Garbage disposal is much louder than it used to be

Symptoms

• Overall noise level has crept up over months or years
• No single distinct rattle, squeal, or clunk, just general loudness
• Sound carries more into other rooms than before
• Disposal is several years old

Likely causes

• CommonGeneral motor and bearing wearAs components wear, they run less smoothly and produce more noise.
• PossibleDegraded internal sound insulationCheaper models have foam or rubber insulation that can compress or degrade over time.
• PossibleLoosened mounting transmitting more vibration and soundA looser mount can let more noise transfer into the cabinet and pipes.
• PossibleLow horsepower unit working harder than a higher HP model wouldEntry-level units are inherently louder under load.

What to do

1. Check and tighten the mounting ring bolts as described in the vibration guide, since a loose mount amplifies noise.
2. Run the disposal with just water, no food, to hear its baseline noise level.
3. Compare that baseline to how it sounded when new, if you can recall, to judge how much has changed.
4. Check for and clear any small debris or a mild jam that might not fully stop the unit but adds noise.
5. If mounting is solid and there's no debris, accept that some noise increase is normal aging.
6. If considering a quieter replacement, look at insulated or higher horsepower models, which tend to run quieter under the same load.

Tools and parts

• Screwdriver
• 1/4-inch hex wrench

When to call a pro

If loudness is dramatic and sudden rather than gradual, treat it like a specific noise problem and check for debris or a failing motor first.

Safety