. If water is slow to drain even after you turn the garbage disposal on, you’ll need to first rule out a blockage in your plumbing. One-off drainage problems aren’t usually cause for worry chronic problems demand your attention. 4 Signs You Need a New Garbage DisposalĪ sink that is slow to drain could be an early sign that your garbage disposal needs to be replaced. Let’s take a look at some telltale signs that your garbage disposal is due to be swapped out. For a ten-year-old unit with one or more of the problems listed below, the garbage disposal repair cost could exceed the cost of buying a new one. A relatively new unit with a broken blade can likely be repaired at an affordable cost. Knowing whether to repair or replace garbage disposal units is dependent on the appliance’s age and the nature of the problem. Chronic neglect or ill-advised use, on the other hand, can necessitate a unit’s replacement in just a few years.

As with any appliance, careful maintenance can extend a disposal’s lifespan. With regard to life expectancy, garbage disposal units typically last for around 10 to 12 years. In this article, we’ll explain how to know when to replace garbage disposal units.

There are various signs and symptoms that suggest when one is due to be replaced. When used appropriately, garbage disposals protect your kitchen sink and home plumbing by obliterating food scraps and other debris that can cause clogs, attract pests, and promote mold growth.Ī quality garbage disposal can last quite a long time, but even the best appliances break down eventually.
