Garbage disposals are one of the most convenient tools in a kitchen, until they stop working. In Fort Myers homes, disposals deal with grease, food waste, sand, and heavy daily use. Over time, that combination can lead to clogs, strange noises, leaks, or complete failure.
Many disposal problems start with simple habits. Putting the wrong items down the drain, skipping basic cleaning, or ignoring early warning signs can shorten the life of the unit and damage nearby plumbing. This guide breaks down how to use your disposal correctly, how to keep it clean, and when a problem calls for professional repair.
Understanding how your disposal works helps prevent future issues and protects your kitchen plumbing.
The “Do Not” List: What Ruins a Disposal
Garbage disposals are not designed to handle everything. Some items damage the blades, others clog the drain, and some create buildup that leads to recurring problems.
Do not put these items in your garbage disposal:
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, or onion skins
- Grease and oil
- Pasta, rice, or bread
- Bones or fruit pits
- Starchy or expandable foods
These items either wrap around the blades, settle into the trap, or coat the drain line with residue. Over time, that leads to a clogged garbage disposal or slow draining sink.
How to Keep Your Disposal Clean & Fresh
Regular cleaning helps prevent odors and buildup, but it does not fix mechanical problems. Light maintenance works best when done consistently.
Helpful cleaning habits include:
- Grinding ice cubes to knock debris off the blades
- Running cold water during and after use
- Using citrus peels occasionally for odor control
- Avoiding harsh chemical cleaners
If odors return quickly or the disposal drains slowly after cleaning, the issue may be deeper in the drain line.
For step-by-step instructions, see Aztec’s full guide on how to clean your garbage disposal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Some disposal problems are easy to recognize. Others are signs that the unit or the plumbing beneath it needs attention.
The Unit Hums but Doesn’t Work
A humming disposal usually means the motor is running but the blades are jammed. This can happen when food debris or a foreign object blocks movement. In some cases, the reset button on the disposal will trip to protect the motor.
If the disposal continues humming after resetting, forcing it to run can lead to motor burnout. Learn more about this issue in our guide on garbage disposal humming but not working.
The Disposal Won’t Turn On
If nothing happens when you flip the switch, the unit may have overheated, tripped the reset, or lost power. Electrical issues, internal motor failure, or wiring problems can all prevent the unit from turning on.
Repeated shutdowns often indicate the unit is reaching the end of its lifespan.
It Drains Slowly
Slow drainage usually means there is a clog in the disposal or the kitchen drain line. Food buildup, grease, or improper items may be restricting flow. While plunging may offer short relief, recurring slow drains often require professional garbage disposal repair to clear the line properly.
When to Call a Professional
Some disposal issues go beyond basic troubleshooting. Continuing to run a failing unit can damage cabinets, flooring, and nearby pipes.
Call a professional if you notice:
- Leaks under the sink or around the disposal
- Frequent clogs or slow drainage
- Loud grinding or metal noises
- A disposal blade jam that will not clear
- The unit shuts off repeatedly
Professional repair prevents water damage and ensures problems are resolved safely.
Fast, Reliable Disposal Repair in Fort Myers
Aztec Plumbing & Drains provides garbage disposal repair in Fort Myers with clear diagnostics and upfront pricing. Our plumbers inspect the unit, confirm the issue, and explain whether repair or replacement makes the most sense.
In many cases, replacing an older disposal prevents repeated breakdowns and protects your kitchen plumbing. Same-day service is available for many disposal issues.
Our team focuses on fixing the problem correctly so you do not deal with the same issue again.
Need Help? Schedule Your Garbage Disposal Service Today!
Garbage disposal problems rarely fix themselves. Ignoring leaks or clogs can lead to cabinet damage, mold growth, and larger plumbing repairs.
If your disposal is clogged, humming, leaking, or not working at all, Aztec Plumbing & Drains is ready to help. Disposal broken? We offer upfront pricing and same-day replacement.
Call us today at (239) 932-2959 to schedule your garbage disposal service and get your kitchen back to normal.
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