Most people deal with a garbage disposal problem at some point and this is just one of those downsides of home ownership. Common issues include clogs or dull blades and leaks and proper maintenance is the best way the keep many of these problems from ever occurring. If you have a simple problem, you may be able to fix it yourself or contact a professional plumber to take care of it for you. With serious issues, it's usually best to replace the whole unit.
My Garbage Disposal Won't Turn On
If your disposal isn't working at all, start by making sure it's receiving power. Check your circuit breakers or fuse box and then hit the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If the button is popped out, the motor may have overloaded, which is often caused by a jam or it was left on too long. Start by clearing the jam then press the button until you hear it click. If there's no jam and you're not hearing any noise when you turn it on, you probably need to contact a professional plumber to replace the garbage disposal motor.
My Garbage Disposal is Jammed
Disposals can become clogged from high-fiber foods, glass, utensils, bone or any number of things. You'll probably find a socket hole in the bottom of the unit beneath the motor so you can insert an Allen wrench and turn the masher plate to free the jam. Always avoid putting your hands into the disposal itself. If your disposal doesn't have a socket for an Allen wrench, turn the power off at the fuse box or circuit breaker and then use a mop or plunger handle inserted at the top opening to move the masher plate around and clear the jam.
My Garbage Disposal is Leaking
It's common to find a leak somewhere in your disposal system so start by checking your drain connections. If you notice the leak coming from the drain pipe, you can usually fix the problem by replacing the gasket. Next, make sure the ring around the sink flange is tight. If the leak is coming from the body of the disposal itself, you'll probably need to contact a plumber in Norco to replace the unit.
My Garbage Disposal Isn't Working Well
If the unit just doesn't seem to be chopping up food as well as it used to, the blades probably need to be sharpened. If they're just starting to dull, sharpen them by putting ice cubes down your sink drain. Very dull blades often need to be replaced or sharpened professionally.
It can be a little tough to figure out exactly when it's time to replace your water heater. After all, you want it to last as long as possible but you certainly don't want to deal with the aftermath of a water heater that's rusted through and poured water into your beautiful home.
In some cases, the first sign of trouble is a water heater that simply isn't producing anymore hot water, although there are some other subtle signs to watch for. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're thinking about water heater installation from an experienced Norco plumber.
Is Your Water Heater Getting Old?
Most water heaters only last 8-12 years, although the technology has advanced a great deal in the past couple of decades and modern units last longer than older ones. Keep in mind most water heaters only have a warranty of about 5 years so once the appliance starts to get up there in years, watch it carefully. If it's older than 10 years, consider replacing it with something more energy efficient -- and reliable. New models even have life spans of up to 20 years.
How Long Does Your Hot Water Last?
If you find your hot water isn't lasting as long as it used to, and some members of the household are waiting longer than usual for the water to reheat for a shower, this is a sign that it's time to get a new water heater installed by a professional plumber.
Are There Any Problems with the Seals or Joints?
Check any seals or joints going into or out of the water heater and check for moisture, pipe corrosion or other issues. Check the tank and fittings for leaks as well and make sure there aren't any puddles forming around or under your water heater. Your water heater should never have water on the floor! If it does, there's probably a hidden leak or crack that could be big trouble if you ignore it.
Do You Hear Odd Noises?
If you hear banging or popping coming from the water heater, there might be a mechanical problem. Try to figure out if you hear the noises at a certain time, such as when the tank is refilling, and contact a plumber to determine if it's best to have it repaired or replaced.
Do You Have Rusty Water?
Over time, rust and minerals will collect on the bottom of your tank and begin to affect water quality, especially if you have hard water. If you notice rusty water coming out of your tap, it's time to contact a plumber for an inspection and water heater installation.
Still not sure if it's time to replace your water heater? Contact the experienced plumbers at Inland Empire Plumbing and we'll get to the bottom of the problem. We'll let you know if it's better to repair the unit or if it's just a better idea to install a brand new one. Either way, we'll have you back in hot water in no time!
Image: Ken Mayer
