Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation

Garbage disposals are designed to break down crumbs and similar leftovers before they can affect your plumbing system. Small blades located within the disposal cut up debris until the pieces are much smaller, preventing clogs from forming in the pipes. Most garbage disposals are energy-efficient fixtures, requiring less water and electricity to function.

If a malfunction appears, it’s usually because of an electrical issue or improper use. The best way to protect your garbage disposal is to learn what can and can’t go into it. United Plumbing Company technicians find the root cause of the problem to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen again.

1. Your Disposal Isn’t Starting

When a garbage disposal isn’t running in the first place, try pushing the reset button located on the unit. If nothing happens, it’s routinely thanks to electrical problem or because the blades can’t move. Electrical damage like this may be dangerous to inspect and repair, so it’s best to leave garbage disposal repair to professional technicians.

2. The Motor Is Running, But the Blades Aren’t

If you hear the disposal but the blades aren’t actually spinning, it might be an electrical error, a problem with the motor, or another malfunction affecting the blades. For safety reasons, we make sure the disposal is off before find the root cause.

Sometimes, something like old food gets stuck inside the disposal, catching the blades and preventing rotation. A disposal’s motor can spin the blades at speeds capable of injury, so make sure never to reach into a garbage disposal if you aren’t certain it’s turned off and unplugged.

3. Leaks

Leaking is a telltale sign there’s a problem with the disposal. As food waste solidifies and hardens, it may damage internal components and potentially spring a leak. Nearby water damage is another way you might realize there’s something wrong with the disposal. If you see mold or damp spots underneath your sink, the garbage disposal may be to blame.