Top 6 Signs You Need a Garbage Disposal Repair ASAP

Garbage disposal repair is needed if you have constant clogs, strange noises, or slow draining. Other signs include bad smells, leaks, frequent resets, or the unit not turning on. Fixing these problems fast can help avoid bigger damage and expensive repairs.

1. Persistent Clogs That Won’t Go Away

If your garbage disposal keeps clogging no matter how careful you are, something’s off.

A working unit should handle food waste well and keep your sink clear.

If clogs keep coming back, it’s usually because of food buildup, grease, or bad disposal habits.

When this happens frequently, it might indicate the need for Garbage Disposal Repair.

Some foods—like potato peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells—are known for causing tough blockages.

They don’t break down easily and can turn into a thick sludge or get stuck in the grinding parts.

Over time, this can lead to slow drainage and even put stress on the motor, shortening your disposal’s life.

To keep things running smoothly, always use cold water when running the disposal.

This helps solidify grease and oils so they get chopped up instead of sticking to the pipes.

If clogs keep happening, there might be a deeper blockage in your drain, and you may need professional Garbage Disposal Repair to restore functionality.

A clogged sink isn’t just frustrating—it could be a sign you need garbage disposal repair.

If you’ve tried the usual fixes but still deal with frequent clogs, it’s time to call in the experts.

Get drain cleaning services from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Woodland Park, SC, before it turns into a costly repair.

2. Strange Noises Coming from Your Garbage Disposal

Ever hear your garbage disposal sound like it’s chewing nails instead of food?

That’s a red flag.

A working unit should hum smoothly—not grind, rattle, or screech.

Strange noises often mean something’s stuck inside or that parts, like the impellers, are worn out.

Ignoring it can lead to bigger problems or even a total breakdown, making Garbage Disposal Repair necessary.

Sometimes, a stray fork or bone is the culprit.

Other times, it’s an internal issue, like misaligned or broken parts.

If you hear a metallic or high-pitched sound, turn the disposal off right away.

Letting it run could overheat the motor or wear out critical components.

A jammed or misaligned disposal can also slow drainage or cause frequent resets.

If clearing the blockage doesn’t fix the noise, it’s time to call a pro.

Unusual sounds are warning signs of bigger trouble ahead.

Fixing the issue now could save you from replacing the whole unit later.

Seeking Garbage Disposal Repair at the first sign of trouble can prevent more expensive repairs down the line.

If your garbage disposal starts making unsettling noises, don’t wait for a complete breakdown.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC is here to help with expert garbage disposal repair before it turns into a costly headache for homeowners in Woodland Park, SC.

3. Slow or Inefficient Draining

If water keeps pooling in your sink when you use the disposal, you probably have a partial clog.

This usually happens when food waste, grease, or soap scum builds up in the pipes, blocking the water flow.

A working disposal should break down waste fast and flush it away without trouble.

One big mistake? Pouring grease or oil down the drain.

Over time, these harden and stick to the pipe walls, trapping food and making the clog worse.

Running cold water while using the disposal can help.

It solidifies fats, making them easier to grind and less likely to build up.

But if the draining stays slow, it might be time for a closer look.

A professional garbage disposal repair can find hidden blockages deep in your pipes that home fixes can’t clear.

With tools like a camera inspection, a plumber can spot the clog and figure out the best fix.

This prevents bigger issues and keeps your drains flowing smoothly.

If your disposal isn’t draining like it should, don’t wait.

Seeking garbage disposal repair early can stop backups, bad smells, and costly plumbing problems later.

If you’re in Woodland Park, SC, a local expert can help restore your system efficiently.

4. Bad Smells That Won’t Go Away

If your garbage disposal smells bad no matter what you do, something’s wrong.

Over time, food bits get stuck in the blades and crevices, leading to odors that won’t go away even after rinsing with water and soap.

If the stink lingers, buildup is likely the problem.

Some people try tossing citrus peels in to freshen things up, but that’s just a quick fix.

The real issue is deeper inside.

Grease, fat, and tiny food scraps stick to the grinding parts, break down, and attract bacteria.

Without regular cleaning, your disposal can turn into a hidden source of nasty smells that spread through your kitchen.

A professional garbage disposal repair can clear out tough buildup and keep your unit working well.

If the smell won’t go away, the problem could be a bigger one, like a clog deeper in the drain line.

