Garbage Disposals

Leaks coming from the drain of a disposal are usually pretty easy to fix, however if the disposal is not working or leaking from the unit itself it’s more than likely time for a replacement.  A functioning garbage disposal is a great tool to aid in cleaning up after a family meal.  We recommend using a 1/2 horsepower or higher garbage disposal to ensure your unit will last.  Make sure to turn on your disposal after the water is turned on and to keep it clean.  The best methods of cleaning are to use ice, or citrus fruit if you notice any smell coming from the disposal.  Every Total Plumbing Service truck carries a 1/2 horsepower disposal that we are happy to install for you if needed. 

Contact us today if you have any questions about Dallas garbage disposal repair or replacement or would like to schedule a service call.

How Do You Know Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair?

There are many signs that your garbage disposal repair is needed. The most obvious is not turning on. If you flip the switch and it doesn’t turn on, there is probably an issue. It could be the switch, but it is more likely your disposal unit. If your garbage disposal has a bad odor and it won’t go away, this could be a sign there is something blocked in the disposal itself and it needs to be cleared or removed.

How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Last?

A garbage disposal generally lasts between eight and fifteen years before the blades wear out or the motor burns out. This time frame of course depends on use, model, what items are put down the disposal, etc. When the time comes for a garbage disposal replacement and installation in your Dallas home, call us to schedule an appointment.

What Type of Garbage Disposal Should I Use?

There are many brands of garbage disposals and most of them are acceptable and work very well. What you want to pay attention to when replacing your garbage disposal is the horsepower rating. Many homes have a 1/3 HP disposal installed, but we recommend at least a 1/2 HP garbage disposal. If you really want some power, get a 3/4 HP garbage disposal.

What Not to Put in the Garbage Disposal

  • Bones – these just spin around and around with the blades
  • Egg shells – this is mixed, some people think they actually help sharpen your blades
  • Celery – the string of fiber tend to wrap around blades and cause issues
  • Fruit Pits – these are too hard and won’t be cut by the blades
  • Grease – this will travel in to your pipes and that isn’t good
  • Pasta – pasta expands and can cause issues in your disposal, we see it very frequently
  • Potato Peels – these get sticky and very soupy and can cause a clog in your garbage disposal
  • Coffee Grounds – these look easy, but they’ll pile up and cause a big mess in your kitchen sink

Garbage disposal repair in Dallas is one of our most common requests because almost every home has one and we tend to put a lot of food and other items down our disposals. It is only natural that with all the debris and food scraps we dump down our disposals that they’ll have a problem and need repair.