Garbage Disposal Repair
A garbage disposal that hums, leaks, or won’t turn on can throw off your whole kitchen routine. The problem could be a jam, a worn seal, or something electrical. R&L Plumbing provides garbage disposal repair across San Francisco and the East Bay for these and other common problems.
Garbage disposal repair is part of our broader kitchen plumbing services. If your unit needs to be replaced, see our garbage disposal installation service.
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Humming but blades won’t turn | Jam, often from a utensil or fibrous scrap |
| Leaking underneath the sink | Worn seal or a cracked housing |
| Won’t turn on at all | Tripped reset button or an electrical issue |
| Loud grinding or rattling | A foreign object like glass or a bone fragment |
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
The symptoms can give us a good idea of what may be wrong:
- Humming but not spinning: Often caused by a jam
- Leaking under the sink: May come from a worn seal, loose connection, or damaged housing
- Won't turn on: Could be a tripped reset button or an electrical problem
- Grinding or rattling: May mean a hard object is caught inside the disposal
We’ll inspect the unit to find the cause before recommending a repair.
What Can You Try Before Calling a Plumber?
If the disposal suddenly stops working, you can check the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If it has tripped, pressing it may restore power.
Don’t reach into the disposal by hand, even if the switch is off. If the unit is jammed, leaking, making unusual noises, or keeps tripping the reset, it’s time to have it checked.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Disposal?
Whether repair makes sense depends on the age and condition of the disposal and what’s wrong with it. A jam, loose connection, or replaceable seal may be repairable. Repeated problems, a cracked housing, or other major damage may make replacement the better option.
We’ll inspect the unit and explain your options before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my garbage disposal humming but not spinning?
A humming disposal often means the motor is getting power but something is preventing the unit from turning. A jam is one common cause. Turn the disposal off at the switch and don’t reach inside. We can clear it safely.
Is it safe to reach into my garbage disposal to fix it myself?
No. Don’t put your hand inside the disposal, even if the switch is off. If you can’t safely identify and remove the problem, call a plumber.
How do I reset my garbage disposal?
Look for the reset button on the underside of the unit and press it firmly. If the disposal won’t reset or trips again, there may be another problem that needs to be diagnosed.
How do I know if my garbage disposal should be replaced?
Replacement may make more sense if the disposal has major damage, leaks from the housing, or keeps having problems after repairs. We can inspect the unit and let you know whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Get Your Disposal Fixed Today
If your disposal is jammed, leaking, or not turning on, call, text, or schedule online. We’ll diagnose the problem and let you know what it needs.