Why Is My Garbage Disposal So Noisy?
The garbage disposal under your sink is a convenient part of your kitchen. At the flick of a switch, the disposal will grind and pulverize any bits of food that get in it while you wash the dishes. It then drains the gunk away and is ready to go in just a matter of seconds. It’s a wonderful invention, which is why it’s a little frustrating if it suddenly begins to hum, sputter, or malfunction. Often, your disposal will make a noise when something isn’t right.
Humming or Whirring
Jammed Impellers
If you hear your disposal making a distinct humming or whirring sound, it is most likely that an object has been jammed between the disposal’s shredder ring and the impellers. The hum is an indication that the motor of the disposal is still being powered, but the impellers are not moving. The shredder ring and the impellers are a vital part of your disposal, as they work together to pulverize any gunk that has gotten in the disposal. To fix the humming sounds, remember to turn off and unplug your disposal. You will find its plug underneath your sink. Wait a couple of minutes for the impellers to stop moving and use a flashlight to find the object that is stuck inside the garbage disposal. If you see the object, whether it’s a spoon, fork, or any kind of bone, reach in with a gloved hand and carefully pull it out.
Malfunctioning Flywheel
After you take out any objects, plug in the disposal. If the noise stops, you have solved the problem! If not, the flywheel of the disposal may not be working. The flywheel is a flat, disk-like mechanism that the disposal rotates to spin the impellers that help in shredding the food. You might have to take a more manual approach to fix this problem.
Check the bottom of your disposal for a six-sided, hexagon-shaped hole. Insert the hex wrench that comes with the disposal into the hole. Use the wrench to turn the flywheel counterclockwise and clockwise until you feel the obstruction come free.
Looking for professional help to get your garbage disposal back up and running? Count on Mattioni to diagnose and fix your garbage disposal!
Rattling or Loud Grinding
If your disposal is making a rattling sound, a foreign object is most likely being clanged around by the impellers. Just like we mentioned before, turn off and unplug your garbage disposal and use a flashlight to find the object inside the garbage disposal. Since the object is probably loose, it will be easier to pull it out using your gloved hands or some tongs.
However, if you can’t find any object, there is a chance the impellers of your garbage disposal have become loose. Sometimes, the steel bolts that hold the impellers can become loose. You can try to troubleshoot the loose blades by tightening the two bolts holding the impellers in place on the top of the disposal using a nut driver.
Nervous about troubleshooting your own garbage disposal? You can be confident in Mattioni’s ability to get your garbage disposal up and running in no time! Contact us to schedule service today.
Squealing
A squealing sound coming from your disposal is indicative of a larger problem. The moment you hear your disposal squealing, it is best to turn it off and unplug it immediately. A squealing sound might mean the motor of the disposal is failing. The best solution to this would be to start looking into purchasing a new garbage disposal.
Contact Mattioni today so we can take a look at your garbage disposal and determine if it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
Treat Your Disposal Well!
Remember to keep your garbage disposal in good condition! Be sure to avoid putting certain items down the disposal, such as coffee grounds, eggshells, and larger pieces of bone. These items can dull the impellers and can also make it harder for your drain to wash them out. In addition, frequently clean the sludge that tends to collect in the disposal using natural ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar. By maintaining your disposal regularly, you will be able to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Need a Plumber? Call the Pros at Mattioni!
Now that you have a better understanding of why your garbage disposal might be making odd noises, you can service one of your most trusted kitchen appliances like a pro! If you’re looking for a professional to repair or maintain your household plumbing appliances, look no further than Mattioni! Tackle any of your plumbing problems with our knowledgeable experts by calling us at 610-400-8510 or schedule service on our website!
