Top 5 Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair or Replacement

Whether you’re a busy parent cleaning up after dinner or a business owner managing a break room kitchen, it pays to understand the role your garbage disposal plays - and the signs that indicate it's time to call in a plumber to investigate. When the garbage disposal starts to fail, it doesn’t always stop completely. Often, it sends out warning signs first.

In this brief article brought to you by Texas Rooter, we share five signs it’s time to call a plumber, consider a plumbing repair service, or even think about a garbage disposal replacement.

Sign 1: Noises That Don’t Sound Right

Garbage disposals always make a bit of noise - it’s practically part of the job - but if yours starts sounding like it’s chewing rocks or grinding metal, then something’s wrong. Unusual clanking, rattling, or grinding often means there’s a foreign object stuck inside. That could be anything like a utensil or hard food item.

Sometimes, the fix is simple: remove the object and reset the unit. If the blades are damaged or the motor is struggling, however, then you may need a professional plumbing repair service to resolve it. In more serious cases, a full replacement could be the smarter and safer option.

Sign 2: It’s Constantly Clogging or Draining Slowly

A properly working garbage disposal should grind food quickly and flush it down the drain without trouble. If you notice water pooling in the sink, food particles backing up, or frequent clogs, then it might not be your sink... it could be your disposal.

Clogs happen when the disposal can’t break food down completely; it ends up sending chunks into the pipes that get stuck. Repeated blockages may be a sign your blades are dull or the motor is weakening. A qualified plumber can tell whether the issue is in the disposal itself or deeper in the drain line.

Sign 3: It Smells... and Stays Smelly

Every garbage disposal gets a little stinky now and then; it’s processing food waste, after all. But if you’ve tried lemon peels, baking soda, or vinegar and that sour or rotten odor still won’t go away, then it could be more than just leftover scraps.

Persistent odors can be caused by food buildup deep inside the disposal or mold and bacteria forming in hard-to-reach places. In older units, internal parts may be worn out or corroded. A Texas Rooter plumber can give your disposal a professional inspection and cleaning, but it might be time for a garbage disposal replacement in North Richland Hills if the smells return quickly or never leave at all.

Sign 4: Leaks Around or Under the Unit

Water under your sink is never a good sign. If your garbage disposal is leaking, it could be due to loose seals, worn gaskets, or cracks in the unit itself. Small leaks may seem harmless, but left unchecked, they can lead to mold growth, cabinet damage, and even electrical issues if water gets into the wrong places.

Sometimes a quick fix will do the trick. Other times - especially with older disposals - the leak means the unit is failing and it’s time for a new garbage disposal.

Sign 5: It Won’t Turn On (or Keeps Shutting Off)

If you flip the switch and your disposal doesn’t respond at all, then start by checking the reset button on the bottom of the unit. Sometimes, a quick reset is all it takes. If it continues to shut off during use, hums without grinding, or refuses to power on, however, then the motor could be burned out.

That’s when a trusted plumbing repair service becomes essential. They can diagnose the issue safely and let you know whether it’s a repairable problem or if a replacement is the more cost-effective solution.

Call Texas Rooter Anytime

If your garbage disposal is doing more harm than good, or if it's not working at all, then call or message Texas Rooter to have a trained plumber on the case. We'll investigate the issue and get at the root of it. Then, we'll lay out your options so you can make educated decisions.