A garbage disposal is a useful appliance that works on fairly simple principles and is easy for a plumber to install. The garbage disposal uses a motor to tear up food scraps that are put into it the point where they can be sent through the plumbing and on to the sewer or septic system. However, even this fairly basic device needs to be installed correctly and will need maintenance thereafter.
Having kitchen drain problems along with your disposal issues? Our clean, respectful technicians provide expert drain cleaning and clog repair services throughout Greater Vancouver.
Benefits of Installing a Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal can be a valuable addition to a modern kitchen. By helping break down food scraps before they enter your plumbing system, a properly installed disposal can improve convenience and help reduce certain types of kitchen waste.
Some benefits of installing a garbage disposal include:
- Improved kitchen convenience
- Reduced food waste in garbage bins
- Cleaner food preparation and cleanup
- Less organic waste sitting in your kitchen
- Improved efficiency when cleaning dishes
When properly used and maintained, a garbage disposal can be a reliable part of your home's plumbing system for many years.
Many homeowners walk into their kitchen first thing in the morning to discover that the dishwasher they’ve run into their garbage disposal has flooded. This is simply because the knockout in the disposal unit’s dishwasher nipple wasn’t taken out when the garbage disposal was installed. Most problems with the garbage disposal aren’t quite that dramatic, however. The unit can stop because the motor overheats, or there’s a clog that the plumber can easily remove.
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
Like any kitchen appliance, garbage disposals occasionally experience problems that require professional attention. Some issues are caused by improper use, while others result from normal wear and tear.
Common garbage disposal problems include:
- Motor overheating
- Food-related clogs
- Leaks around connections
- Unusual noises
- Jammed grinding components
- Units that fail to start
- Recurring drain backups
Prompt repairs can often prevent more extensive plumbing issues and help extend the lifespan of your disposal system.
Garbage Disposal Clogs
Garbage disposal clogs are one of the most common service calls homeowners experience. Food particles, grease buildup, and improper items placed into the disposal can restrict water flow and create backups in the kitchen sink.
Professional plumbers can safely clear blockages, inspect the condition of the disposal, and help identify the underlying cause of recurring clogs. In many situations, resolving the clog early can help prevent damage to both the disposal and connected drain lines.
Garbage Disposal Leaks
Leaks can develop around the sink flange, drain connections, dishwasher connection, or the disposal housing itself. While some leaks can be repaired by replacing worn components, older units may benefit from replacement if multiple issues are present.
A professional inspection can determine whether repair or replacement is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
What Should Never Go Down a Garbage Disposal?
For all its utility, a garbage disposal can’t handle all types of household waste. Putting the wrong materials into the unit can cause clogs, damage internal components, or shorten its lifespan.
Homeowners should avoid placing the following items into a garbage disposal:
- Hard bones
- Eggshells
- Coconut shells
- Coffee grounds
- Grease and cooking oils
- Celery and other fibrous vegetables
- Potato peels
- Banana peels
- Plastic items
- Glass
- Bottle caps
- Cleaning rags
- Sponges
These materials can either clog the disposal, damage grinding components, or create drain blockages deeper within the plumbing system.
Professional Garbage Disposal Installation
Proper installation is essential to ensure reliable operation and avoid future problems. A professional installation includes correct mounting, proper plumbing connections, leak testing, and verification that all components are functioning safely.
Our technicians can install new garbage disposals, replace aging units, and ensure dishwasher connections are properly configured. Professional installation helps prevent common issues such as leaks, drainage problems, and premature equipment failure.
Our technicians at Lambert Plumbing and Heating, the foremost Vancouver, BC plumbing and heating contractor, are experts in the installation and repair of garbage disposal units. We have decades of experience between us and are fully licensed and insured family plumbers. We are always professional, courteous and tidy and will never leave a mess for the homeowner to clean up after we’ve gone.
Customers in the Vancouver, BC area who need a garbage disposal installed or who need their garbage disposal serviced shouldn't hesitate to call Lambert. We’re now open on Saturdays and are available on an emergency basis.
Need help keeping your kitchen plumbing running smoothly? Our local experts have served Greater Vancouver since 1977. Learn more about our residential plumbing services.
Why Choose Lambert Plumbing & Heating?
Lambert Plumbing & Heating has proudly served the Greater Vancouver area since 1977. Our team provides dependable plumbing solutions backed by decades of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
When you choose Lambert Plumbing & Heating, you benefit from:
- Serving Greater Vancouver since 1977
- 24/7 emergency service availability
- Upfront pricing
- Clean, respectful technicians
- Expertly trained plumbing professionals
- BBB A+ rating
- Fast turnarounds
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- On-time arrivals
- Licensed, bonded, and insured technicians
Whether you need a new garbage disposal installed, an existing unit repaired, or help diagnosing recurring kitchen plumbing problems, our team is ready to provide professional service throughout Greater Vancouver.