The last sound you want to hear when you flip the garbage disposal switch is a sound that makes fingernails on a chalkboard sound good. As annoying as nails on a chalkboard can be, horrible sounds coming from your garbage disposal may end up costing you money. Luckily, there are only a few things that might cause an annoying garbage disposal noise. As such, let us look at what might be the mechanical reason for the sound, and discover remedies for fixing the problem yourself.
Ways to Fix Garbage Disposal Noise
As mentioned, there are only so many reasons for garbage disposal noise. As such, you only have a few available options to fix. There are normal operating sounds that you might expect to come out of your disposal. Here’s a list of garbage disposal noise that might indicate a problem.
- Rattling
- Humming
- Whirling
- Squealing
These sounds may suggest a range of different problems.
Rattling and Clanking Noises
That clanking, grinding, or rattling noise suggests that something has gone down your drain that shouldn’t. Typically, an errant spoon is the culprit. Before you jump to any conclusions you will want to first disconnect power to your garbage disposal unit. Make sure to unplug it to avoid it turning on if someone bumps the switch. The plug is likely underneath your kitchen sink. Failing that, you should cut the power at the fuse box.
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Once you know it is safe, take a look in to find what might be rattling about. Consider locating the problem with the help of a flashlight before putting your hand anywhere near the blades. Make sure that the blockage is not caused by broken glass that might cut you as you attempt to get it out. Gently wiggle the piece out without bending the disposal’s inner workings and blades. After removing it, you can restore power and see if it solves the problem.
Humming and Whirling Sounds
A humming or whirling sound suggests that you still have power going to the unit, but the item stuck inside is wedged so tight the unit can no longer move. In the same way that you should immediately shut off the unit when you hear a loud garbage disposal noise, shut it off as soon as you notice that the unit is not moving.
If you can’t remove the obstruction with your fingers, you may have to use a garbage disposal key to loosen the flywheel. If you look underneath the bottom of the disposal, you’ll see the place to insert the key. Turn the key clockwise until you feel the flywheel or impeller release. Once dislodged, the flywheel should spin freely. If you can’t get the disposal to spin freely it may be time to replace your garbage disposal.
Call a Professional for Safety and Efficiency
Should doing this yourself not be your thing, you should call Forrest Anderson Plumbing & Air Conditioning immediately. Repairing a garbage disposal can prove a dangerous project because of the quickly spinning blades. If you have the slightest hesitation you should reach out to our expert team here at Forrest Anderson.
Forrest Anderson’s technicians are experts in the identification, diagnostics, and repair of kitchen plumbing. Let us identify and fix that weird garbage disposal noise for you.