A garbage disposal is one of the most frequently used plumbing fixtures in your home, yet it is often overlooked until something goes wrong. If your disposal is struggling, making noise, or failing to keep up with daily use, now may be the ideal time to consider a replacement. Proactively upgrading your garbage disposal can help prevent plumbing issues, improve kitchen efficiency, and protect your home from unexpected repairs.

Aging Units Become Less Reliable Over Time

Most garbage disposals have a lifespan of eight to twelve years. As they age, internal components such as blades, bearings, and motors begin to wear down. Even if the unit still runs, reduced grinding power can lead to food buildup in pipes, increasing the risk of clogs and drain backups. Replacing an aging disposal before it fails helps avoid emergency plumbing calls and damage to your drain system.

Frequent Repairs Signal Replacement Is the Better Option

If you have already had your garbage disposal repaired more than once, replacement is often the more cost-effective choice. Repeated jams, resets, leaks, or electrical issues usually indicate that the unit is nearing the end of its useful life. Investing in a new disposal can eliminate recurring service calls and provide peace of mind knowing your kitchen plumbing is operating reliably.

Improved Performance and Efficiency

Modern garbage disposals are significantly more efficient and powerful than older models. Newer units grind food waste more thoroughly, reducing the chance of blockages in your plumbing system. Many models also operate more quietly, which is a noticeable upgrade for busy households. Replacing your disposal now allows you to benefit from improved performance and a smoother kitchen workflow.

Odors and Buildup Are Often Signs of Internal Damage

Persistent odors coming from your sink are often caused by trapped food particles inside a worn or damaged disposal. Over time, buildup can become difficult or impossible to remove completely. If cleaning no longer solves the problem, replacing the unit is usually the most effective solution. A new disposal helps maintain a cleaner, fresher kitchen environment.

Preventative Replacement Reduces Plumbing Risk

A failing garbage disposal does not just affect the unit itself. Poor grinding performance can place extra strain on your pipes, increasing the likelihood of clogs, slow drains, and backups. Replacing your disposal at the right time is a preventative measure that helps protect your entire plumbing system. This is especially important in homes with older pipes or shared drain lines.

Ideal Timing for Kitchen Improvements

If you are planning other kitchen updates, such as replacing sinks, faucets, or countertops, it is an excellent time to upgrade your garbage disposal as well. Coordinating replacements can reduce labor costs and ensure all components work together efficiently. Even without a full renovation, replacing a disposal during routine plumbing maintenance can be a smart long-term decision.

Professional Installation Ensures Long-Term Results

Choosing professional installation ensures your new garbage disposal is properly sized, securely connected, and correctly aligned with your plumbing system. Improper installation can lead to leaks, electrical issues, or premature failure. Working with an experienced plumber helps ensure your investment delivers reliable performance for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Replacing your garbage disposal before it fails is a proactive way to protect your plumbing, improve kitchen functionality, and avoid unexpected repair costs. If your unit is aging, frequently malfunctioning, or no longer performing efficiently, now is a smart time to consider an upgrade. A new garbage disposal offers better performance, improved reliability, and greater peace of mind for your home.

The post Why Is It a Good Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal? appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Your garbage disposal may seem like it can grind up anything you please, but you should only grind up small debris. You want to protect the blades as much as possible to avoid wear and tear and a replacement.

When using your garbage disposal, you need to always run it with water to drain and break down the foods, otherwise, you may damage the blades. Most garbage disposals should last about 10 years, but that lifespan can be greatly reduced if you use it to grind up any of the banned items listed below.

Okay to put in your garbage disposal:

•  Most fruits and veggies: Your garbage disposal can easily handle most fruits and veggies. Avoid the items listed in the banned foods
• Wet pet food: Take care of your pet’s uneaten wet food by dumping it down the disposal!
• Meat scraps that are cooked: Avoid big chunks if you are dumping these down the disposal.
• Fruit rinds: Fruit rinds like oranges and lemons can help to clean your disposal and will leave it smelling fresh and citrusy!

Banned from your garbage disposal:

• Large Bones: The best way to quickly damage your disposal is with bones! Avoid them at all costs!
• Artichoke leaves: These leaves are known to jam disposals, throw them in the trash instead.
• Grease: This gooey disaster will clog your drains and back them up, disposal or not.
• Nuts: Grinding nuts up in your disposal will result in a sticky mess, like peanut butter.
• Fruit pits: Throw these in the trash! Banana peels: Like artichokes leaves and asparagus, these will jam your disposal.
• Corn husks: These can jam your disposal if you put too much in, just throw them in the trash!
• Rice and Pasta: Rice and pasta will expand in your drain and can create clogging issues.
• Asparagus: These are known the jam disposals like banana peels and artichoke leaves.