When DIY tricks don’t work, it’s time to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC.

Whether you’re in Woodland Park, SC, or nearby, we’ll check your system, clean it the right way, and help you get rid of those stubborn odors for good.

5. Leaks Under or Around the Garbage Disposal

Seeing a puddle under your sink is never a good sign.

If your garbage disposal is leaking, that’s a red flag.

Water damage under the sink usually means worn-out seals, loose connections, or even small cracks in the unit.

Ignoring it can lead to mold, wood rot, and expensive repairs beyond just your plumbing.

Leaks can come from different spots—common ones include the sink flange, dishwasher connection, or discharge pipe.

If you see water dripping, it’s time to check things out.

A small leak might just need a tightened connection or a new seal, but if it keeps leaking, the whole unit might need replacing.

It’s easy to ignore a slow drip, but even a tiny leak can turn into a big problem fast.

Fixing it early can save you from costly water damage and stress.

If you think you need garbage disposal repair, getting a professional opinion is the best move.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC offers expert water line leak detection and repair in Woodland Park, SC to find and fix the problem before it gets worse.

6. Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On

When your garbage disposal won’t turn on, it’s more than a small hassle—it means something’s wrong.

First, check if it’s plugged in.

If that’s not the problem, press the reset button on the bottom or side of the unit.

But if you’re hitting reset often, that’s a warning sign that you may need garbage disposal repair.

It could also be an electrical issue.

A tripped breaker or a bad switch might be cutting power.

Try flipping the breaker.

If that doesn’t fix it, the problem could be faulty wiring or a burned-out motor.

Messing with electrical parts can be risky, so it’s safer to call a pro for garbage disposal repair.

Another common culprit is a jammed grinding mechanism.

If you hear a low humming sound when you flip the switch, something might be stuck, stopping the flywheel from turning.

Some jams can sometimes be cleared from the bottom of the unit, but if it keeps happening, there’s likely a bigger mechanical problem that requires professional attention.

If you need garbage disposal repair, it’s time to call in the experts.

The team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC can figure out what’s wrong and fix it fast, so your kitchen stays in working order.

Whether you’re in Florence or nearby Woodland Park, SC, professional help is just a phone call away.

7. Constantly Hitting the Reset Button? Here’s What It Means

If you keep pressing the reset button just to keep your garbage disposal running, something’s definitely off.

That button is there to stop the motor if there’s a jam or minor issue—not something you should rely on all the time.

If you’re resetting it often, your disposal might have a bigger electrical or mechanical problem, meaning you may need Garbage Disposal Repair sooner rather than later.

Frequent resets usually mean overheating, faulty wiring, or a failing motor.

Sometimes, circuit overloads or loose connections can also trigger the reset button.

If your disposal suddenly shuts off while you’re using it, check if it’s overheated and give it a break.

But if it keeps happening, it’s best to call in a professional for Garbage Disposal Repair before the damage gets worse.

Ignoring the issue could lead to total motor failure, leaving you without a working disposal right when you need it most.

Instead of waiting until it completely stops working, schedule an inspection with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC.

Their experts will figure out what’s wrong—whether it’s electrical trouble, a mechanical issue, or just a quick wiring fix—and get your disposal running like new.

If you’re in Woodland Park, SC, or the surrounding area, don’t put it off—constant resets are a sign your unit might be on its last leg.

8. Blades Not Grinding Food Properly

If your garbage disposal leaves big food chunks behind, it’s not doing its job right.

Instead of breaking waste into small bits, it might be struggling because of worn-down parts or buildup inside.

Despite what many think, garbage disposals don’t have sharp blades.

They use small metal lugs, called impellers, to push food waste against a grind ring.

Over time, these impellers can wear down or get clogged with food residue, making them less effective.

If your disposal is leaving food pieces in the sink or seems to be working slower, it might need garbage disposal repair.

Some foods, like fibrous vegetables or bones, wear down the impellers faster and make grinding harder.

If your disposal used to handle food scraps easily but now struggles, the impellers or grind ring may need cleaning or replacing.

Ignoring this problem can lead to clogs, slow drainage, or even motor strain, which shortens the unit’s lifespan.

If your unit isn’t breaking down food like it should, don’t wait until it stops working completely.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC offers expert disposal fixes in Woodland Park, SC to get it running smoothly again.

