What to do before calling
A safe order of steps
Many jams clear in a minute. Follow this order and keep your hands out of the unit.
- Turn the wall switch off and unplug the unit if there is a plug.
- Find the hex slot on the bottom and turn it back and forth with the wrench that came with the unit.
- Remove anything visible with tongs.
- Press the red reset button on the bottom, then restore power and test with water running.
What each symptom means
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hums but does not spin | Jammed flywheel | Free it with the hex wrench |
| Silent, no hum | Tripped reset or power fault | Reset or check the breaker |
| Leak at the bottom | Failed seal or cracked housing | Replace the unit |
| Leak at the top | Loose sink flange | Reseal the flange |
| Slow drain | Clog beyond the unit | Drain cleaning |
Habits that kill a disposal
Grease, coffee grounds in volume, fibrous scraps such as celery and corn husks, and bones are the top causes of jams and clogs. Grease is the worst because it coats the pipe downstream and hardens, and the disposal does nothing to prevent that.
Run cold water while grinding and for 15 seconds after. If clogs keep returning in the line beyond the disposal, the pipe may need hydro jetting.
A disposal that is hard-wired or plugged in must meet the National Electrical Code (NEC), and its drain connection must follow the International Plumbing Code (IPC), including the high loop or air gap for the dishwasher line.
Disposal not working?
Call the line. A licensed plumber can be scheduled the same day when available.
Things to decide when replacing a disposal
Horsepower
A larger motor handles tougher scraps and costs more.
Continuous or batch feed
Batch feed runs only with the stopper in place.
Mounting
Most use a common mount, but sink type matters.
Dishwasher connection
The dishwasher drain ties in at the disposal inlet.
If your property is on a septic system
Some homes outside city sewer service, in the rural parts of Canadian County, use septic tanks. A disposal adds solids to a tank and can shorten the time between pumpings. Ask your septic service about it before installing one.
How a disposal replacement goes
Power off
The plumber disconnects power and the drain connections.
Remove
The old unit is unmounted from the sink flange and taken away.
Mount
The new unit is attached, connected to the drain and the dishwasher line.
Test
The unit is run with water, and every joint is checked for leaks.
The dishwasher connection
The dishwasher drains into the disposal inlet, and a plug inside the inlet must be knocked out when a disposal is first connected to a dishwasher. Skipping this step leaves the dishwasher unable to drain. If your dishwasher fills with dirty water after a disposal swap, the plug is the first thing to check.
Dishwasher drain hoses also need a high loop or an air gap to prevent dirty water from flowing back. A plumber sets this up as part of a proper install.
What affects disposal repair and replacement cost
Garbage disposal questions
Our line is open 24/7. A licensed plumber is scheduled the same day when one is available. If the disposal leaks onto the floor, say so when you call.
Something is jamming the flywheel. Use the hex wrench in the bottom slot to free it. If it will not turn, call.
If the seal has failed or the motor is dead, replacement is usually cheaper than repair.
It can contribute. Ground food and grease can collect in the trap and line. Cold water and smaller portions help.
Many last around ten years with care. A plumber can look at yours and tell you its condition.
Related services
Sink fixtures
Faucet and sink repair covers the rest of the sink.
Clogs
Drain cleaning clears the line below the unit.
Leaks
Leak detection checks for hidden water.