Common Signs to Call for Garbage Disposal Repair or Replacement

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Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11:00am UTC

Plumbers in Ardmore, PA, share signs indicating garbage disposal repair or replacement may be needed.

Ardmore, United States - June 30, 2025 / Plumbing Pals /

How to Know When the Garbage Disposal Needs Service

When a garbage disposal is malfunctioning or clogged, it can cause issues with its ability to grind food waste small enough to travel through the pipes, which can lead to additional problems, such as drain and sewer line clogs and the issues they cause, including slow drains, backups, and more.

Therefore, it’s important for homeowners to call a plumber to inspect their garbage disposals when they notice signs of problems. This post will discuss some common signs indicating garbage disposal repair or replacement may be necessary.

Unusual Noises

sounds A garbage disposal making strange sounds often signals mechanical problems or other issues with the disposal that require immediate attention. These unusual sounds may indicate worn components, foreign objects stuck in the unit, or motor issues that can worsen without proper intervention.

When the garbage disposal makes a humming noise without properly grinding food waste, it can signal that the disposal has power but cannot rotate properly, which could be due to something jamming the flywheel or impellers, preventing normal operation, or the motor may be dead. Other unusual sounds from the garbage disposal that can signal problems include screeching, rattling, and clattering.

Leaking Garbage Disposal

leak Another sign that a garbage disposal needs repair or replacement is when it leaks. People are often alerted to their garbage disposal leaking after noticing water pooling in the cabinet beneath the kitchen sink. These leaks demand immediate attention to prevent costly water damage.

The leaking garbage disposal could be due to deteriorating internal seals or worn gasket components that can no longer contain the water pressure during operation, which may be fixed with a repair. However, if the leak is due to a crack in the unit, a garbage disposal replacement may be needed. A plumber can inspect the disposal to determine the best solution to fix the leak.

Bad Smells

Persistent foul odors coming from the drain and garbage disposal can also indicate that repair or replacement may be necessary, especially when these smells persist even after homeowners attempt to clean their disposal. People can use common household items like ice cubes and citrus peels or baking soda and vinegar to clean their disposals and get rid of bad smells. However, if the smell doesn’t go away, it can indicate it's time to call in professionals.

These unpleasant smells often signal the decomposition of trapped food particles within the unit's grinding chamber or internal components. The stench becomes the disposal's distress signal. Unlike surface-level food buildup that can disappear after cleaning, it may indicate an issue causing food not to be chopped up sufficiently, resulting in it getting stuck and decomposing in the machine. A plumber can identify the underlying issue and determine whether repair or replacement may be necessary.

About Plumbing Pals

Plumbing Pals is a family-owned and operated plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company serving Ardmore and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, 24-hour emergency services, and knowledgeable technicians. Call them for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Ardmore, PA.

Contact Information:

Plumbing Pals

326 W Lancaster Ave Unit 203
Ardmore, PA 19003
United States

Travas Marko
(267) 641-1808
https://www.economydrainclean.com/ardmore/