It starts with a weird humming sound, followed by a metallic “clink,” and finally, the dreaded “death rattle.” Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working tools in your kitchen, but in many Murrieta and Temecula homes, it’s also the most abused.
At Davis Plumbing and Heating, we see a lot of “disposal disasters” that could have been avoided. If your sink is draining slowly or your disposal sounds like it’s grinding rocks, it’s time to pay attention before you end up with a flooded cabinet.
The “Forbidden 5”: What’s Killing Your Disposal?
Even the “heavy-duty” models aren’t invincible. Avoid putting these five things down your drain:
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Coffee Grounds: They don’t grind; they pack together like wet sand and create a sediment block in your pipes.
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Eggshells: The thin membrane can wrap around the blades like a spiderweb.
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Potato Peels: These turn into a starchy paste that acts like glue in your P-trap.
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Pasta & Rice: These expand in water, even after they’ve been ground up.
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Fats & Grease: This is the #1 cause of “clogged sink” calls in Riverside County.
The Reset Button Trick
Before you call us, check the bottom of the unit under the sink. There is usually a small red reset button. If the motor overheats, this button pops out to prevent a fire. Push it back in and try the switch again.
When to Call the Pros
If your disposal is leaking from the bottom of the unit, it usually means an internal seal has failed. In this case, repair is rarely an option, and replacement is the safer, most cost-effective route. We can help you select a high-torque, quiet model that can handle the demands of a busy family kitchen.