A leaking or jammed disposal is worth fixing quickly
A disposal that hums but will not turn is jammed. A disposal that leaks from the bottom has a failed seal and usually needs replacing. Turn the disposal off at the wall switch, and if water is leaking, shut off the supply under the sink. Never put your hand in the disposal, even when it is off.
Our 24/7 line takes disposal emergencies. If the sink is also backed up, say so, since a clogged drain beyond the disposal is a separate problem that the plumber diagnoses first.
What different noises and symptoms mean
Disposals tell you what is wrong if you listen.
| What you hear or see | Likely cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Humming and no spin. | A jam in the grinding chamber. | Plumber frees it and tests the motor. |
| Nothing at all. | Tripped reset, power or a dead motor. | Check the reset, then test power. |
| Leak from the bottom. | Seal failure in the housing. | Replacement. |
| Leak at the top flange. | Failed sink flange seal. | Reseal or reinstall. |
| Leak at the drain outlet. | Loose gasket or fitting. | Tighten or replace gasket. |
| Foul smell. | Food residue or a drain issue. | Clean and check the trap. |
Disposal leaking under the sink?
Shut off the power and the supply and call. The line is open 24/7.
Whether to fix the disposal you have
Disposals are among the shorter-lived appliances in a kitchen, so replacement comes up often.
Repair is reasonable when
- The disposal jammed and the motor is healthy.
- A hose or a gasket leaks but the housing is dry.
- The disposal is relatively new.
- A reset or an unjam fixes the symptom.
Replace when
- Water leaks from the housing itself.
- The motor is burned out or seized again and again.
- The unit is old and noisy.
- You want a larger motor or a quieter model.
What a disposal replacement involves
A new disposal is a plumbing and electrical connection in a small space.
- 1
Disconnect the old unit.
Power is isolated, the drain and dishwasher connections are released and the old disposal is lowered out.
- 2
Check the flange and trap.
The sink flange and the drain beneath it are inspected, since a worn flange leaks.
- 3
Mount and connect.
The new disposal is mounted, the drain and dishwasher connections are made and the power is reconnected.
- 4
Test with water.
The plumber runs water and checks for leaks at the flange, the housing and the drain.
We do not do electrical rewiring. If the circuit is the problem, the plumber will tell you to call an electrician.
Hard water and Roy kitchen disposals
Hard water is part of the picture in this area. Weber Basin reports hardness of 10 to 18 grains per gallon for the water it supplies, and scale can collect on the disposal's internal parts and in the drain line below it. That can make a disposal work harder and shorten its life.
Many homes in Roy built from the 1960s through the 1980s have older kitchen drain lines. A disposal sends a lot of ground material into those lines, and a lightly sloped drain is easily overwhelmed. If the sink backs up even after the disposal works, see drain cleaning.
What to keep out of a garbage disposal
Disposals are not trash cans.
- Grease, oil and fat, which coat the pipe beyond the disposal.
- Coffee grounds in large quantities.
- Fibrous vegetable scraps such as celery and corn husks.
- Bones, pits and hard shells.
- Starchy foods such as rice and pasta that swell in the pipe.
Run cold water before, during and after use to move waste through the line.
What decides the price of a disposal job
A leaking disposal that damages a cabinet may fall under a sudden-damage claim, while the disposal itself is usually your cost.
Related kitchen plumbing
If the sink backs up even when the unit works, the clog is deeper, and drain cleaning explains the next step. A leak under the sink may be the supply line, which the faucet repair page covers, and a stubborn grease line may need hydro jetting. We take these calls in Clearfield too.
Questions about garbage disposal repair and installation
That usually means something is jammed in the grinding chamber. Turn the switch off before trying anything, and call if a reset does not free it.
A leak at a gasket or hose can sometimes be repaired. A leak from the housing itself means the unit has failed and should be replaced.
Yes. Tell us the model when you call and the plumber confirms it fits your sink and power setup.
Codes and manufacturer instructions vary. The plumber checks the installation against the requirements for your unit and tells you if an electrician is needed.