When does your garbage disposal need repair or replacement?
Your garbage disposal is one of those kitchen appliances you probably don’t think about—until it stops working. Whether it’s making strange noises, not grinding food properly, or just not turning on, a faulty garbage disposal can disrupt your routine in a big way. But how do you know if it’s time for a simple repair or a complete replacement? Here are some telltale signs that your garbage disposal may need attention, and how to decide between repair or replacement.
Strange or Unusual Noises
Garbage disposals aren’t exactly quiet, but if you start to hear grinding, rattling, or metal-on-metal sounds, something could be wrong. These noises often signal that a foreign object—like a utensil—has fallen in. If that’s not the case, internal components like blades or bearings might be damaged. In some cases, this issue can be fixed, but if the disposal has sustained significant internal damage, replacement may be your best bet.
Frequent Resets
Every garbage disposal has a reset button, but needing to press it often is not normal. Constant resets could indicate an electrical issue, motor failure, or an overloaded system. While occasional resets might just be the result of a temporary jam, frequent ones are a strong indicator that your garbage disposal is on its last legs. You may be looking at a replacement soon.
Persistent Odors
If your kitchen smells bad even after cleaning your sink and disposal, you could be dealing with trapped food particles or a buildup of residue. While odor can sometimes be resolved with cleaning methods like baking soda and vinegar, persistent smells might point to deeper issues, such as decaying material stuck in hard-to-reach areas or worn-out parts that aren’t grinding effectively anymore. If deep cleaning doesn’t fix it, consider calling in a pro to inspect and recommend a repair or replacement.
Leaks Around the Unit
Leaks under your sink could stem from a worn-out seal, loose connection, or cracked housing in the garbage disposal. If the leak is coming from a connection point, a repair might do the trick. But if the disposal itself is cracked or corroded, you’ll likely need a full replacement.
Poor Performance or Clogs
If your disposal is taking longer than usual to grind food—or it clogs frequently even with proper use—it may not be functioning efficiently. Dull blades or an aging motor can reduce performance. In some cases, blades can be sharpened or parts replaced. But if your unit is older (typically over 8–10 years), it might be time to upgrade to a more powerful, efficient model.
Won’t Turn On
If your garbage disposal isn’t turning on at all, it could be due to an electrical issue, a tripped breaker, or internal motor failure. Start by checking your power source and reset button. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, and you’ve ruled out simple electrical problems, the motor might be shot—meaning a replacement is probably necessary.
When to Repair vs. Replace
There are times when it’s best to repair, and times when replacement is the only option. It’s important to know which situation you’re dealing with before attempting one or the other. For the best result, call a professional plumbing service to ensure your repair or replacement goes smoothly.
Repair
- The issue is minor (e.g., a jam or loose connection).
- The unit is relatively new (under 5 years old).
- Replacement parts are readily available and cost-effective.
Replace
- It’s over 8–10 years old.
It has multiple ongoing issues (clogs, leaks, poor performance). - The motor or internal components are severely damaged.
- Repair costs approach or exceed the cost of a new unit.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you still have more questions regarding your plumbing, we here at Mahon Plumbing are here to help. We have been serving the wider Baltimore area since 1994, so we have 25 years of experience to back up our fantastic service! Call us at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook or Twitter.