Garbage Disposal Plumbing
How Garbage Disposals Work
A garbage disposal is a device installed under a kitchen sink that is used to shred food waste into small pieces that can be safely washed down the drain. When the disposal is turned on, an electric motor spins a metal impeller that has sharp blades attached to it. The food waste is fed into the disposal through a small opening, and as it comes into contact with the spinning impeller, the blades chop it into very small pieces.
The shredded waste then falls into a grinding chamber where it is further ground up by a series of stationary blades attached to the wall of the chamber. The ground-up waste is then washed down the drain with water from the sink. Some garbage disposals also have a small grinding chamber where bones, fruit pits, and other hard objects can be ground up, making them small enough to wash down the drain without clogging the plumbing.
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
One common problem with garbage disposals is clogs, which can occur when too much food waste is put into the disposal at once, or when large, non-biodegradable items are accidentally put into the disposal. Clogs can cause the disposal to become jammed, preventing it from turning on or off. In some cases, the disposal may continue to run but will make strange noises or produce a burning smell. To fix a clogged disposal, you may need to use a plunger to loosen the obstruction, or use a tool such as a plumber’s snake to remove it.
Another problem that can occur with garbage disposals is leaking. This can happen if the disposal’s internal seals become worn or damaged, allowing water to escape from the grinding chamber. Leaks can also be caused by loose or improperly installed pipes or fittings. To fix a leaking disposal, you will need to replace the worn seals or tighten the pipes. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire disposal unit.
Finally, garbage disposals can also become noisy over time, particularly if they are not maintained properly. This can be due to worn or damaged blades, or the accumulation of food waste inside the grinding chamber. To fix a noisy disposal, you may need to clean it thoroughly, replace the blades, or lubricate the moving parts. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire unit.
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About Us
Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter in San Ramon specializes in the residential & commercial repair, installation & replacement of tank & tankless water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, water softeners, hot water dispensers, sinks, dishwasher laundry equipment, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, drain cleaning, repiping, gas lines, sewer lines & plumbing emergencies. Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter offers a wide variety of CPVC and PEX copper repipe including FlowGuard Gold CPVC, CORZAN & PEX. Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter serves the East Bay Area including Albany, Berkeley, Concord, Danville, Dublin, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton & Walnut Creek.