If your garbage disposal starts making new or louder noises, do not ignore it. Sound is the first clue that something inside the unit or your kitchen sink drain is not right. As a Lubbock homeowner, you depend on your disposal to keep food scraps from becoming a stubborn clog. I am here to help you decode those sounds, decide what you can safely try, and know when it is time to call Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric.
First Things First: Safety
Before any checks, switch the disposal off at the wall and unplug it or turn off the breaker. Never reach into the disposal with the power connected. Use tongs or pliers, not fingers.
What That Noise May Mean
Loud grinding or metal-on-metal
Metal scraping usually means a hard object is stuck between the impellers and the grind ring. Common culprits are utensils, bottle caps, or small screws. Continued operation may damage the grind chamber.
Humming with no grinding
A steady hum means the motor is energized but the flywheel is jammed. This is often caused by an overly tough item, a bone shard, or a fruit pit wedged in place. If left humming, the motor may overheat and trip the reset.
Rattling, clacking, or clicking
Loose items like chicken bones, ice chunks, or a piece of broken glass can bounce around the chamber. If the sound continues after a short run, an internal component may be loose or worn.
Squealing or high-pitched whine
A high-pitched sound can point to a failing motor bearing or a slipping drive. This type of wear usually signals that garbage disposal replacement in Lubbock will be more cost-effective than repair.
Rumbling with vibration
If the unit rumbles and the counter shakes, the disposal may be out of balance or mounted loosely. Misaligned mounting rings, missing splash guards, or an unbalanced flywheel can cause vibration that stresses your plumbing and leads to kitchen sink clogs or leaks.
Safe DIY Checks You Can Try
1) Press the reset button
Most disposals have a red or black reset on the bottom. If the unit overheated during a jam, wait five minutes, press reset, then test.
2) Free a jam with a hex key
Many models include a hex socket on the bottom. Insert a 1/4″ Allen key and gently turn back and forth to free the flywheel. Then use a flashlight and tongs to remove debris from the chamber.
3) Remove foreign objects
With power off, inspect the chamber. Tongs can pull out glass, caps, or bones that cause grinding, rattling, or clacking.
4) Check for a drain clog
If the disposal runs but water backs up into the kitchen sink, the issue may be a clog in the P-trap or further down the drain line. Place a bucket, remove the trap, and clear debris. Avoid chemical drain cleaners; they can damage seals and create safety hazards.
5) Confirm the breaker and switch
If there is no sound at all, verify the wall switch, GFCI outlet, and breaker. Intermittent power can mimic disposal failure.
When To Call a Pro
- The unit hums repeatedly and jams again after resets
- You hear squealing, smell electrical burning, or feel heat from the housing
- Vibrations loosen plumbing connections or cause leaks under the sink
- You cleared the P-trap, but the kitchen sink clog returns quickly
- The disposal trips the breaker or GFCI repeatedly
Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric provides fast diagnostics, honest options, and clean, code-compliant work. If repair makes sense, we will handle it. If not, we will guide you to a reliable garbage disposal replacement in Lubbock that fits your usage and budget.
Prevent Future Garbage Disposal Issues
Smart use habits
- Run cold water before, during, and 15–30 seconds after grinding.
- Feed scraps slowly; smaller batches grind more effectively.
- Grind citrus peels or a few ice cubes occasionally to freshen the chamber.
What to avoid
- Fats, oils, and grease that congeal and cause drain clogs
- Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes
- Hard items such as bones, pits, seafood shells, and unpopped kernels
- Expansive materials like pasta, rice, and coffee grounds in large amounts
Repair vs. Replacement: How To Decide
Consider replacement if your disposal is older than 8–10 years, needs frequent resets, or shows motor or bearing failure (squealing or grinding despite a clear chamber). Newer models are quieter, more efficient, and include better anti-jam features and sound insulation. A professional installation ensures proper alignment, leak-free connections, and a smooth tie-in to your dishwasher discharge and trap arm to reduce the chance of future kitchen sink clogs.
Why Homeowners Choose Armstrong
Since 1934, Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric has served Lubbock with family-owned values: integrity, innovation, customer satisfaction, commitment, and relationship-building. My team stays current with the latest products and safety standards, so your garbage disposal help is handled right the first time. We offer clear pricing, respectful service, and dependable results.
Garbage Disposal Repair in Lubbock, TX
If your garbage disposal noises have you worried, let us take it from here. Call Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric for fast troubleshooting, expert repairs, or a seamless garbage disposal replacement in Lubbock. We will protect your kitchen sink, clear the clog risk, and restore peace to your kitchen.
