Garbage disposal repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What garbage disposal repair is

Garbage disposal repair diagnoses a disposal that hums, jams, leaks or will not turn on. The pro clears the jam, resets the unit, replaces seals, or swaps the unit if the motor has failed. A fault is often a jam or a few worn parts, and a good repair checks which one it is.

Signs you need it

  • The disposal hums but does not turn, which usually points to a jam or a stuck flywheel
  • The disposal will not turn on, and the reset button on the bottom of the unit has tripped
  • Water leaks from the body, the mount or the drain flange
  • The disposal grinds, rattles or vibrates badly, which can mean a loose mount or a damaged flywheel
  • Water backs up in the sink when the disposal runs, which can mean a clogged discharge or trap

What the pro does

  • Turn off the power and check the reset button on the bottom of the unit, then check for a jam with a hex key in the flywheel
  • Clear the jam and remove any object that has dropped into the grinding chamber
  • Check the motor and the flywheel, and check the switch and the wiring when the unit will not start
  • Replace the mounting gasket, the drain flange seal or the sink flange if they leak
  • Check the discharge pipe and trap for clogs, since a clogged trap can make the disposal look faulty
  • Test the disposal under water and check that it runs smoothly and drains properly before you leave

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Cause of the fault: a jam is simple, while a burned-out motor means replacing the unit
  • Whether the unit is under warranty, and whether the parts are still available
  • Age of the unit and whether it is worth repairing against a new one
  • Electrical problems: a failed switch, a damaged cord, or a loose connection in the box
  • Leaks from the mount, the flange or the discharge, and the number of seals to replace
  • Access under the sink and whether the drain or cabinet must be moved

What a written quote should spell out

  • Diagnosis, with the test that showed the fault, such as a motor check or a jam
  • Parts to be replaced, such as seals, the mount, the switch or the unit
  • Whether the trap or discharge was cleared or replaced
  • Whether a repair or a replacement is recommended, with the reason
  • Warranty status and who handles the claim if the unit is covered

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the disposal jammed, or is the motor failing? How did you check?
  • Will you test the motor and the switch before you replace anything?
  • If the motor has failed, will you recommend replacing the unit, and why?
  • Is the warranty still active, and do you handle the claim?
  • Will you check the drain and the trap when the disposal backs up?
  • Will you test the disposal under water before you leave?

Red flags

  • Pro who replaces the whole disposal without checking for a jam or the reset button
  • Pro who pours bleach or chemical into the disposal to fix a clog
  • Pro who reaches into a disposal with the power on
  • Pro who leaves a leak at the mount without sealing or replacing the gasket

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can turn the power off, press the reset button on the bottom of the unit, and use a hex key in the flywheel to free a jam. Call a pro if the unit hums with no movement after that, if it leaks from the body, or if the wiring or the switch is involved, since a motor that has burned out or a faulty switch can be a shock hazard.

Licenses and permits

Disposal repair's plumbing portion is commonly done by licensed plumbers, and electrical repair may need a licensed electrician in some areas. Check with your state or local licensing agency about what applies to your work.

Garbage disposal repair questions

What is the reset button on a disposal?

It is a small button on the bottom of the unit that cuts power when the motor overheats or jams. Turn off the power first, then press the button, and wait before you test the unit again.

Why does my disposal hum and not turn?

A hum with no spin usually means the flywheel is jammed or the motor is starved of power. A jam can often be cleared, and the pro checks the motor if it stays stuck.

Is it worth repairing an old disposal?

Often not. If the motor has failed or the body is leaking, replacement is usually the better choice. The pro should show you the motor check and the age of the unit before you decide.

Can I pour drain cleaner into the disposal?

No. Chemical cleaners can damage the seals and the unit, and they are a hazard to the person who has to work on the sink later.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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