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Garbage Disposal Repair & Replacement
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
Garbage disposals can break down for a variety of reasons. A common issue is a motor that’s too small for your household’s needs, struggling to keep up with daily use. Another culprit is grease, or stringy food scraps being put down the drain, causing clogs or jams. Over time, wear and tear or buildup from food debris can also slow down or damage the unit, leading to poor performance or leaks.
Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation
When your garbage disposal acts up, our plumbers start by inspecting the unit to pinpoint the issue. If it’s just jammed, we can often clear the blockage and get it running smoothly again. However, if the motor is burned out or the unit is too worn, a replacement may be the best option. We’ll guide you in choosing the right disposal for your home, ensuring it’s powerful enough to handle your needs.
Garbage disposals come in different motor sizes, measured in horsepower (HP). For small households, like apartments or condos with one or two people, a ½ HP motor is usually enough. Larger families of four or more in a house may need a ¾ HP model to keep up with heavier use. We’ll recommend the perfect size to match your lifestyle.
Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking?
Finding water under your sink can be frustrating, and it might mean your garbage disposal is leaking or the problem could be nearby. Below are four common reasons why garbage disposals leak, along with a summary of each issue.
- Faulty Sink Flange Connection – The flange is the part that connects the garbage disposal to the sink. If it’s loose, improperly installed, or worn out, water can seep through the gaps, causing leaks under the sink.
- Worn Out Seals – Over time, the seals inside the garbage disposal can deteriorate due to constant use and exposure to water. When these seals fail, water escapes from the unit, leading to puddles underneath.
- Leaking Dishwasher or Drain Pipe Connection – The pipes connecting the disposal to the dishwasher or drain can become loose or damaged. These leaks often appear under the sink and may be mistaken for a problem with the disposal itself.
- Worn Internal Parts Causing Bottom Leaks – Internal components of the disposal, like the grinding chamber, can wear out over time, especially in older units. This causes water to leak from the bottom, often signaling the need for a replacement.
Frequently Ask Questions
You can try using an allen wrench to manually turn the blades through the bottom of the unit or press the reset button. If the jam persists, professional plumbing help is needed to avoid damaging the disposal.
A garbage disposal may stop due to a jam from food scraps, a burned-out motor, or electrical issues. Common culprits include bones, grease, or fibrous foods clogging the blades.
Avoid fibrous foods like celery, grease, bones, and starchy items like pasta and potato peels. These can jam the blades, cause clogs, or damage the unit over time.
Most garbage disposals last 8-15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Heavy use or improper items can shorten their lifespan significantly.
Odors are caused by food buildup or grease trapped in the unit. Regular cleaning with ice, citrus peels, or baking soda and vinegar can help eliminate smells. If the smells persist call us so we can send one of our professional plumbers out to fix the situation.
Leaks often come from a loose sink flange, worn-out seals, or damaged internal parts. Dishwasher or drain pipe connections can also be the source of leaks.
If the unit hums but doesn’t spin, leaks persistently, or requires frequent resets, it may need repair. A burned-out motor or extensive internal damage often means replacement is more cost-effective.
No, always run cold water while using the disposal to flush debris and prevent overheating. Running it dry can damage the blades and motor over time.
