professional garbage disposal installation and repair services

Common Garbage Disposal Problems & How to Fix Them

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Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation Services

Is your garbage disposal jammed, noisy, leaking, or refusing to turn on? A malfunctioning disposal can disrupt your kitchen routine, create foul odors, and even lead to clogged drains or water damage under the sink.

At Repipe Champions Plumbing and Rooter, we provide expert garbage disposal repair and installation services throughout Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties. Whether you need a quick repair or a full replacement, our licensed plumbers deliver fast, affordable solutions.

1. Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On

If your unit is unresponsive when you flip the switch, it may be an electrical or motor issue.

Common causes:

• Tripped circuit breaker

• Overheated motor

• Faulty wall switch or wiring issue

How we fix it:

• Check and reset the circuit breaker

• Press the reset button underneath the disposal

• Inspect for wiring issues and test the motor

If your unit still doesn’t start, it may require motor replacement or a new installation.

2. Garbage Disposal Is Jammed

A humming noise without grinding usually indicates a jammed disposal.

Common causes:

• Hard objects stuck in the blades (bones, silverware, pits)

• Fibrous food like celery or corn husks wrapped around the mechanism

• Grease buildup preventing blade movement

What we do:

• Safely turn off power and dislodge debris using proper tools

• Manually rotate the internal flywheel with an Allen wrench

• Clear the chamber and inspect the motor for damage

Never use your hands inside the unit — call a professional if the jam persists.

3. Garbage Disposal Is Clogged or Draining Slowly

Slow draining or standing water in the sink often signals a partial clog in the disposal or drain line.

Common causes:

• Food particles blocking the discharge pipe

• Grease and fat buildup inside the unit

• Starches like rice or pasta expanding and clogging the drain

We address the issue by:

• Flushing the unit with hot water and dish soap

• Using a sink auger or plunger to clear blockages

• Applying natural cleaners (baking soda and vinegar) or mechanical methods to remove buildup

If clogs affect multiple fixtures, your main drain line may need professional cleaning.

4. Garbage Disposal Is Leaking

Water under your sink may be coming from a damaged or poorly sealed disposal.

Potential sources of leaks:

• Loose mounting flange

• Cracked disposal body

• Leaky dishwasher or drain pipe connection

Our repair process:

• Tighten the disposal mounting assembly

• Replace gaskets or reseal with plumber’s putty

• Install a new unit if the disposal housing is cracked

Timely repairs prevent damage to cabinetry, flooring, and plumbing fixtures.

5. Garbage Disposal Smells Bad

Persistent odors are a common complaint, usually caused by food residue and grease inside the unit.

What causes it:

• Trapped food particles under the blades

• Mold or bacterial growth

• Grease coating the grinding chamber

Our odor removal approach:

• Run ice and salt to clean the blades

• Flush the system with baking soda and vinegar

• Grind citrus peels to neutralize lingering smells

For stubborn odors, we recommend a thorough cleaning or drain line inspection.

When to Call a Professional for Garbage Disposal Service

Contact us if:

• The disposal doesn’t turn on, even after resetting

• You hear loud grinding, humming, or metal-on-metal sounds

• There’s water leaking from the unit

• Your sink is clogged and DIY fixes aren’t working

• The motor is burned out or the unit is over 10 years old

In many cases, replacing your disposal with a high-efficiency model can save time, reduce future repairs, and improve kitchen performance.

Schedule Garbage Disposal Repair or Installation Today

Don’t let a broken garbage disposal slow down your home. Our team offers fast service, expert troubleshooting, and high-quality installations tailored to your kitchen setup.

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