If you follow these rules above, your garbage disposal should last longer. Contact us today if you have any further questions!

The post What Can You Put in Your Garbage Disposal? appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Many homeowners prefer to try to fix slow shower drains themselves before calling a plumber. There are several inexpensive methods you can try without the help of a professional.

• The Boiling Water Method

Boiling water can help break down material that gets stuck in your drains. To begin, boil a pot of water on your stove. Keep in mind that you will have to carry it to the drain, so you should keep the area clear of obstacles, pets, and children before you move the boiling water to the bathroom.

Next, pour the boiling water down the drain. Take care not to splash hot water on bathtub accessories because the heat could cause damage.

• The Plunger Method

A plunger can sometimes clear drains just like it does toilet clogs. You may want to apply petroleum jelly to the edges of the plunger to achieve a stronger seal. Add water to submerge the plunger then plunge. This method doesn’t always work but can help in some instances.

• Remove Clogs by Hand

Remove the drain cover and look inside the drain. If you can see the clog, then you may be able to reach in and remove it. A flashlight can help you get a better view. You can reach in with your fingers to pull it out. You can wear gloves or use a tool instead if you don’t want to touch what’s down there. This method only works if the clog is close enough to reach.

What If I Can’t Clear a Shower Drain?

If you can’t find the clog or are unable to clear it, then you should call a plumber. Putman & Son’s Plumbing are available for all of your plumbing need. We can clear your shower drain and also identify the cause and make recommendations to prevent future blockages. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

The post How to Clear Slow Shower Drains in Your Home appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Sewer leaks are often not on the main line and you need to investigate to find the source. The best way to do this is with a smoke test that will pinpoint the source of the leak and odor. If you cannot get to the bottom of a foul smell or leak, contact Putman and Son’s certified plumbers. We are available 24/7 to help you.

The post Smoking Out Sewer Leaks appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Sump pumps can be a great investment. This device is installed in the lowest part of your crawlspace or basement. It’s usually placed in a pit. Water can flow into the pit naturally or through drains. When a certain level is reached, the unit will turn on and pump the water out and away from the structure, so it doesn’t cause damage.

Types of Sump Pumps

Sump pumps fall into one of two categories: submersible and pedestal. Submersible models have a motor that’s mounted inside the unit and sealed. It’s more visually attractive, usually lasts longer, and tends to be safer for homes with children. The downside is that submersible pumps tend to cost more and are harder to reach.

Pedestal models are designed with the motor mounted above the sump. It is easier to see, which makes it easier to repair if needed. This type tends to cost less than submersible sump pumps but doesn’t usually last as long.

5 Signs That You Need a Sump Pump

Chances are you need a sump pump installed if:

• Your basement has flooded in the past
• You live on a low-lying property or one with soil that traps water
• Your region sees high amounts of snow or rain annually
• You have a sump pump that’s over six years’ old
• You have invested in a finished basement that you want to protect

If any of the above apply to you, now is the time to look for sump pumps. Paying for one now could save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs in the future. Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing today to make an appointment with a certified plumber about installing a sump pump in your home.

The post Do I Need to Install a Sump Pump? appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

A garbage disposal adds convenience to your kitchen – as long as it works. Problems can occur for several reasons. A foreign object may fall in and cause a blockage. The disposal may not work correctly if garbage is fed into it too fast or without enough water to flush the drainpipes. What can you do if you have a clogged garbage disposal?

• Switch Off Power to the Garbage Disposal – Switch off all power to the garbage disposal before working on it. If you don’t have a switch, you can turn off the breaker on the power panel.
• Inspect the Garbage Disposal – Visually inspect the inside of the garbage disposal. Never put your hands inside the unit at any time, even if the power is off. Switches can be defective, so this is a necessary safety measure. A flashlight can help you see the interior.
• Remove Foreign Object from Disposal – If you see something that doesn’t belong in the disposal, remove it. This should be done carefully with a pair of pliers, so your hands stay away from the blades.
• Reset the Garbage Disposal and Test – Give the disposal 15 minutes to cool down before turning the power back on and resetting it.

If you are still having trouble, contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing to schedule a repair or replacement. Not all garbage disposals are alike. We can install one that meets your needs.

The post How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.