Expert Garbage Disposal Repair in Spokane, WA

1. Sink Flange (Top Leak): This is where the disposal connects to the sink drain. It might be loose or have old, cracked plumber’s putty. Try tightening the mounting bolts under the sink.
2. Dishwasher Connection: The hose from your dishwasher typically connects to a small inlet on the side of the disposal. Ensure the hose clamp is tight and the connection isn’t cracked. For new installations, ensure the knockout plug inside the disposal was removed before connecting the dishwasher hose.
3. Discharge Pipe Connections (Side Leak): This is the large drainpipe coming out the side of the disposal and connecting to your drain line. The bolts holding this pipe to the disposal may be loose, or the internal gasket might be worn. Try tightening the bolts.
4. Cracked Housing (Bottom or Side Leak from Unit Body): If water is leaking directly from the body of the disposal unit itself, the housing is likely cracked due to age, impact, or internal stress.

• When to Call a Professional: While tightening connections can sometimes fix minor leaks, if the leak persists, is coming from a cracked housing (which means the unit is irreparable), or if you’re unsure of the source, call Shaw Plumbing. Leaks can cause significant water damage and mold growth under your sink.

4. Clogs or Slow Draining

• Symptoms: Water backs up in your sink after using the disposal, or drains very slowly.
• DIY Fixes:

1. Plunge the Sink: With the disposal turned OFF, fill the sink with a few inches of water. Place a plunger firmly over the drain opening and plunge vigorously.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: For minor clogs and odors, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 15-30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
3. Inspect the Drain Trap: If the clog is persistent, the issue might be in the P-trap directly below your disposal. You might need to remove and clean this trap, but ensure you have a bucket underneath to catch water.

• When to Call a Professional: If plunging doesn’t work, or if you suspect the clog is further down your main drain line (affecting multiple fixtures), our Spokane drain cleaning experts at Shaw Plumbing can use professional tools like augers or hydro-jetting to clear stubborn blockages.

5. Unpleasant Odors

• Symptoms: A foul smell emanates from your kitchen drain, even after running water.
• DIY Fixes:

1. Ice and Citrus: Grind a tray of ice cubes along with a few lemon, lime, or orange peels. The ice helps dislodge food particles, and the citrus freshens the scent.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour a cup of baking soda, wait 5-10 minutes, then pour a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before flushing with hot water.
3. Clean the Splash Guard/Baffle: Food particles can stick to the rubber splash guard at the top of the drain. Remove it (if possible) and scrub it clean.

• When to Call a Professional: If odors persist, especially if accompanied by slow draining, it might indicate a more significant buildup that requires professional cleaning or a deeper drain inspection.

6. Unusual Noises (Grinding, Screeching, Metal on Metal)

• Symptoms: The disposal makes sounds other than its normal hum and grind, such as high-pitched screeching, clanking, or excessive grinding.
• DIY Checks:

1. Turn off Power!
2. Look for Foreign Objects: As with a jam, use a flashlight and pliers/tongs to check for any foreign objects that might be caught in the grinding chamber.

• When to Call a Professional: If you’ve removed all visible objects and the noise persists, it could indicate worn grinding components, loose internal parts, or a failing motor. These issues often require professional repair or, more commonly, a replacement unit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spokane Garbage Disposal Repair

Can my garbage disposal affect my dishwasher?

Yes, if your dishwasher isn’t draining correctly, your garbage disposal could be the cause. Your dishwasher typically drains its dirty water through the garbage disposal. A common issue we see in Spokane homes is when a new disposal unit hasn’t had its knockout plug removed, preventing water from passing through and causing it to back up into the dishwasher. For existing units, a clogged or jammed disposal will also prevent proper dishwasher drainage. If your dishwasher isn’t draining due to a disposal issue, contact Shaw Plumbing for rapid repair in Spokane.

Do I need a special sink for my garbage disposal?

No, most standard kitchen sinks are compatible with garbage disposals. Most sinks come with a standard 3.5-inch (90mm) sink hole that fits almost every residential-sized disposal unit. The main consideration for both repair and installation is ensuring there is enough clear space underneath your sink cabinet to accommodate the disposal unit and allow for proper access for maintenance or future repairs. For more details on sink compatibility and installation requirements, visit our dedicated Garbage Disposal Installation page.

