Garbage Disposal Installation in Waldorf, MD

Do you need a new garbage disposal installed in your home? ACW Service Inc provides a wide variety of services, including garbage disposal repair and installation. When your garbage disposal stops working, call our experienced and licensed plumbers for help.

It’s frustrating when home appliances and machines break down. A broken garbage disposal can happen for many reasons. Whether your disposal can be fixed or needs a complete replacement, we can make the necessary repairs. We are a family-owned company with over 100 years of combined experience and are proud to help homeowners throughout Maryland.

Understanding How a Garbage Disposal Works

We believe it’s important for homeowners to understand how garbage disposals work so you can troubleshoot any issues. It can also help you determine when to call a plumber for help. As you empty food waste into the sink, the impeller plate spins, chopping up the waste and sending it down the drain.

There are two types of garbage disposal units in most homes: continuous feed units and batch feed units.

Continuous Feed Disposals

This type of disposal is the most common choice among homeowners. It is convenient, affordable, and comes in a variety of models. If you have a large family with a lot of food waste, continuous feed disposals are the best option. You turn on the switch to begin operating and feed the disposal until the waste is gone.

Batch Feed Disposals

Batch feed disposals are less common because they are not as convenient as continuous feed models. Using this option requires you to cover the drain before you turn it on and then feed the disposal in batches, waiting between each batch. These models are less affordable.

Why a Garbage Disposal Stops Working

When your garbage disposal stops working, a power issue, a clog, or the age of the unit could be factors that contribute to the failure. Since the appliance relies on electricity to work, it’s important to unplug your disposal before you start troubleshooting the issue. Here are a few common reasons your disposal could stop working.

Poor Drainage

Inefficient drainage systems are a major reason your garbage disposal is not working for you. Food waste can clog the drain; if it sits too long, it’s hard to break up. You can avoid this issue by emptying waste into smaller batches.

Electrical Issues

If your garbage disposal will not turn on, the first concern is a clog. However, an electrical issue can also cause this problem. Check if it’s plugged in, and then push the reset button. If the disposal still isn’t working, you may need to reset the circuit breaker.

Leaking

Garbage disposal leaks can happen at any time. They usually happen at the point where they connect to the bottom of the sink. Most disposals connect through a hose that leads to the dishwasher. Constant vibrations from the disposal can loosen the connections and cause a leak.

Jamming

Do you notice a humming noise from the disposal, but it will not grind when you flip the power switch? If so, the disposal may have a jam from a foreign object. This usually happens near the impeller or shredder ring.

There are many reasons you may need a garbage disposal repair or new installation. Our licensed plumbers have the experience to inspect the issue and can get it working again for you.

When To Install a New Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal isn’t working, you may wonder whether you need a repair or replacement. The good news is that we can help you determine the best fit for your home. Clogging, jamming, and electrical issues are simple repairs that we can quickly handle for you. Older models may require a complete replacement if they keep breaking down. There are a few common signs that can help determine if you need a new garbage disposal installed.

End of Lifespan

If your disposal is more than 10-15 years old, chances are you may need a new one. Frequently maintained disposals will last a long time and will work well without any issues if you keep up with maintenance. Descaling, removing clogs, and flushing with cold water can help extend the lifespan.

Strange Noises

Garbage disposals do make some noise, but if you hear strange or loud noises, turn the unit off and use a flashlight to check for visible blockages. If you don’t see anything, call your plumber for help. Frequent strange noises could mean you need a new unit.

Foul Odors

Bad smells are not uncommon when you’re grinding up food waste. However, if you’re not getting rid of waste and you still notice foul odors, you may have trapped food particles in the unit. Persistent smells, even after cleaning, could mean it’s time to get a new disposal.