Okay, so my garbage disposal has decided to start acting possessed or something. It used to work fine, but lately when I flip the switch it makes this loud humming noise, kinda like it's trying really hard but can't quite get going. Sometimes it'll spin a bit, but it's definitely not grinding stuff up properly anymore. I've tried poking around with a wooden spoon handle (yes, power off first, I'm not that brave or dumb lol) to see if anything obvious is stuck down there, but nothing seems jammed.
Also, there's this weird metallic rattling sound every now and then when it does manage to spin. Could something have broken off inside? Or maybe the blades are dull or something? Honestly, I don't even know if that's a thing that happens...
Anyway, before I call someone out and spend money I don't have right now, figured I'd check here first. Has anyone had something similar happen? Is there an easy fix or am I looking at replacing the whole thing?
Honestly, blades going dull isn't really a thing with disposals—they're more like blunt impellers than sharp knives. Sounds more like something small and metal might've slipped down there...maybe a screw or utensil piece? I'd double-check before replacing the whole unit.
Could it also be something fibrous stuck around the impellers, like celery strings or onion skins? I've seen that happen before...makes the disposal sound pretty rough. Have you tried shining a flashlight down there to check?
Actually, fibrous stuff isn't always the culprit. Sometimes small, hard objects—like bits of broken glass, tiny screws, or even stray utensils—can slip down unnoticed and cause similar grinding noises. Happened to me once with a tiny piece of ceramic from a chipped mug. I'd suggest unplugging the disposal first (safety first!), then carefully feeling around the impellers with a pair of pliers or tongs. Flashlights help, but sometimes you gotta rely on touch to find those sneaky little pieces...
Had something similar happen at one of my rentals last year. Tenant called me up saying the disposal sounded like a dying robot, lol. Turned out to be a small metal bottle cap wedged under the impeller—no idea how it got there. Like mentioned above, unplugging and carefully fishing around with needle-nose pliers did the trick. Might wanna double-check for sneaky little objects before thinking about replacement, could save you some cash.
