Garbage disposals help make life easier in the kitchen by breaking up food waste. These convenient devices are mounted under your sink, but proper installation and repair are key to keeping them working smoothly. For expert service in Denton or Collin County, McKinney, Texas-based Bewley Plumbing offers professional installation, maintenance, and repairs.
Why Choose Bewley Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Services in McKinney?
Founded in 1947, Bewley Plumbing has helped generations of Texans with their plumbing needs. We’ve received many awards for our work and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. When you choose Bewley Plumbing for garbage disposal installation, maintenance, or repair, you can trust that we have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair
Your garbage disposal may show warning signs if it isn’t working correctly. The following are some common indicators your garbage disposal needs repair:
- The garbage disposal frequently trips the circuit breaker
- It shuts off immediately after being turned on
- Water won’t drain properly
- Water leaks from the disposal, often visible under the sink
- Grinding noises become progressively louder
- The motor runs or whines, but it’s not grinding food
- Smoke is coming from the garbage disposal
Garbage Disposal Installation for McKinney and Collin County Homes
Whether for a new or existing home, Bewley Plumbing has you covered with skilled garbage disposal installation services in the McKinney and Collin County area.
The Bewley Plumbing team specializes in garbage disposal installations, completing them quickly and efficiently. After installation, we’ll thoroughly test the unit to ensure the blades function properly and there are no leaks.
Common Garbage Disposal Issues and How We Fix Them
The following are several common garbage disposal issues and how we may repair them. This information is for awareness only—not a DIY guide. Given the risks of electrical shock and sharp blades, professionals should always handle garbage disposal repairs.
In some cases, replacing a garbage disposal is more cost-effective than repairing it. Our team can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Garbage Disposal Jams
If your garbage disposal is humming and not grinding food, it could indicate a jam. Our team will first disconnect the garbage disposal from the power source and manually rotate the impellers using a hex wrench. If that doesn’t work, we may detach the garbage disposal from the sink and disassemble it to remove the jam.
Caution: Never stick your hand in a garbage disposal to fix a jam or clog; doing so can result in severe injury.
Strange Noises
Strange noises can signal various issues. One of our plumbers will diagnose the sound to identify the cause and resolve the problem, which may require tightening a loose part or replacing a worn-out component.
A Burning Smell
If your garbage disposal smells like burning plastic, stop using it immediately. One of our technicians will diagnose the issue, which may be a malfunctioning motor or a loose electrical connection. We can replace the motor or tighten the electrical connections.
Leaks
Whether it’s a gasket that needs replacing, a connection that needs tightening, or something else, we can address leaking garbage disposals. We may recommend getting a new garbage disposal if the leak is from a specific part, such as the casing.
Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On
A garbage disposal may not turn on for several reasons, which may be electrical, such as blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. We’ll inspect your garbage disposal’s wiring to diagnose the issue and repair or replace malfunctioning components to get your garbage disposal working again.
Benefits of Regular Garbage Disposal Maintenance
Annual professional maintenance is essential to keeping your garbage disposal in working order and maximizing its lifespan. The following are a few benefits of routine maintenance.
Detecting Leaks
Garbage disposals can leak from their outer casing, plumbing connections, or drainage housing, potentially damaging the unit and your home. Corrosion, rust, and water near electrical or motor components pose serious safety hazards.
Leaks can also cause cabinet warping, attract pests, and lead to mold or mildew growth, resulting in moisture damage.
While maintenance should be handled by professionals, homeowners should periodically inspect the garbage disposal for signs of leaks.
A Longer Lasting Garbage Disposal
Routine professional maintenance may extend the life of your garbage disposal and catch problems before they escalate, helping you save money later on.
Better Efficiency
Over time, garbage disposal efficiency can be reduced due to motor issues or stuck food scraps. Professional maintenance can restore its performance and keep it running correctly.
Offering Garbage Disposal Repairs to McKinney and North Texas Residents
If your garbage disposal isn’t working properly, don’t wait for the problem to worsen and cause more damage. If you’re in the Collin or Denton County area, contact the professionals at Bewley Plumbing for prompt repairs. Whether the garbage disposal problem is electrical or mechanical, we can help. If you need a replacement part, we use only high-quality components to ensure long-lasting performance.
FAQs
Whether a garbage disposal should be repaired or replaced depends on several factors. Here are some conditions where you may want to consider either repairs or replacement.
When To Repair a Garbage Disposal
Repairs may be the most cost-effective choice if the garbage disposal is new or the issue is minor. The following are times when repairing a garbage disposal may be the best option.
Jams or clogs – Professionals can often easily remove an obstruction or a food jam. Caution: Never stick your hand in a garbage disposal to dislodge a stuck object. Doing so could result in severe injury.
Connection leaks – Leaks caused by a loose connection or a worn-out seal are simple repairs for a professional. However, a replacement may be necessary if the leak is due to cracks in the disposal housing.
Common electrical trouble – Electrical issues, such as a faulty switch, tripped circuit breaker, or reset button, may prevent your garbage disposal from turning on. These common problems are easy fixes for a professional.
When To Replace a Garbage Disposal
It may be better to replace a garbage disposal in certain situations. The following are a few examples of this.
Frequent repairs – If your garbage disposal requires repairs often, getting a new one may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Safety risks – If a garbage disposal presents a safety risk, such as exposed blades or electrical shorts, you must stop using it and replace it.
Significant damage to the unit – If a garbage disposal is corroded or has cracks in the housing, it can lead to leaks or cause failures that are difficult to repair.
Major electrical problems – If an electrical issue prevents a garbage disposal from functioning safely or effectively, it must be replaced. This typically happens when internal wiring is damaged or the motor fails.
Old unit – If a garbage disposal is approaching the end of its lifespan, it may be time to replace it.
A garbage disposal generally lasts 10 to 12 years, though this can vary based on usage, maintenance, and the quality of the unit.
There are several items that you should never put in a garbage disposal. The following are a few examples, though this list is not exhaustive.
-Coffee grounds
-Bones
-Eggshells
-Potato peels
-Stringy or fibrous fruits and vegetables
-Onion layers
-Seeds and pits
-Shells and nuts
-Bread, pasta, and rice
-Non-food items
While you may be able to install a garbage disposal if you have the knowledge and tools, it is best to leave installation to the professionals. Since garbage disposals are electric, improper installation can pose an electrocution risk. Additionally, incorrect installation could lead to leaks.