Turn it off before anything else
Switch off the disposal at the wall switch, and if you plan to reach into it for any reason, turn off the circuit breaker as well. Never put a hand in the chamber. Use tongs or pliers to remove an object you can see.
If water is leaking under the sink, empty the cabinet, put a bowl under the drip and close the valves under the sink. If the sink is full of water and not draining, stop running the tap and call.
What the symptoms mean
| Symptom | Likely cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hums but does not spin | Jammed flywheel | Free the jam with a hex wrench from underneath, then reset |
| Nothing happens | Tripped overload or no power | Press the reset button, check the outlet or circuit |
| Leaks from the top | Failed sink flange seal | Reseal or replace |
| Leaks from the side or bottom | Cracked housing or loose connection | Tighten, or replace the unit |
| Sink drains slowly with disposal on | Clog past the disposal | Clear the drain line |
| Bad smell | Food residue | Clean the chamber |
Repair or replace
A jam or a loose connection is cheap to fix. A leaking housing, a seized motor or a unit more than about ten years old is usually better replaced because the fix costs about as much as the new unit.
- Isolate power and water. The plumber switches off the unit and the supply.
- Diagnose. Jam, motor, leak or downstream clog each get a different fix.
- Fix or swap. The jam is freed, a seal replaced, the drain cleared or a new disposal mounted and wired.
- Test. The plumber runs water and the unit, and checks every joint for leaks.
If the sink drain is the problem, the repair is really drain cleaning. A disposal pushes food into the drain, and if the drain is old or has grease on the walls, it can clog right behind the disposal.
Disposal leaking or jammed? Call the 24/7 line.
Call (650) 860-1670What changes the cost of disposal work
- Repair or replacement. A freed jam is minimal. A new disposal adds the unit cost.
- Horsepower. Larger motors cost more.
- Mounting and wiring. Replacing a similar model is quick. A different mount takes longer.
- Drain condition. A clogged drain beyond the disposal is a separate job.
- Time of call. After-hours dispatch costs more.
A cheap disposal that fails often may cost more over time than a mid-range one. The plumber gives you the options with prices before the work starts.
Freeing a jam safely
Turn off the switch and the breaker. Look under the sink for a hex-shaped socket in the center of the disposal's base. A hex wrench of the right size turned back and forth frees the flywheel. A jam from a utensil or bone is common, and removing it from above with tongs, never a hand, finishes the job.
After the jam is free, press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If the motor still hums but will not turn, or trips the reset again, the motor is the problem and the plumber should look at it.
Choosing a replacement disposal
Motor power, mounting style and sound insulation are the main differences. A one-half horsepower unit suits light use. A three-quarter or one horsepower unit handles heavier loads and lasts longer. Continuous feed models run while the switch is on. Batch feed models run only with a stopper in place and are safer in homes with children.
Match the mounting system to your sink. Many replacements fit the existing mount, which makes the swap quick. If the sink opening or the mount differs, expect extra time.
What goes down your kitchen drain ends up in your lateral
Food waste and grease from a disposal leave the house through the lateral, which the City of Mountain View says belongs to the property owner. The wastewater then travels to the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant. Keeping grease, coffee grounds and fibrous scraps out of the disposal protects your own pipe first. Run cold water for several seconds after use so scraps move beyond the trap.
A disposal connects to the drain under rules in the California Plumbing Code, starting with the trap, and the plumber leaves those connections correct.
Garbage Disposal Repair questions
Is emergency garbage disposal repair available at night in Mountain View?
Yes. Call (650) 860-1670 at any hour. Switch the unit off at the wall and a licensed plumber is dispatched.
Why does my disposal hum but not spin?
It is jammed. Switch it off, then free it from below with a hex wrench or have the plumber do it.
What should I never put in a disposal?
Grease, fibrous food like celery and corn husks, bones, coffee grounds in quantity and non-food items. They clog the drain or jam the unit.
How long does a disposal last?
Often around a decade, depending on use. A unit that leaks from the housing is at the end of its life.
Can you install a new disposal?
Yes. The plumber mounts and wires it, connects the drain and tests it.