If your disposal is leaking, turn off the switch and, if you can reach it, the plug. Do not put your hand in it. Call (440) 468-0237 and tell us what you see.
We repair and replace disposals around the clock. Many problems are fixable the same visit, while a leaking housing usually means a new unit.
When a disposal problem is urgent
A leak under the sink can ruin a cabinet. A disposal that is jammed and stops the sink from draining can back up into the dishwasher.
- Water dripping from the bottom or the body of the unit.
- Humming but not turning, which indicates a jam.
- Standing water in the sink that will not drain.
- Water in the dishwasher after a cycle.
Turn off the disposal switch and, if you reach it, unplug it before checking anything. Never use your hand.
Jams, humming and resets
A jam often clears with an Allen key in the bottom socket and the reset button. If it hums but will not turn, something is stuck. If it is silent, the motor may have tripped or failed.
We check the unit and the outlet, clear the jam and test the grinding action. If the motor is burned out, repair is not cost effective and replacement is the honest answer.
Leaks: where they come from
| Leak location | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Top flange | Worn plumber putty or mounting | Reseat the sink flange |
| Side drain | Loose or worn gasket | Tighten or replace gasket |
| Dishwasher inlet | Loose hose clamp | Tighten or replace |
| Body or bottom | Cracked housing or failed seal | Replace the disposal |
A leak from the housing is not repairable. We replace the unit.
Clogged kitchen sink and the disposal
The disposal sits in a line that runs to a branch drain. Grease, coffee grounds and fibrous scraps pile up past the unit. If the sink backs up even when the disposal runs, the clog is downstream.
We clear the line and show you what was in it. Our drain cleaning page explains the kitchen branch and when hydro jetting is a better fit. If the disposal connects to a dishwasher that backs up, the dishwasher drain hose and air gap are checked too.
Installing or upgrading a disposal
A new unit mounts to the sink flange, connects to the drain and, if there is a dishwasher, the dishwasher inlet. A knockout plug must be removed. Electrical supply must be safe and legal for the location.
Horsepower matters. A larger unit grinds better and runs quieter. We choose by household size and how you cook, and we remove the old unit.
What not to put down a disposal
Grease, bones, fibrous vegetables like celery, pasta and rice that swell and coffee grounds in quantity cause trouble. Run cold water while it runs and for a short while after.
The City of North Olmsted wastewater office lists grease blockages among its emergency calls, which shows how common they are. Grease that clears your disposal still ends up in a pipe.
Choosing a replacement disposal
Continuous feed
- Switch on, feed scraps while it runs
- Common in homes
- Wide range of horsepower
- Needs a wall switch or air switch
Batch feed
- Runs only when the stopper is in place
- Safer around children
- Often slightly more costly
- Less common
Horsepower and grinding stages matter more than brand names. A one-half horsepower unit suits light use. A three-quarter or one horsepower unit handles more.
Smells, cleaning and long life
A smelly disposal usually holds food film on the grinding chamber and splash guard. Ice and citrus peel do little. A brush and mild dish soap clean the splash guard, and a stream of cold water during use moves scraps down the pipe.
Avoid caustic cleaners, which can damage seals and are hard on pipes. If the smell persists after cleaning, the drain line may have buildup that needs attention, covered in drain cleaning.
What affects the price of disposal repair
What drives the cost of a disposal job
A fixed price for the visit is quoted once the job is understood. A jam reset costs less than a replacement. Insurance rarely covers the unit. To price your job, call (440) 468-0237.
Disposal dead or leaking?
Switch it off and call the 24/7 line.
Questions about garbage disposal repair
Yes. The line at (440) 468-0237 is open 24/7, and a leaking disposal gets priority.
It is jammed. Switch it off, use an Allen key in the bottom socket to free it and press the reset button.
If the leak is at the flange or a gasket, yes. If the housing is cracked, the unit must be replaced.
Many last about 8 to 15 years depending on use. A failing motor or leaks are signs it is time.
Usually yes. It needs an electrical outlet or switch and a sink with a standard drain opening.
Still unsure what you need? Call (440) 468-0237 and describe what you are seeing.