Garbage Disposals

Don't Let A Malfunctioning Garage Disposal Ruin Your Kitchen

Garbage disposals are a kitchen staple, installed on the busiest sinks to handle food waste efficiently. Over time, however, garbage disposals will wear out and can develop various issues, such as clogs and leaks. When these problems arise, it’s crucial to have a professional plumber on standby to ensure your kitchen continues to run smoothly. At TKO Plumbing, we understand the frustration of a broken garbage disposal, and that's why we offer fast, reliable, and affordable garbage disposal services, from garbage disposal installation to garbage disposal repair in the Metro Atlanta area.

What Foods Should Not Go In Your Garbage Disposal

While garbage disposals are great at breaking up some kitchen food debris, there are a few items that can cause them damage, such as:

• Grease or oils
• Potato peels or onion layers
• Any type of bone
• Eggshells
• Fibrous or "stringy" foods
• Coffee grounds
• Pasta or rice
• Nuts, shells, or pits

What Causes A Garbage Disposal To Stop Working?

Garbage disposals are robust machines, but certain practices can lead to their premature failure. Some common causes of disposal issues include:

• Improper Use: Disposing of non-food items, large bones, or fibrous vegetables can cause clogs and damage the disposal blades and motor.
• Grease & Oils: Pouring grease down the drain can solidify and cause clogs in the disposal and pipes.
• Lack Of Maintenance: Failing regularly clean the garbage disposal can lead to grime buildup and foul odors also
• Overloading: Trying to grind too much waste or food at once can overwhelm the garbage disposal, leading to jams and or motor burnout.
• Aging Parts: Over times, seals and other components can wear out, leading to leads and reduced performance.

What Are The Signs Of A Failing Garbage Disposal?

You should give us a call if you notice any of the following: 

• Disposal is leaking
• Consistently jamming up
• Over 10 years old
• Frequently having to be reset

If your garbage disposal has been nothing but a headache, it's time to start thinking about replacing your disposal or upgrading to a better model. But before you run to the hardware store for a new model, you must realize that garbage disposals have different horsepowers, and it can be difficult to determine which model is right for your home and your usage. In this situation, the best thing you can do is call TKO.

Can You Try To Repair A Garbage Disposal Yourself?

You can, but first and foremost - be careful when sticking your hand into the disposal drain!!!

If The Disposal Is Not Making Any Sound

If the disposal is not making its characteristic grinding or humming sound, there could be an electrical issue. Check under the disposal and locate the reset button, which can be most often found at the bottom of the unit and is red. It should be popped out. Press it in. If nothing changes after attempting the reset, check the circuit breaker. If the breaker in your panel has not tripped and the reset button has not popped out, then the unit itself could be damaged.

If The Disposal Is Humming But The Blades Are Not Engaging

f the disposal is humming but the blades are not turning, it is possible the disposal is clogged or “jammed” up. Turn off and unplug your disposal to ensure your unit will not power on. Inspect your disposal for any foreign objects or clumps of stuck food. While doing this, continue to be careful when sticking your hand into the disposal drain! The blades are sharp and can still cut you!

Still clogged? Luckily, today’s garbage disposal units are designed so that anyone can remove a blockage safely. Each disposal comes equipped with a tiny wrench. If you’ve lost the wrench that came with the unit, you can purchase a new one or use an Allen wrench. On the bottom of the unit, there is a small hole located in the center of the disposal. Insert the wrench into the hole until it hits the bottom of the disposal. Now, turn the wrench slightly so that it locks on the shredder plate of the unit. Move the wrench back and forth to attempt to loosen the blades and free the blockage.

What Kind Of Garbage Disposals Are Available For Installation?

When is it time for a new garbage disposal? If your disposal is frequently clogging, leaking, making unusual noises, or simply not working, it might be time to replace your unit. The good news is that TKO Plumbing offers various options to suit your specific needs and kitchen setup.

When it’s time to choose a new garbage disposal, our professionals will help you choose from the following models:

Continuous Feed Disposals

These are the most common types of disposals and allow you to add food scraps to the drain while the unit is running. They are convenient for busy kitchens and easy to use.

Batch Feed Disposals

These disposals require you to turn them on and off as you add food waste, and a cover must be placed on top before it operates. As their design offers an added layer of safety, they are ideal for homes with small children. These units are also generally quieter and have a more compact design.

Expert Plumbers, Exceptional Service

Five Star Service

Our professional plumbers deliver excellence across homes and businesses alike. We concentrate on providing accessible, efficient, superior workmanship to each client as valued members of our extended family.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We gauge achievement through your total satisfaction. This dedication supports our full-year service guarantee. When concerns persist, we respond rapidly to address them.

Family Owned & Operated

Our family-operated plumbing business maintains strong presence throughout metro Atlanta from our Dallas, GA base. Our proximity ensures swift response for all your plumbing needs.

Fully Licensed & Insured

Rest assured with our comprehensive licensing and insurance protection. Choosing our qualified team provides complete safeguarding of your property against unexpected complications.