What should I do if my garbage disposal is making unusual noises?

Hey there! If you’re hearing some funky sounds coming from your garbage disposal, it might need a bit of attention. First off, make sure to turn off the disposal and never stick your hand in there—safety first! Sometimes, the noise could be from something stuck inside, so grab a flashlight and look carefully. If you spot anything, like utensils or food debris, use tongs or pliers (not your hands!) to remove them. Also, try pressing the reset button underneath. If the noise persists, it might be time to call in The Pro Plumbing for a closer look.

Understanding Your Garbage Disposal

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s helpful to understand how your garbage disposal works. It’s typically installed under your kitchen sink and is designed to shred food waste into smaller pieces, which can then be safely flushed down your plumbing system.

Garbage disposals consist of:

Grinding Mechanism: 

This includes rotating blades or impellers that shred food waste.

Motor: 

Powers the grinding mechanism.

Housing: 

Encases the grinding components and directs waste into your plumbing.

Common Types of Garbage Disposal Noises

Garbage disposals can produce various noises depending on the issue at hand. Here are some common types of noises and what they might indicate:

Humming Noise: 

This typically suggests the motor is running but the blades aren’t moving, often due to a jam.

Grinding or Rattling Noise: 

Indicates there might be something hard, like a piece of metal or bone, stuck in the disposal.

Screeching or Whining Noise: 

Could indicate a mechanical issue with the motor or bearings.

Clicking or Clunking Noise: 

Often caused by loose components or debris inside the disposal.

Safety First: Before You Begin

Before attempting any repairs or troubleshooting, ensure your safety:

Turn Off Power: 

Locate the circuit breaker or switch that controls the disposal and turn it off to avoid accidental activation.

Avoid Hands Inside: 

Never put your hands inside the disposal. Use tools like tongs or pliers instead.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide for your garbage disposal: First, ensure safety by turning off its power source. Inspect for any obstructions using a flashlight and remove them using tongs. Try resetting the disposal by pressing the reset button underneath. If it still makes unusual noises or fails to work properly, use an Allen wrench to manually rotate the disposal’s central shaft to clear any jams. For persistent issues or if you’re unsure, it’s best to contact a professional plumbing service like The Pro Plumbing for expert inspection and repair.

Now, let’s walk through the steps to diagnose and fix common garbage disposal noises:

1. Check for Obstructions

When checking for obstructions in your garbage disposal, first turn off its power and inspect with a flashlight for any stuck items. Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove debris. Ensure the drain connections are secure and clear of clogs that could cause backup. If you encounter persistent clogs or drainage issues, consider professional drain cleaning services like those offered by The Pro Plumbing. They can safely and effectively clear blockages and ensure your plumbing system remains in top condition.

Often, strange noises are caused by objects stuck inside the disposal. Here’s how to check:

Turn Off Disposal: 

Ensure it’s completely off and not just in standby mode.

Inspect with Flashlight: 

Shine a flashlight into the disposal to look for any foreign objects like utensils, bones, or other debris.

Remove Obstructions: 

Use long-handled tongs, pliers, or a wooden spoon handle to carefully remove any visible obstructions. Never use your hands.

2. Reset the Disposal

Many disposals are equipped with a reset button that can help resolve minor issues:

Locate Reset Button: 

Look for a small red or black button underneath the disposal unit.

Press the Reset Button: 

Push the button firmly to reset the disposal. This can often resolve issues caused by overheating or minor jams.

3. Clear Jams

If the disposal is making a humming noise but not operating, there might be a jam:

Use the Allen Wrench: 

Most disposals come with an Allen wrench designed for this purpose. Insert the wrench into the bottom center of the disposal and turn it back and forth to manually rotate the grinding mechanism and dislodge any obstructions.

Rotate Blades: 

After using the wrench, manually rotate the grinding mechanism a few times to ensure it moves freely.

4. Check Mounting and Connections

Loose mounting or connections can also cause noise:

Inspect Mounting Bolts: 

Check the mounting bolts securing the disposal to the sink and tighten them if they’re loose.

Check Drain Connections: 

Ensure the drain pipe and connections are secure and properly aligned. Loose connections can cause vibrations and noise during operation.

5. Clean the Disposal

Regular cleaning helps prevent buildup and maintain optimal performance:

Use Ice Cubes and Rock Salt: 

Drop a handful of ice cubes and a tablespoon of rock salt into the disposal. Turn it on with cold water running to help clean the grinding mechanism and remove debris.

