If your garbage disposal isn’t working properly, determining what’s wrong could be as easy as listening closely. Many garbage disposal problems are accompanied by strange noises, and knowing what those sounds mean is the key to getting your disposal back up and running. Fast Rooter Plumbing has been Oahu’s leading plumber for over 20 years, and garbage disposal repair is one of their specialties.

Here, they’ll outline exactly what those strange garbage disposal noises mean.

Clanking, Rattling, & Grinding

Your garbage disposal works by using a series of spinning blades to pulverize food particles. When something gets stuck in the blades, they can’t spin properly, and they let out a grating clanking, rattling, or grinding sound. If you hear this when you turn on your disposal, immediately turn it off. It means something the disposal can’t handle went down the drain and is now interfering with those churning parts. 

Buzzing Or Humming

In some cases, the foreign object blocking the blades is large enough to completely stop them from turning. That buzzing or humming you hear is the sound of the motor running while the blades are stuck in place. While the fact that the motor is still running is good news, the extra strain could cause it to burn out. The object that went down the drain, whether it’s a piece of bone or your wedding ring, will not come out easily. If you’re not careful, you could end up further damaging the blades by trying to pull it out. It’s always better to trust the work to a professional.

Most garbage disposal problems start with something accidentally falling down the drain. Remember to be careful about what goes near the sink, and if your disposal starts making any of these sounds, don’t hesitate to call Fast Rooter Plumbing at (808) 734-4938. You’ll also learn more about their plumbing services by visiting them on Facebook.