Garbage disposal repair fixes disposals that hum, won't turn on, leak or drain slowly. A humming disposal is usually jammed and can often be freed with the hex key; one that's silent may have tripped its reset button or breaker. If a disposal leaks from the body, it needs to be replaced.
Call for Same Day Service (833) 763-0420Always switch off the power before working on a disposal. To free a jam, turn the hex socket on the bottom of the unit with the hex key, then press the red reset button.
Leaks at the sink flange or the drain connection can usually be resealed. A leak from the bottom of the unit means the internal seals have failed.
Garbage Disposal Problems
A disposal usually tells you what's wrong by the sound it makes. A hum means it's jammed; silence means it has tripped its reset or breaker; grinding or rattling means something hard is inside.
- Humming without spinning
- No sound when switched on
- Water leaking under the sink
- Slow draining or bad odors
- Grinding or rattling noises
How a Garbage Disposal Is Repaired or Replaced
With the power off, the plumber frees a jam using the hex socket on the bottom, checks the reset and wiring, and inspects the flange and drain connections for leaks.
- Check the power, reset button and breaker.
- Free any jam and clear the grinding chamber.
- Inspect connections for leaks and reseal them.
- Repair or replace the unit, then test it with running water.
Resetting a Garbage Disposal Safely
- Turn off the switch and unplug the disposal or switch off its breaker.
- Never put your hand inside. Use tongs to remove anything you can see.
- Insert the hex key into the socket on the bottom of the unit and work it back and forth until it turns freely.
- Press the red reset button on the bottom.
- Restore power, run cold water and switch it on.
If it still hums, trips the reset again or leaks from the bottom, it needs repair or replacement.
What Affects the Cost of Disposal Repair
The main question is whether the disposal can be freed and resealed or needs replacing.
- A jam or reset versus a failed motor.
- Leaks at the flange or drain connection versus a leaking unit body.
- Replacement unit size and horsepower.
- Electrical work if the unit isn't on a switched outlet.
When a Disposal Problem Needs Fast Help
- Water is leaking from the bottom of the disposal into the cabinet.
- The disposal is clogged and the sink is backing up.
Hard Water and Disposal Seals
In very hard water cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix, mineral deposits build up on disposal seals and the sink flange, which can lead to leaks around the connections. A leak from the flange or drain connection can usually be resealed; a leak from the bottom of the unit means it needs replacing.
Before the Plumber Arrives
- Switch off the power to the disposal.
- Note whether it hums, clicks or makes no sound.
Garbage Disposal Repair is one part of faucet & fixture repair.
Other Faucet & Fixture Repair Services
Garbage Disposal Questions
What shouldn't go in a garbage disposal?
Grease, bones, fibrous foods like celery and corn husks, coffee grounds in quantity, pasta and rice, and anything that isn't food.
Why does my disposal smell?
Food residue builds up on the grinding components. Run cold water with ice and a little dish soap, and use the disposal regularly.