If you’ve ever heard a loud, grinding noise coming from your kitchen sink, chances are it’s the sound of your garbage disposal. This can be an alarming and potentially costly problem to have, but fear not!
With a few simple steps, you can quickly identify why your garbage disposal is making such a racket and take action to fix it.
In this article, we’ll go over some common causes of why your garbage disposal might be making a loud noise and how to solve them.
Common Causes and Ways to Fix the Issue By Yourself
If your garbage disposal is making a loud noise, it could be due to several different causes. Keep reading:
Common Cause #1: Jammed Disposal Blades
One of the most common causes for why your garbage disposal might be making a loud noise is if something has become jammed in the blades. This could be anything from food scraps and small objects that have made their way into the sink drain and got stuck in the disposal blades. This can cause the blades to grind on each other and create a loud, grinding sound.
The best way to fix this problem is to use an Allen wrench or similar tool to see if you can loosen the jammed object from the disposal blades.
Note when you use the Allen wrench, you need to be careful not to push the object further in as this could cause additional damage or make it harder to remove.
On the other hand, if the clogged objects are near the feeding opening, use a pair of tongs to get them out.
If the object is lightweight and doesn’t fall deep down, you can use a shower plunger to push it out or a vacuum cleaner to remove it.
Common Cause #2: Worn Out Motor Parts
Another common cause of why your garbage disposal might be making a loud noise is due to worn out or dead motor parts. The motor that powers your garbage disposal can become worn over time, which can cause it to make grinding or rattling noises.
This could be due to age, excessive use, or just regular wear and tear that accumulates over time.
In order to fix this issue, you’ll need to replace the motor parts with new ones. This may require some technical knowledge, so it’s best to call a professional for help if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
Common Cause #3: Clogged Drain
A clogged drain can be another cause why your garbage disposal is making a loud noise. If the drain is full of debris and food scraps, this can obstruct the blades from turning properly and create an annoying grinding sound.
To fix this problem, you’ll need to unclog the drain by using a plunger or a drain snake to get rid of any blockages.
Common Cause #4: Leaking Disposal Unit
Finally, a leaking disposal unit can also be why your garbage disposal is making a loud noise. If water has leaked out of the disposer and into the motor, it can create a grinding sound as the motor tries to turn on but finds resistance due to the water.
The best and easiest way to fix this issue, you can check for any visible signs of leaking around the disposal unit and use a wrench to tighten any loose connections.
Common Cause #5: Loose Bolts or Connections
Loose bolts and connections can also be why your garbage disposal is making a loud noise. If the mounting bolts become loose over time, they can cause the disposer to vibrate which in turn can create a rattling noise.
Check the bolts and connections on the disposer and use a screwdriver to tighten them. This should help reduce any rattling or grinding noises coming from your garbage disposal.
These are just some of the common causes why your garbage disposal may be making a loud noise and how you can fix it yourself without having to call in a professional. Remember to always take caution when working with any plumbing fixtures and if you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to call a licensed plumber for help.
How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal So Don’t Run into Further Problems?
One of the most common problems with garbage disposals is that they start to make a loud noise. If this happens, it’s important to take steps to maintain your disposal and ensure it doesn’t run into further problems.
Here are some tips on how you can maintain your garbage disposal:
1. Always run cold water when using your garbage disposal. Cold water helps keep food particles from sticking to the walls and blades of the disposal, which can cause clogs.
2. Never put fibrous materials such as celery stalks or corn husks down the drain. These can get tangled in the blades of the disposal and cause it to jam.
3. Don’t overload the disposal with food waste. If you have large amounts of food, break it up into smaller pieces before disposing of it.
4. Periodically run ice cubes through the disposal to help keep the blades sharp and reduce odor-causing bacteria.
5. Clean out any debris that may have built up in the disposal. You can do this by pouring a few cups of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by boiling water to help loosen any debris.
6. If you notice that your garbage disposal is making a loud noise, it could be due to worn or damaged parts inside. If this is the case, you’d better contact a professional plumber to have it inspected and repaired.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can help maintain your garbage disposal and avoid loud noises of your garbage disposal. Regular maintenance and cleaning will ensure that your garbage disposal lasts longer and serves you well for years to come. So why not take a few minutes to look after your garbage disposal now? It’ll be worth it in the long run!
