Why Is My Garbage Disposal Making a Grinding Noise?
A garbage disposal is a common, handy appliance found in many kitchens. It quickly disposes of any waste and significantly reduces the chance of pipes clogging since it's installed in the kitchen sink.
However, a garbage disposal might start producing loud, unpleasant sounds, like grinding or rattling. Besides the noise making it less comfortable to use, the grinding may cause concerns about malfunctioning and leave you wondering what's going on. This article explains why a garbage disposal makes a grinding noise and how to fix the problem.
The source of the noise
The loud, grinding sound is most likely caused by an obstruction preventing the blades' smooth rotation. In many cases, the object responsible is glass, a kitchen utensil, a piece of metal, or a bone. Whatever the item may be, it's certainly made of a hard material that the garbage disposal can't grind up, and it's jamming the blades.
If the sound is somewhat milder, it might indicate that a grinding component or another part has come loose or that some part of the garbage disposal has broken.
How to fix the problem
To avoid any damage to the machine, turn it off as soon as the loud noise occurs. This way, whatever's jammed in the appliance doesn't cause further damage to the blades or other disposal parts.
Turning the power off is the essential first step in removing an object that's obstructing the mechanism. The safest way to do so is by unplugging the garbage disposal from the power source.
Once you're sure that the disposal is completely shut down, get a flashlight, and inspect the kitchen sink drain. If you can see the object inside, there are several different ways to try to reach it:
If the object is close to the sink opening and you can reach it without touching the blades, remove it by hand.
Perhaps the object went too far down, or you don't feel comfortable getting your fingers in the drain. If so, use thinner pliers, tongs, or any long tool that can get to the object.
You could try removing the object with a vacuum cleaner. If the thing stuck in there is light enough, the suction might be able to lift it.
Finally, if none of the approaches above work, it's possible to reach the jam from the bottom. Use an offset wrench to dislodge the stuck object.
If the garbage disposal can't be unblocked, the only remaining options are either removing the whole garbage disposal or calling a repair service. Since, at that point, the problem might not even be the obstruction, we recommend contacting a professional appliance service and letting them fix the issue.
If you need a licensed, bonded, experienced plumber for plumbing installation and service in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Ahwatukee or San Tan Valley call Norfleet Family Plumbing Heating and Air at 480-681-1764.
