A garbage disposal is a useful appliance designed to keep the kitchen pipes clean and free of clogs and debris. It effectively shreds leftover food and other kitchen waste into smaller pieces, allowing them to travel smoothly through the plumbing.Â
It is unavoidable for a garbage disposal to run into trouble over time due to its constant use and abuse. In most instances, garbage disposals show symptoms when they fail to perform their job efficiently or are on their way to failure. A homeowner has to spot the indicators of an impending repair or replacement need and act on them before the situation exacerbates.
One such prominent indicator of a garbage disposal facing problems is the frequent need to press the reset button.Â
Why does garbage disposal require resets?
Most garbage disposals come with a reset button. It is a small red overload protector button positioned on the bottom of the unit. When the disposal clogs, overheats, or the motor overloads due to other issues, the disposal’s internal circuit breaker trips automatically to prevent it from burning out. Press the reset button, which pops out about a quarter of an inch, to restore the garbage disposal’s power.
However, it is crucial to note that the reset button on the garbage disposal is only for occasional use—once or twice in several months. If a homeowner has to press the reset button frequently, it indicates a severe problem.Â
Reasons why garbage disposal may require frequent resets
There are two possible causes of using the reset button more often.
Loose wiring- If the garbage disposal is new and in good condition, either it wasn’t wired correctly during installation, or the wiring may have become loose. A plumber can help fix the issue quickly.
The unit is aging- If the reset button does not stay in after repeated attempts or requires resetting on every use, it shows that the motor is getting weak and needs replacement. Consider changing the garbage disposal if the unit is considerably old. A plumber can offer assistance to replace the worn-out garbage disposal with an advanced unit best suited to the homeowner’s needs.
Other symptoms of a faulty garbage disposal
Apart from frequent resets, some other common warning signs of a failing garbage disposal include:
- The unit makes strange and unfamiliar noisesÂ
- Frequent inexplicable clogs
- Water leakage due to internal cracks
- Extended grinding time
- Persistent foul odors
- Unexplained power issues
Garbage disposals have a life expectancy of 10-15 years, depending on how well they are treated and maintained. Call a plumbing company for assessment if it requires frequent resets or shows other signs of damage. Their expert technicians are proficient at handling all garbage disposal repair or replacement needs. They can also recommend some useful tips for better garbage disposal care to improve its functionality and extend its lifespan.Â
Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.