Citrus Peels: 

Grinding citrus peels like lemon or orange can help freshen up the disposal and eliminate odors.

6. Address Mechanical Issues

If the noise persists or indicates a mechanical problem:

Inspect Motor Bearings: 

If you hear screeching or grinding noises, it could indicate worn-out motor bearings. This typically requires professional repair or replacement.

Check for Loose Components: 

Clicking or clunking noises often stem from loose mounting screws or other internal components. Tighten screws and bolts as needed.

7. Consider Professional Help

When troubleshooting your garbage disposal, if issues persist or you’re unsure of the problem, consider a professional in Garbage Disposal in Alhambra, CA. They offer specialized services to diagnose and repair garbage disposals, ensuring they operate efficiently and safely. Professional plumbers have the expertise to handle complex issues such as motor problems, persistent jams, or unusual noises that require specialized tools and knowledge. Contacting professionals ensures your disposal is properly maintained and extends its lifespan.

If troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, or if you’re uncomfortable with DIY repairs:

Contact a Professional: 

A licensed plumber or appliance repair technician can diagnose and fix more complex issues safely.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Maintaining your garbage disposal ensures longevity and efficient operation. Avoid putting hard items like bones or fibrous foods down the disposal, and regularly clean it with ice cubes and rock salt to remove buildup. Use citrus peels to freshen it up and always run cold water during use. Consider scheduling regular maintenance with a garbage disposal service like The Pro Plumbing to inspect and tune up your unit, ensuring it continues to function smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

To extend the lifespan and prevent future problems, consider these maintenance tips:

Avoid Hard Items: 

Refrain from putting hard items like bones, fruit pits, or coffee grounds into the disposal.

Run Cold Water: 

Always run cold water when operating the disposal to help solidify fats and oils, which reduces the risk of clogs.

Use Regularly: 

Running the disposal regularly prevents corrosion and keeps parts moving smoothly.

FAQs

Why does my garbage disposal make a weird sound?

A weird sound from your garbage disposal typically indicates there’s an obstruction, such as food debris, utensils, or other objects lodged in the grinding mechanism. These obstructions can prevent the disposal blades from spinning freely, causing unusual noises like grinding, rattling, or humming. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and restore normal operation to your disposal.

Why is my garbage disposal just making a buzzing sound?

A buzzing sound from your garbage disposal usually indicates that the motor is running but the blades are unable to turn due to a jam or obstruction. This can happen if something hard like a bone or utensil is stuck in the disposal. To resolve this, try using an Allen wrench to manually rotate the disposal’s grinding mechanism to dislodge the obstruction, or press the reset button underneath the unit to reset it. If the problem persists, it may require professional attention to inspect and repair the disposal.

How do you clean a noisy garbage disposal?

To clean a noisy garbage disposal, start by turning it off and ensuring it’s safely powered down. Next, drop a handful of ice cubes and a tablespoon of rock salt into the disposal, then turn it on and run cold water for about 30 seconds. This helps clean the grinding mechanism and remove debris that could be causing the noise.

How to fix grinding noise in garbage disposal?

To fix a grinding noise in your garbage disposal, first turn off the power to the unit for safety. Use an Allen wrench to manually rotate the disposal’s grinding mechanism back and forth to dislodge any obstructions causing the noise. Once clear, turn the power back on and test the disposal to ensure the noise has been resolved. If the problem persists, consider seeking professional help to inspect and repair the disposal.

What is the best way to lubricate a garbage disposal?

Lubricating a garbage disposal can help maintain smooth operation and prevent corrosion. The best way to lubricate it is to use a non-toxic, biodegradable lubricant specifically designed for disposals. Apply a few drops of the lubricant into the disposal while it’s turned off, then run cold water and briefly turn on the disposal to distribute the lubricant throughout the grinding mechanism. Avoid using vegetable oils or other household lubricants that can cause buildup and odors.

Conclusion

Dealing with a noisy garbage disposal can be frustrating, but with the right approach, many issues can be resolved at home. Remember to prioritize safety, follow manufacturer instructions, and seek professional help when needed. By taking proactive steps and maintaining your disposal, you can ensure it continues to function efficiently for years to come.

Scroll to Top