We take our kitchen garbage disposals for granted, but they are key to convenience and sanitation in the heart of your home. These hard-working kitchen appliances can serve your Kansas City, MO, home for many years if you perform regular maintenance and are careful about what you put down the drain.
When you need repair or replacement, Buckner’s Heating and Cooling plumbing professionals will have the solution that works for you.
Does Your Garbage Disposal Need Repairs?
There are several indicators that your garbage disposal needs repair or replacement. If you must frequently reset your garbage disposal to make it work, or it seems to clog no matter what you put down the drain, you need a disposal service call.
Three signs your garbage disposal needs repair include:
- Leaking: An older garbage disposal may develop leaks at the plumbing connections. You need a plumbing service visit if you see puddles or pooling inside or near your kitchen cabinet.
- Noises: You recognize the noise when a spoon slips into the disposal. But it needs repair if you hear unfamiliar humming, grinding, whirring, or a high-pitched squealing sound.
- Odors: If bad smells aren’t removed using soap-and-water cleaning or a vinegar/baking soda recipe, you need professional garbage disposal service. Never put chemical cleaners in drains.
Call (816) 436-1244 to schedule an appointment in Gladstone or Liberty, MO.
What can you put down your kitchen garbage disposal? Many common food items should never be put in your garbage disposal, including:
- Bones
- Strong chemicals (industrial cleaners, “clog” removers)
- Coffee grounds
- Corn husks
- Eggshells
- Fibrous vegetables (pumpkins, celery, etc.)
- Nuts
- Oatmeal
- Onion skins
- Paint
- Pasta/rice
- Pits (avocado, peaches, etc.)
- Potato peels
- Seafood shells
Garbage Disposal Installation & Replacement
Garbage disposals can last 10 to 12 years on average. If your garbage disposal develops a problem near the end of its life span, it’s often better to replace the unit. No matter how old it is, if you’ve already had a few repairs, it may be wise to cut your losses and invest in a new garbage disposal replacement.
Before you buy, let’s discuss the size unit that fits your lifestyle and plumbing. And it’s never recommended you attempt a DIY garbage disposal installation, which involves working with electricity and water, an injury-risk combination.
If it’s time to replace your garbage disposal in Smithville, MO, call your local plumber at (816) 436-1244 to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Buckner’s?
We’ve been the trusted name for HVAC in Kansas City for over 40 years. Now we offer superior plumbing services to better serve our community. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee because we’re confident you’ll be glad you chose Buckner’s.
We’ll prove our company is your best choice for honest, efficient plumbing services, including garbage disposal repair, replacement, and installation. Call (816) 436-1244 or contact Buckner’s Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing online.
FAQs
There's so much that can't go down my garbage disposal! What can I dispose of safely?
Never put too much of anything down a garbage disposal. Soft foods and liquid waste, along with most solid fruits and vegetables, can go into your garbage disposal. One rule of thumb is if you can feed it to a baby, you can put it in the disposal.
What garbage disposal issues can I fix?
You can avoid many problems with weekly maintenance: Turn it on and let the water run for one full minute weekly to keep it flushed and clean. Several times a year, pour a half-cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it bubble and sit for about 10 minutes.