How can I clean and troubleshoot minor garbage disposal issues?

Garbage disposals are generally low-maintenance appliances. Regular use helps prevent food buildup. For cleaning, try grinding a tray of ice cubes mixed with citrus peels (lemon, lime, orange) to freshen the smell and dislodge particles. You can also pour a cup of baking soda, wait a few minutes, then follow with a cup of white vinegar before flushing with hot water. For troubleshooting minor issues like jams or no power, please refer to our comprehensive “Common Garbage Disposal Problems & DIY Troubleshooting Guide” section further up this page, which outlines steps like checking the reset button and using an Allen wrench. Always ensure the power is off before attempting any troubleshooting.

Are garbage disposals as sustainable as composting?

In urban settings like Spokane, garbage disposals offer a practical and sustainable alternative for managing food waste, especially for items not suitable for traditional composting like meat, bones, and dairy. Our local wastewater treatment facilities in Spokane, such as the City of Spokane’s Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility and the Spokane County Regional Water Reclamation Facility, utilize advanced processes including anaerobic digestion. This means that food waste sent down your disposal can be converted into valuable resources like biosolids (a nutrient-rich soil amendment for agriculture) and even biogas, which some facilities use to generate energy. This makes disposals a more sustainable option than simply sending food waste to a landfill.

Will a garbage disposal cause blockages?

Finely ground food waste from a properly functioning disposal will generally not block a well-maintained sewer system. The ground waste is primarily water and has a similar composition to human waste, which all sewer systems are designed to handle. Concerns about blockages are often unfounded, as confirmed by studies. However, improper use – such as putting down excessive amounts of fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), starchy items (potato peels, pasta, rice), grease, coffee grounds, or large foreign objects – can lead to clogs within your disposal or immediate drain lines. Following proper usage guidelines is key to preventing issues. If you’re experiencing frequent blockages, it might be a sign of a larger plumbing issue. Contact Shaw Plumbing for a professional drain inspection.

What are the most common causes of garbage disposal malfunctions?

The most common causes of garbage disposal malfunctions we see in Spokane homes include:

1. Clogs from Food Debris: Too much food, or improper foods (fibrous, starchy, greasy), can overwhelm and jam the unit.
2. Foreign Objects: Silverware, bottle caps, small toys, or even glass can accidentally fall in and jam or damage the grinding components.
3. Wear and Tear: Over time, the motor can weaken, grinding components can dull, or seals can degrade, leading to leaks, reduced efficiency, or complete failure. Our Spokane technicians at Shaw Plumbing specialize in quickly diagnosing and repairing these common issues.

What are the signs that my garbage disposal needs to be replaced rather than repaired?

While many issues can be repaired, signs that your garbage disposal in Spokane may need replacement include: frequent or recurring jams, persistent leaks from the main body of the unit (indicating a cracked housing), loud and unusual noises that don’t go away after clearing jams (suggesting internal motor or component failure), reduced grinding performance, or if the unit is old (typically 8-15 years). If the cost of a repair approaches or exceeds half the price of a new, more efficient unit, replacement is generally the more cost-effective option. Our technicians at Shaw Plumbing provide honest assessments and can help you decide.

What steps can I take to maintain my garbage disposal and prevent future issues?

• Avoid Certain Foods: Never put fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), starchy items (potato peels, pasta, rice), large bones, fruit pits, coffee grounds, eggshells, or excessive amounts of grease/oil down the drain.
• Use Cold Water: Always run a strong stream of cold water before, during, and for at least 15-30 seconds after using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify grease and oils, making them easier to grind and flush away.
• Clean Regularly: Use the ice and citrus method regularly to clean the grinding chamber and refresh the scent.
• Run Regularly: Even if you don’t have much to grind, run your disposal with cold water for a few seconds every few days to prevent rust and keep components moving freely. By following these simple maintenance steps, Spokane homeowners can significantly extend the life of their garbage disposal and prevent costly repairs. For professional maintenance tips and services in Spokane, don’t hesitate to contact Shaw Plumbing.