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Trusted Plumbing Experts Across the Bay Area

Common Garbage Disposal Problems & How to Fix Them
Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation – Bay Area Plumbing Experts
Garbage disposals are a modern kitchen essential—making cleanup faster, minimizing food waste, and helping prevent drain clogs. But when your disposal jams, leaks, or won’t turn on, it can cause unpleasant odors, backed-up sinks, and frustration during meal prep.
At Repipe Champions Plumbing and Rooter, we specialize in fast, reliable garbage disposal repair and installation across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda counties. Whether you’re dealing with a malfunctioning unit or upgrading to a high-performance model, our licensed plumbers are ready to help.
1. Common Garbage Disposal Problems We Fix
Even well-maintained disposals eventually experience wear or damage. Here are some of the most common issues we handle:
Jammed Disposal
• Cause: Foreign objects (utensils, bones, fibrous foods) stuck in the grinding chamber
• Solution: Manual unjamming using an Allen wrench or reset tool; thorough internal inspection
Disposal Won’t Turn On
• Cause: Electrical failure, tripped circuit, or burned-out motor
• Solution: Electrical diagnosis, resetting safety features, replacing faulty switches or the entire unit
Strange Noises
• Cause: Loose components, debris inside, or damaged grinding blades
• Solution: Remove blockage, tighten internal parts, assess need for repair vs. replacement
Leaks Under the Sink
• Cause: Cracked housing, worn gaskets, or loose mounting flange
• Solution: Reseal joints, replace gaskets, or reinstall/replace the disposal unit
Foul Odors
• Cause: Food buildup, grease, or mold in the disposal or drain line
• Solution: Deep clean using safe cleaning methods, enzyme drain treatments, or partial disassembly
2. Garbage Disposal Installation Services
Whether you’re upgrading an old model or installing a disposal for the first time, our team handles the entire process—from removal to final testing. We install top brands like InSinkErator, Moen, and Waste King and provide options to match your sink type and kitchen use.
Our Installation Includes:
• Safe removal of the old unit
• Electrical and plumbing connection checks
• Leak-proof mounting and sealing
• Final performance testing
• Cleanup and haul-away of the old disposal
We also ensure that your new unit meets local plumbing codes and is properly grounded for safety.
3. Choosing the Right Disposal for Your Kitchen
We help you select the best unit based on your household needs:
• ½ HP: Best for small households with light use
• ¾ HP: Ideal for most families; handles fibrous foods and occasional bones
• 1 HP+: For high-use kitchens, frequent cooking, or large households
Other options include:
• Noise-reduction insulation for quieter operation
• Continuous feed vs. batch feed models
• Stainless steel grinders for longer durability
4. Preventative Maintenance Tips
To extend the life of your garbage disposal, follow these simple tips:
• Avoid putting fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), grease, or expandable starches (rice, pasta) down the disposal
• Run cold water before, during, and after use
• Use ice cubes and citrus peels to clean and sharpen blades
• Never use harsh chemicals or drain openers in the unit
We can also schedule annual maintenance checks to keep your disposal running smoothly and help avoid emergency calls.
5. When to Replace Instead of Repair
If your garbage disposal is over 8–10 years old, frequently jams, or has started leaking internally, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. We’ll provide honest recommendations, walk you through your options, and complete the replacement the same day in most cases.
Signs you may need a new disposal:
• Frequent resets or tripping
• Grinding noises that don’t resolve
• Poor performance despite cleaning
• Cracked housing or rust buildup
Why Homeowners Trust Repipe Champions
• Licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers
• Honest, upfront pricing with no surprise fees
• Same-day service in most cases
• Backed by warranties on both parts and labor
• Respectful of your home and kitchen space
Whether you live in San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, or beyond, we’re your go-to team for all kitchen plumbing needs.
Book Garbage Disposal Service Today
Don’t wait for a small disposal issue to become a kitchen disaster. Contact Repipe Champions Plumbing and Rooter today for garbage disposal repair or replacement. Call (408) 295-4309 or book online for fast, professional service throughout the Bay Area.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL REPAIR & INSTALLATION IN THESE BAY AREA CITIES – FAST, CLEAN KITCHEN PLUMBING BY TRUSTED LOCAL EXPERTS
Alameda
Albany
American Canyon
Antioch
Bay Area
Belmont
Benicia
Berkeley
Brentwood
Burlingame
Calistoga
Campbell
Castro Valley
Concord
Cotati
Cupertino
Daly City
Danville
Dublin
El Cerrito
Emeryville
Fairfield
Foster City
Fremont
Gilroy
Greenbrae
Hayward
Hercules
Lafayette
Larkspur
Livermore
Los Altos
Los Altos Hills
Los Gatos
Martinez
Menlo Park
Mill Valley
Millbrae
Milpitas
Monte Sereno
Morgan Hill
Mountain View
Napa
Newark
Oakland
Orinda
Pacifica
Palo Alto
Petaluma
Pinole
Pittsburg
Pleasant Hill
Pleasanton
Portola Valley
Redwood City
Richmond
Rohnert Park
San Bruno
San Carlos
San Francisco
San Jose
San Leandro
San Mateo
San Pablo
San Rafael
Santa Clara
Santa Rosa
Saratoga
South San Francisco
Suisun City
Sunnyvale
Union City
Vacaville
Vallejo
Walnut Creek
Woodside
Yountville
If you are not listed above, please reach out and we'll do our best to assist you.