Signs your disposal needs service
- It hums but the blades don't turn
- It shuts off and needs the reset button again and again
- Water under the sink when the disposal runs
- Slow draining or an odor that won't clear
- Loud grinding or rattling
Repair or replace?
The plumber can free a jammed flywheel, reseat the sink flange and fix leaks at the drain line or dishwasher connection. Water dripping from the bottom of the unit means its internal seals have failed, and the disposal needs replacing.
A new installation includes mounting the unit, connecting the drain and dishwasher lines and testing for leaks.
Keep these out of the disposal
Keep grease, coffee grounds, pasta, rice and stringy scraps like celery and corn husks out of the disposal. They jam the unit or clog the drain below it. Run cold water while it grinds and for a few seconds after.
Common questions
Why does my disposal hum but not spin?
Something is wedged between the flywheel and the grind ring, or the motor is failing. Turn off the power before looking. A plumber can free the jam and test the motor.
Can a leaking disposal be fixed?
A plumber can repair leaks at the sink flange, the drain line or the dishwasher hose. A leak from the body of the unit means it needs replacing.
Can a plumber add a disposal to a sink without one?
Yes, as long as there's power under the sink or a way to add it. The plumber mounts the unit and connects the drain. New wiring may need an electrician.
