With certain kinds of coverage (e.g., coverage provided through a real estate agent and renewal of that coverage), a systems and appliances home warranty from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW) can cover garbage disposal repair. As with all covered systems and appliances, a home warranty can reduce the cost to address a garbage disposal that breaks down from normal wear and tear. This means that for warranty coverage to apply, you must properly maintain your garbage disposal. But what does that mean?
Today, we’ll look at a few important topics about home warranties and garbage disposals:
- How home warranty coverage works for a garbage disposal
- Why you should consider home warranty coverage for your garbage disposal
- How to make sure your home warranty coverage includes your home’s garbage disposal
- How to maintain your garbage disposal
A warranty company that offers coverage for a garbage disposal repair can protect you from immediate drainage problems and longer-term plumbing problems. It can also drastically offset the financial burden of garbage disposal repair or replacement when something unexpected happens.
How home warranty coverage works for a garbage disposal
Like with other covered systems and appliances, a systems and appliances home warranty is an affordable annual plan that can cover repair and replacement costs for your garbage disposal. This annual plan can cover your garbage disposal if it breaks down from normal wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to continually maintain all major appliances and home systems.
If your home warranty plan from 2-10 HBW covers garbage disposal repair, the process is simple. You simply log in to your online Homeowner Portal account, file a claim, and set an appointment with the contractor we dispatch. You can also call in to file your claim (but using your online Portal is easier).Then, you pay a small Service Fee, and the contractor works to diagnose and address covered breakdowns.
When you purchase home warranty coverage, you should check to make sure that it will cover garbage disposal repair. Fortunately, 2-10 HBW has transparent Service Agreements that lay out coverage, exclusions, and limits.
Note that your home warranty coverage will not apply if your garbage disposal breaks down for reasons other than routine wear and tear. For example, if you constantly pour grease down your disposal and it causes a clog, you would NOT be covered. This would be a sign that you didn’t properly maintain your disposal. Additionally, if there was an environmental disaster or major accident, then any damage to your disposal would likely fall under homeowners insurance.
Why you should have home warranty coverage for your garbage disposal
As a responsible homeowner, there are two reasons why you should consider warranty coverage for your garbage disposal.
The first reason is cost. The average cost for a garbage disposal repair is around $250. However, this cost can rise dramatically if your garbage disposal turns out to be just part of a bigger problem. For example, if your non-functional garbage disposal causes larger plumbing problems, the cost could reach $400 or more. With certain types of home warranty plans from 2-10 HBW, you can greatly reduce the cost to repair or replace a broken down garbage disposal.
The second reason to consider a home warranty with garbage disposal repair coverage is for reliable repairs from quality technicians. As a leading home warranty company, 2-10 HBW has a network of reliable Service Contractors. With coverage through 2-10 HBW, you have access to a reliable and vetted service provider.
How to make sure your home warranty coverage includes your home’s garbage disposal
If you have a systems and appliances home warranty from 2-10 HBW, there are a couple ways to determine whether you have garbage disposal repair coverage.
- Check your Service Agreement. Within your Home Warranty Service Agreement, 2-10 HBW includes limits and exclusions. Your Service Agreement is always available to you within your Homeowner Portal account, which you can set up easily upon becoming a member.
- Ask a 2-10 HBW customer service representative. When in doubt, just ask! It’s better to double-check your coverage than find out you don’t have it at all.
How to maintain your garbage disposal and reduce garbage disposal problems
Maintaining your garbage disposal is key for your home warranty coverage to work as intended. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a plumber to maintain your garbage disposal well. In fact, one of the best ways to maintain your garbage disposal is to know what NOT to put down there. You can get a list of things you should never put down your garbage disposal here.
In addition, we’ve included a list of some of the most common problems that arise with garbage disposals. If you choose to try any of these solutions, be sure to never place your hand in the unit. In fact, make sure to turn off the power to the unit through your circuit breaker before trying any troubleshooting. Additionally, consider following some of these tips from plumbers for proper sink care to avoid common issues.
If this list doesn’t help you troubleshoot your issue, you’ll need to reach out to 2-10 HBW (if you have garbage disposal coverage) or a professional.
The unit will not turn on
If your garbage disposal won’t turn on, you could be experiencing an issue with your electrical system. First, check to make sure that your disposal has power and hasn’t tripped a breaker.
If that’s not the problem, check your unit for a reset button. Push it and check to see if that solves the issue. If it doesn’t, you may need to contact 2-10 HBW (if you have coverage) or a professional.
The sink is draining slowly or not at all
If your sink drains slowly or not at all, you likely have a clog. There are many causes of clogged sinks. With any luck, the clog exists in the disposal itself and not farther down the line. To check whether the garbage disposal is blocked, use a flashlight to look for the blockage. If you can see any foreign objects, use a pair of tongs or pliers to gently remove them. Again, do not use your hand, and be sure to turn off the power to the garbage disposal.
Another way to try to clear clogs is by pouring a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, run hot water from your faucet down. Avoid using harsh chemicals (e.g., Drano). These can both damage your piping and hurt you if you turn your disposal on and the chemical splashes back.
If these tips don’t work, you may need a professional.
There are leaks near the garbage disposal
Garbage disposal vibrations can cause the connecting pieces to shift. If you notice leaks near the garbage disposal, try to tighten the bolts, replace old and rusty parts, or apply plumber’s putty to the leak.
The sink drain stinks
While garbage disposals are good at getting most proper waste down the drain, food waste can still get stuck in there. To solve this issue, try any of these three steps.
- Pour a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, run hot water from your faucet down.
- Put a small slice of citrus fruit (lemon, orange), including the peel, down the disposal. Turn the water on and run the disposal like normal.
- Put a handful of ice cubes in the disposal, run the water, and operate as usual.
A home warranty plan with garbage disposal coverage
A home warranty from a warranty company like 2-10 HBW can help reduce the costs associated with the repair and replacement of the major systems and appliances in your house. Because when an appliance breaks down, it’s frustrating. But when a covered appliance breaks down, it much more manageable.
Plus, a home warranty with garbage disposal coverage protects more than just your garbage disposal. Here’s what a home warranty can cover:
- Water heater, ceiling fan, dishwasher, and a permanently installed sump pump
- Your electrical system, plumbing system, and septic tank
- Your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation (HVAC) system (ductwork excluded)
- Pool, spa, and external electrical systems as an add-on
Finding home warranty coverage that works for you and your family can be difficult. However, having the right warranty coverage in place will go a long way in ensuring that your family is protected from the unexpected costs associated with the repair and/or replacement of your home’s major appliances and home systems.
2-10 HBW offers the most comprehensive home warranty coverage for homeowners. Let us help you protect your home.
