Garbage Disposal Installation – When to Call a Professional

Aside from indoor plumbing and air conditioning, our garbage disposals are simply one of the greatest conveniences of modern times. Imagine your family finishing a large meal and having to scrape all traces of food from every plate into a trash bag (horrors!) and then taking that bag outside to store it in a can for the local raccoons, cats, and other wildlife in the yard to enjoy. Sounds almost medieval, doesn’t it?

You Are Your Garbage Disposal’s Worst Enemy

The biggest problem with garbage disposals is that they are prone to improper use and breakdowns due to that use. If you’ve never had a broken-down garbage disposal, you’re missing out on a rite of passage every homeowner needs to face at least once.

There are several standard procedures for repairing a problematic garbage disposal, but they don’t always work, and eventually, your unit will need to be replaced. If your garbage disposal is humming but not turning, debris in the blades can stop the motor from rotating. Unplug your garbage disposal from its power source and see if you can turn the blades with a wooden spoon or long screwdriver. If you’re mechanically inclined, there is usually an Allen-key screw on the bottom of your disposal that you can use to turn the motor manually.

Learn about some helpful tips for repairing your garbage disposal in our blog post, “Why is My Garbage Disposal Humming?”. If you are looking into getting a new unit, we hope the information below will be helpful during the process and answer the common question, “Do I Need a Plumber to Install a Garbage Disposal?”.

Can I Install a Garbage Disposal Without a Plumber?

How many times has your mother told you, “just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD do it”? You can absolutely install your own garbage disposal, and the mechanically inclined homeowner should only take about an hour to complete the task. If you’re taking on this task, try and locate a new disposal that is the same brand and as close to the same model as the one you currently have. Installing a similar unit will eliminate the need to cut or re-route existing pipes to make them fit.

It’s Always Best to Trust a Pro!

Let’s be honest. There aren’t a lot of folks reading this blog that are comfortable taking apart and reassembling their kitchen sink. If you were so inclined, you’d be doing it right now, so if you have doubt, call Nick’s Plumbing out. We’ve been installing garbage disposals in Houston since 1979, and we’ve gotten pretty good at it over the years!

What Are the Signs My Garbage Disposal is Giving Up?

On average, a quality garbage disposal made by a reputable manufacturer has a lifespan of between seven and ten years. That, of course, assumes that the unit hasn’t been abused by years of stuffing chicken bones and eggshells into it, as it was never intended for that purpose.

The most common signs that your garbage disposal is ready to retire are any unusual noises you’ve never heard it make before, like humming without grinding up garbage. Other typical signs of age in your garbage disposal include:

• Failing to come on at all.
• Rattling noises while in operation.
• Creating drain clogs.

Do I Need a New Garbage Disposal Installation?

If your disposal shows symptoms that the end of its life may be imminent, start looking online at replacement options. If you plan to install it yourself, get as close a model to the one you currently have to make things easier. Should you decide to opt for a different brand, or a more powerful garbage disposal overall, give Nick’s Plumbing a call to handle your installation. Professional plumbing companies have experience installing all makes and models of garbage disposals and have the proper tools to ensure a successful and worry-free experience.

Did your garbage disposal recently break, or maybe you want to upgrade to a better unit? If you’re searching for garbage disposal installation near me in Houston, Nick’s Plumbing & Air Conditioning has a team of trained and licensed plumbers waiting to assist you today. We’re the “go-to” Houston plumber for installing garbage disposals, and we look forward to scheduling your next plumbing service soon.

Call Nick’s Today; We’re On The Way!

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