Kitchen sink disposals
Garbage disposal repair
A disposal that hums but does not turn is jammed, and most jams can be cleared with the hex key that came with the unit. A disposal that leaks from its body has a failed internal seal, and that usually means replacement rather than repair.
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Clearing a jam safely
Never put a hand inside the disposal.
Switch off and unplug
Turn off the wall switch and unplug the unit or switch off its breaker.
Turn the flywheel
Insert the hex key in the socket at the bottom center and work it back and forth until it turns freely.
Remove debris
Use tongs or pliers to lift out what caused the jam.
Reset and test
Press the red reset button, restore power and run cold water before switching on.
What the visit involves
Diagnose
Power, jam and leak points are checked.
Repair or swap
Connections are resealed, or the unit is replaced on its mount.
Test with the dishwasher
If a dishwasher drains through the disposal, a drain cycle is run to check for leaks.
What shapes the job
- Mount type
- Matching the existing mount makes a swap quicker.
- Wiring
- Hard-wired units need the electrical connection moved to the new unit.
- Septic systems
- Homes on septic may need a model suited to it, or no disposal at all. Check your local rules.
What is replaced
- Mounting gaskets and flange
- Reseal a leaking top.
- Drain elbow gasket
- Fixes a side leak at the drain.
- Whole unit
- The usual answer for body leaks and dead motors.
Disposal symptoms
| What you notice | Usual cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hums, does not turn | Jammed flywheel | Cleared with the hex key; see the checks below |
| Silent, no hum | Overload tripped, switch or outlet fault | Reset button pressed; outlet tested |
| Leaks from the top | Sink flange plumber's putty failed | Flange resealed |
| Leaks from the side | Drain or dishwasher connection loose | Gasket or clamp replaced |
| Leaks from the bottom | Internal seal failed | Unit replaced |
| Slow to drain | Blocked drain line beyond the disposal | Trap and drain cleared |
Repair, reset or replace
Disposals have few serviceable parts. Jams, tripped overloads, loose drain connections and the dishwasher inlet are fixable. A leaking body, worn grinding parts or a burned-out motor usually mean a new unit.
- Jams
- Cleared by turning the flywheel from below with a hex key, with the power off.
- Overload reset
- A red button on the bottom pops when the motor overheats.
- Connections
- Sink flange, drain elbow and dishwasher hose connections can be resealed.
- Replacement
- Swapping a failed unit for a like-for-like one is usually quick if the mounting matches.
How urgent is a disposal fault?
- Act now
Leaking into the cabinet
Stop using the sink on that side and put a bucket under it.
- This week
Jammed or tripped
Try the hex key and reset first.
- Plan it
Loud grinding or very slow grinding
Plan to replace the unit.
Garbage Disposal Repair: common questions
What should not go in a garbage disposal?
Grease, fibrous peels and stalks, bones, coffee grounds in quantity and anything non-food. They jam the unit or clog the drain beyond it.
Can I use chemical drain cleaner in a disposal?
Most manufacturers advise against it. It can damage the unit and is hazardous if the disposal then has to be opened.
Does a disposal need its own circuit?
Requirements depend on the local electrical code and the unit's rating. An electrician should confirm when a new disposal is added.
Talk to a technician about garbage disposal repair
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