If your garbage disposal stops working, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue:

Check the Outlet: The first step with any electrical appliance is to ensure the outlet is functioning. Unplug the garbage disposal and plug in another device, such as your phone charger, to see if the outlet is working. If the outlet isn’t the problem, proceed to the next step.

Check for Clogs: Ensure the disposal isn’t clogged. Look inside the disposal for any obstructions that might be preventing it from operating. Always use tongs or pliers, never your hands, to remove any debris.

Reset the Disposal: Many garbage disposals have a reset button on the bottom. Press this button to see if it resolves the issue.

Inspect for Burnt Out Engine: If the outlet and clog aren’t the issues, the motor might be burnt out. In this case, the garbage disposal will need to be replaced.

If these steps don’t resolve the problem, it’s best to consult with a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue safely.

Leaky faucets are a common home plumbing issue. While these problems are often easy to fix, a professional may be needed if the faucet fixtures themselves are damaged. The primary culprits behind leaky faucets are usually the O-rings. These small components can become bent, broken, or worn down, causing the valves to malfunction and resulting in leaks. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn-out O-rings can help prevent leaks and ensure your faucet operates smoothly.

While many people might assume that the shower or bathtub uses the most water in a single instance, the toilet actually accounts for the highest overall water usage in most homes over time. Showers and baths can indeed consume a large volume of water in one use, but the frequency of toilet use makes it the most wasteful appliance in terms of total water consumption.

Upgrading to a more water-efficient toilet can significantly reduce your household water usage. Modern low-flow toilets are designed to use much less water per flush, helping you save on water bills and conserve this vital resource.

A sudden increase in your water bill can often be traced to leaks. The main culprits are usually running toilets, which can waste up to 200 gallons per day, and leaky faucets, which can drip up to 20 gallons per day. Here’s how to check for leaks:

Inspect Faucets: Look for visible drips from all faucets in your home. Even a small drip can add up to significant water waste over time.

Check Toilets: Remove the lid from your toilet tank and listen for any sounds, such as hissing, which indicate a running toilet. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 10-15 minutes. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

Examine Water Line and Hose Bibs: Inspect the main water line and outdoor hose bibs for any signs of leaks. Look for wet spots or pooling water around these areas.

Monitor Your Water Meter: Turn off all water fixtures in your home and check the water meter. If the meter continues to move, it indicates a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

If you’re unable to locate the source of the leak, it’s a good idea to contact a professional plumber. They have the expertise and tools to find and fix leaks that may not be immediately visible.

A foul odor every time you flush your toilet is often due to a broken airtight seal. Normally, the drain venting system prevents sewer gas from entering your home. A U-shaped pipe, known as a trap, holds a specific amount of water after each flush. This water acts as an airtight seal to block sewage gases. However, if excessive negative pressure occurs, the water level can drop, breaking the seal and allowing unpleasant odors to escape into your bathroom. Regular maintenance and ensuring proper venting can help prevent this issue.

Residue and stains in the bathtub are often caused by low pH and acidic water. These conditions result from high amounts of carbon dioxide in the water supply. The acidity can lead to the corrosion of plumbing materials, which in turn causes rusty, blue, or green stains to appear in your bathtub. These stains not only affect the appearance of your bathroom but can also indicate underlying issues with your water quality that may need to be addressed.

Low shower pressure can be caused by different factors depending on when it occurs:

When Other Faucets Are Running: If your shower pressure drops when other faucets are in use, it indicates that your household’s water supply is insufficient due to an inadequate plumbing system. This means your plumbing cannot handle the demand from multiple sources simultaneously.

When No Other Faucets Are Running: If the pressure remains low even when all other faucets are off, it is likely due to leaks in your pipes or connections. These leaks reduce the overall water pressure reaching your shower.

Addressing these issues may involve upgrading your plumbing system or repairing any leaks to restore adequate water pressure.

Drainpipes under a kitchen sink often come loose due to a loosened washer, which is responsible for holding the pipes securely in place. Over time, the washer can become worn or improperly aligned, leading to the pipes becoming unfastened.

Now that you’re informed on how to fix and clean your garbage disposal and sink, you might be interested in learning how to clean your dishwasher and when to schedule routine maintenance. If so, you’ll find the answers below:

If your dishwasher isn’t draining, it may be due to a leaky inlet valve or mineral deposits clogging the pipes. To diagnose the problem:

Empty the Dishwasher: Remove all dishes from the dishwasher.
Start a New Cycle: Run a new cycle with the dishwasher empty.
Cancel the Cycle: After a few seconds, cancel the cycle and open the door.
If the water is gone: Your dishwasher is functioning properly.
If the water remains: The inlet valve is likely faulty and should be replaced.
Regular maintenance and cleaning can also help prevent clogs and ensure your dishwasher drains correctly.