9. Garbage Disposal Shaking Too Much

If your garbage disposal shakes like a washing machine on high spin, something’s wrong.

Most of the time, it means the unit is loose, not mounted right, or unbalanced.

Over time, screws and mounting parts can loosen, making the disposal wobble when you use it.

If this keeps happening, it can wear down the system and even damage your sink or plumbing.

In many cases, Garbage Disposal Repair is needed to address these issues before they lead to more serious damage.

A grinding plate that’s off balance could also be the problem.

If the impellers wear down unevenly or get clogged with food scraps, the unit may start rattling more than it should.

Ignoring this could mean a shorter lifespan for your disposal, turning an easy fix into a costly replacement.

A well-kept disposal can last 8 to 15 years, but skipping maintenance can make it fail much sooner.

If tightening the mounting ring or clearing out debris doesn’t help, it’s time to call a pro.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC can check for loose parts, mounting issues, or bigger mechanical problems.

Garbage disposal repair is essential for keeping your system running smoothly—if yours is shaking the whole sink, don’t wait until it causes bigger plumbing troubles.

Residents in Woodland Park, SC can get expert help with Garbage Disposal Repair to ensure their disposal functions properly.

10. Water Backing Up into Other Drains

Your garbage disposal should send waste smoothly down the drain.

If your sink drains slowly or water backs up into other fixtures, there’s likely a clog somewhere in the plumbing.

This can cause dirty water from your dishwasher or another sink to bubble up where it shouldn’t, making a mess.

The blockage could be in the disposal or further down the drain line.

Over time, grease, food scraps, and debris build up, slowing water flow.

If pressing the reset button or running hot water doesn’t fix it, the problem might be bigger—possibly in the sewer line.

A simple way to keep your disposal working well is to grind a few ice cubes while running cold water.

This helps clean the internal parts and keeps things running smoothly.

But if the issue keeps coming back, it may be time for garbage disposal repair.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC provides expert sewer line inspection and repair in Woodland Park, SC.

Fixing the problem now can save you from dealing with a nasty backup later.

11. Humming Sounds but No Grinding Action

If your garbage disposal hums but doesn’t grind, it’s probably jammed or the motor is struggling.

That hum means it’s getting power, but something inside is stopping the impellers from spinning.

This can happen when fibrous food scraps like celery or banana peels wrap around the impellers, locking them in place.

Or maybe a small object—like a fork or spoon—slipped in without you noticing and is blocking the mechanism.

Whatever the case, don’t keep turning it on—this can burn out the motor.

Hitting the reset button might get it working again for a bit, but if jams keep happening, there’s likely a bigger problem.

Garbage disposals don’t actually have blades—they use impellers on a spinning plate to push food against a grind ring.

If those parts are worn or damaged, the unit may hum but not break down waste properly.

If you need garbage disposal repair, it might be time for a professional to take a look.

A skilled technician from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC can figure out what’s wrong and help you fix it.

Whether you’re in Florence or nearby in Woodland Park, SC, don’t wait—getting timely garbage disposal repair can save you from bigger plumbing headaches later.

Garbage Disposal Repair FAQs

Why does my garbage disposal keep clogging?

Clogs usually happen when the wrong foods go down the drain—things like potato peels, coffee grounds, or grease. These can build up and block water flow. If it keeps happening, there might be a bigger issue that needs a professional drain cleaning or even a garbage disposal repair to fix underlying problems.

What should I do if my garbage disposal won’t turn on?

First, make sure it’s plugged in. Then, press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If that doesn’t fix it, check your circuit breaker—it might have tripped. If the problem continues, the motor could be failing, and you may need a garbage disposal repair service to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Why does my garbage disposal make a loud grinding noise?

Strange noises usually mean something is stuck inside or the parts are wearing out. Never stick your hand in! Turn off the unit and use tongs to remove anything jammed inside. If the noise doesn’t stop, it’s time for an inspection.

How do I get rid of bad smells from my garbage disposal?

Try grinding citrus peels, ice cubes, or a mix of baking soda and vinegar to clear out trapped food and odors. If the smell sticks around, your disposal might need a deeper cleaning or a professional fix.

When should I replace my garbage disposal?

Most disposals last 8–15 years. If yours keeps clogging, struggles to grind food, or needs frequent resets, it might be time for a replacement. If you’re in Woodland Park, SC, consider reaching out to a local expert for advice.