March 22/2023

Why Is My Garbage Disposal So Noisy?

A garbage disposal is a handy appliance in the kitchen, as it makes food waste disposal more convenient and saves you time. However, a garbage disposal might start producing unusual noises, which may indicate a problem with the appliance that needs to be addressed.

Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we offer reliable garbage disposal repair and replacement services. In this article, we will highlight some of the reasons why a garbage disposal may be making unusual noises and what the noises might indicate.

Foreign Objects

Sometimes, foreign objects like pieces of utensils can get stuck in the garbage disposal and make noise as the blades try to grind them up.

Loose Blades

If the blades in your garbage disposal are loose, they can rattle around and make unusual noises. This is often caused by wear and tear over time.

Faulty Mounting

If the garbage disposal isn't mounted properly, it can vibrate against the sink or surrounding cabinets, which can create noise.

Worn Out Motor Bearings

If the motor bearings in your garbage disposal are worn, they can create a grinding or whirring noise as the motor runs. The solution to worn-out motor bearings is replacing the unit.

Clogs

If the garbage disposal is clogged with food or other debris, it can create a humming or buzzing noise as the motor tries to turn.

Common Garbage Disposal Noises

Here are some common noises that garbage disposals can make and what they might indicate:

Grinding Noise

A grinding noise is a common sound that garbage disposals make when they're working properly. This sound occurs when the blades are grinding up food waste. However, if the grinding noise is louder than usual, it could indicate that the blades are worn down or there is a foreign object stuck in the unit.

Whirring Noise

A whirring noise can occur when the garbage disposal motor is running but the blades aren't grinding properly. This could be due to worn bearings, a damaged flywheel, or an object has been jammed between the unit's shredder ring and the impellers.

Rattling Noise

A rattling noise can indicate that there's something loose inside the garbage disposal. This could be caused by loose mounting bolts, loose blades, or even a loose piece of hardware. The rattling sounds could also be coming from the motor. It's important to turn off the power and unplug the disposal before attempting to tighten any loose components.

Screeching Noise

A screeching noise is often caused by metal-to-metal contact between the blades and other components. This could be due to worn blades or a loose flywheel. A screeching sound might mean the motor is failing.

Humming Noise

A humming noise can occur when the garbage disposal motor is running but the blades aren't turning. This can happen if the blades are jammed as a result of a foreign object caught in the blades or if there's a clog in the disposal.

Do You Need a Plumber to Fix Your Garbage Disposal? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

If your garbage disposal is making unusual noises, you need to schedule garbage disposal repair as soon as possible and restore the appliance to good working order. Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we have the expertise, experience, and tools to fix different types of garbage disposal problems. Whether your garbage disposal is making unusual noises, the appliance is leaking water, or the unit has stopped working altogether, you can count on our skilled plumbers to fix the unit and restore it to tip-top condition.