Garbage Disposal Repair

A garbage disposal makes kitchen cleanup easier—until it stops working. Disposal problems can be caused by food debris, jams, worn components, electrical issues, or problems farther down the drain line.

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If your disposal isn't operating correctly, avoid repeatedly turning it on or reaching inside the unit. OnCall Plumbing can inspect the disposal and determine whether it can be repaired or whether replacement makes more sense.

 

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Humming?

If your garbage disposal hums but doesn't grind, the motor may be receiving power while the grinding mechanism is unable to turn.

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Common causes include:

• A jammed impeller or grinding mechanism

• Food or another object lodged inside the disposal

• An overloaded disposal

• A failing motor

• A mechanical problem within the unit

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Continuing to run a humming disposal can potentially damage the motor. Turn the disposal off and have the problem checked before trying to use it again.

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Why Won't My Dishwasher Drain?

Opening your dishwasher and finding standing water at the bottom is frustrating, but the dishwasher itself isn't always the source of the problem.

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A dishwasher that won't drain can sometimes be related to the kitchen plumbing system, including:

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• A clogged drain hose

• A blocked garbage disposal connection

• A kitchen sink drain clog

• Improper drainage

• Buildup within the shared drain system

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If your dishwasher isn't draining and you're also noticing problems with your kitchen sink or garbage disposal, there's a good chance the issues are connected.

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OnCall Plumbing can inspect the kitchen drainage system to determine whether a plumbing blockage is preventing your dishwasher from draining properly.

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Why Does My Kitchen Sink Smell Bad?

Bad odors coming from the kitchen sink aren't something you should simply cover up with air freshener.

Food particles, grease, soap residue, and organic material can collect inside kitchen drain lines and create unpleasant smells. Garbage disposals can also trap food debris that begins to produce odors over time.

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Persistent kitchen sink odors may indicate:

• Food buildup in the drain

• Grease buildup

• A dirty garbage disposal

• Drainage problems

• Plumbing vent issues

• A developing clog

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If cleaning the sink and disposal doesn't solve the problem, a plumber can inspect the drain system for the underlying cause.

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Why Does My Kitchen Sink Back Up When the Dishwasher Runs?

If water rises into your kitchen sink when the dishwasher drains, it often means the dishwasher's wastewater isn't moving freely through the drain system.

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Because your dishwasher and kitchen sink typically share part of the same drainage system, a restriction can cause water to back up through the sink.

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Potential causes include:

• A partially clogged kitchen drain

• A clogged garbage disposal

• Grease buildup

• Food debris in the drain

• Problems with the dishwasher drain connection

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This is especially worth addressing if the backup happens repeatedly. A partial blockage can eventually turn into a completely clogged kitchen drain.

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Grease in Kitchen Drains

Grease is one of the biggest causes of kitchen drain problems.

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Hot grease may look like a liquid when you pour it down the sink, but as it travels through cooler pipes, it can begin to solidify and stick to the inside of the drain line. Additional food particles and debris then become trapped in the buildup.

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Over time, this can lead to:

• Slow drains

• Recurring clogs

• Bad drain odors

• Gurgling sounds

• Kitchen sink backups

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Avoid pouring cooking oil, fats, and grease down your kitchen sink—even if you're running hot water at the same time.

If grease buildup is already restricting your kitchen drain, OnCall Plumbing can diagnose the blockage and recommend the appropriate drain cleaning solution.

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Dripping Kitchen Faucet Repair

That constant drip, drip, drip isn't just annoying. A leaking kitchen faucet can waste water and may become worse over time.

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Common causes of dripping faucets include worn washers, cartridges, seals, O-rings, or other internal faucet components.

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OnCall Plumbing can determine whether your faucet can be repaired or if replacing the fixture would be a better long-term solution.

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Low Kitchen Water Pressure

Has the water pressure at your kitchen faucet suddenly become weaker?

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Before assuming there's a major plumbing problem, the faucet aerator is one of the first places to check.

Mineral deposits and debris can accumulate inside the aerator at the end of the faucet, restricting water flow and making it seem as though the entire home has low water pressure.

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If cleaning or replacing the aerator doesn't restore normal flow, other possible causes may include:

• A clogged faucet cartridge

• A problem with the supply line

• A partially closed valve

• Mineral buildup

• A plumbing leak

• A broader water pressure issue

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If the low pressure is isolated to your kitchen faucet, OnCall Plumbing can help pinpoint the source.

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When Should You Call a Plumber for a Kitchen Plumbing Problem?

Some kitchen plumbing issues start small. The key is paying attention when they keep coming back.

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Consider calling a plumber if:

• Your kitchen sink repeatedly clogs

• The garbage disposal hums or won't turn on

• The dishwasher causes water to back up into the sink

• Your dishwasher isn't draining

• You continually smell odors from the kitchen drain

• Water is leaking beneath the sink

• Your faucet continues dripping

• Kitchen water pressure suddenly drops

• DIY drain-clearing methods aren't solving the problem

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Recurring plumbing problems often indicate that something deeper in the system needs attention.