Why keep a log
Many disposal problems come and go. A leak that only shows when the dishwasher drains, a reset that pops only after a big load, a smell that returns on the third day: none of these perform on cue when someone arrives to look. Notes taken as it happens give a plumber the pattern without guesswork.
The log also helps you. Writing down what you ground, how much water you ran and what happened next often shows the cause on its own, such as tripping only after potato peels or leaking only with a full sink.
Daily log (print and fill in)
| Date and time | What went in | Water running? | Sound | Water anywhere? | Reset or breaker trip? | Sink drained in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Words to use in the Sound column
- Normal whirr
- Steady motor sound that changes pitch as food grinds.
- Hum
- Electrical buzz with no spinning; usually a jam.
- Grind or clank
- Metal-on-metal; often an object in the chamber.
- Squeal
- High whine that may point to worn bearings.
- Silent
- No sound at all when switched on.
- Gurgle
- Bubbling from the drain, often a drain or vent issue rather than the unit.
Also note once
- Brand and model from the label on the side or bottom of the unit.
- Rough age of the unit, if you know it.
- Plug-in or hardwired, and wall switch or air switch.
- Whether a dishwasher drains into the disposal.
- Any recent work under the sink, such as a new faucet or filter.
- Whether other drains in the house are slow.
How to use the log on the call
Summarize the pattern
Read off the two or three things that keep repeating, such as hums after fibrous scraps or drips only during dishwasher drains.
Share photos
Photos of the label, the space under the sink and any wet spots help as much as the notes.
Ask what they think
Ask whether the pattern points to the disposal, a connection or the drain line, and how they would confirm it.
Common questions
How many days should I log?
Two or three days of normal use is usually enough to show a pattern, unless the problem gets worse, in which case stop using the unit.
Should I log drain speed?
Yes. A rough count of seconds for the sink to empty helps tell a disposal problem from a slow drain line.
Is a log useful for a replacement job?
Less so, but the model, power type and dishwasher notes still help the installer prepare.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.