Keep a small disposal problem from becoming a sink backup
Disposals fail in a handful of familiar ways – some inside the unit itself, others in the sink drain, dishwasher connection, trap, or the plumbing under the cabinet. Let a small disposal issue sit and it can quickly back up the whole kitchen sink.
Some of these problems are repairable; others call for a new unit. We help you see the difference before work begins. Call (386) 353-9386.
Disposal problems we can fix
Some trouble starts inside the unit; the rest comes from the drain, trap, or connections.
Won’t turn on
Could be a tripped reset, a power or switch problem, a wiring concern, or a dead motor. If flipping the switch does nothing, stop and call us.
Hums but won’t grind
Power is reaching the motor but the grinding plate is stuck. Switch it off immediately – letting it hum can burn the motor out. Never reach inside.
Jammed
Food scraps, stringy material, utensils, small objects, or caked-on buildup can stop it cold. We clear jams safely and confirm the unit still runs right.
Leaks under the sink
Leaks can start at the body, sink flange, mounting, drain pipe, or dishwasher connection. A loose fitting may be repairable; a cracked body usually means a new unit.
Slow sink drain
The disposal and the drain depend on each other. Grease, food debris, soap scum, and starchy waste collect and choke the drain.
See Drain Cleaning →Bad odors
Rotting food waste caught in the disposal, splash guard, drain, or trap. If a cleaning doesn’t fix it, the buildup may sit deeper in the line.
Loud grinding or rattling
A disposal should never sound like loose metal bouncing around. Something foreign may be trapped or a part may have come loose – turn it off and keep hands out.
Keeps tripping or stopping
Running briefly then cutting out can signal overloading, a jam, overheating, or internal failure. If it keeps needing resets, it needs service or replacement.
Repair or replace your disposal
The right call comes down to the problem, the unit’s age, where it leaks, the motor’s condition, and what the repair would cost.
When repair makes sense
The unit is otherwise healthy and the problem is isolated.
When replacement may be better
The disposal has a major fault or keeps breaking down.
Garbage disposal installation
A new unit needs correct setup to run properly and stay leak-free.
New installation
No disposal yet? Installation is often possible depending on the sink, drain layout, cabinet space, and hookup. It has to tie into the sink drain correctly.
Replacement
We haul out the old unit and fit the replacement where the setup allows – then test for leaks, drain flow, and correct operation.
Customer-provided unit
Bought your own disposal already? We can usually install it if it suits the sink and plumbing. We check compatibility – space, drain, and connections – first.
Dishwasher connection
In many kitchens the dishwasher drains through the disposal. When the unit is replaced, that hookup has to be redone correctly so both drain right.
See Kitchen Plumbing →Safe steps before you call
A disposal can hurt you if you handle it the wrong way.
Turn the disposal off
Confirm the wall switch is off. If you are looking under the sink, kill the power at the switch and the breaker too.
Never reach inside
Never put a hand into a disposal, even with the switch off – sharp edges, trapped objects, and live power make it dangerous.
Don’t run a humming unit
Humming without grinding? Switch it off. Leaving it on can burn the motor out.
Avoid chemical cleaners
Harsh chemicals can sit in the disposal or drain when they fail to clear it – a hazard for anyone who works on the line afterward.
Stop using a backing-up sink
If the sink is backing up, stop running water – every extra gallon makes it worse.
Call for help
Call (386) 353-9386 and tell us what is happening. If water is spreading under the sink, see our emergency plumber page.