Toilets, faucets & disposals

Garbage disposal repair

A disposal that hums but won't spin is jammed; one that does nothing has tripped its reset button or lost power. A disposal leaking from the bottom of the unit has a failed internal seal and needs to be replaced.

Call (303) 555-0147 Request service

Licensed Colorado plumbers
The problem explained before work starts
Price agreed before the job begins

Kitchen faucet over a stainless steel sink

About garbage disposal repair

Most disposal calls are jams from fibrous food, bones or utensils, and many can be freed with the hex key that fits the bottom of the unit. Leaks are different: the sink flange, the dishwasher connection and the drain outlet can all be resealed, but a leak through the body can't.

Disposals also cause kitchen drain clogs when they're used to grind grease or large amounts of peels.

Garbage disposal repair at a glance

Urgency: Usually plannable
Area: the Denver metro & Northern Colorado
Who does the work: An independent, licensed Colorado plumber
Permit: Often required for replacements, repipes, sewer, water and gas line work
Typical steps: Power and reset → Free the jam → Check connections → Replace if needed
Availability: Call now to check plumber availability

Signs you need garbage disposal repair

Humming without spinning
No sound at all when switched on
Water under the sink
Slow kitchen drain
Grinding or rattling noise

How the job usually goes

1
Power and reset
Power, the reset button and the switch are checked.
2
Free the jam
The flywheel is turned from below and debris removed.
3
Check connections
The sink flange, dishwasher inlet and drain are inspected for leaks.
4
Replace if needed
A new unit is sized to household use and wired or plugged in to code.

What affects the cost

Every job is priced by the plumber after they see it. These are the things that move the price most. Ask for the price before work starts.

Jam or electrical issue versus a failed unit
Unit horsepower
Hardwired or plug-in
Drain line clog behind the disposal

Before the plumber arrives

Safe to do

• Turn power off at the switch before reaching anything
• Press the red reset button on the bottom
• Turn the flywheel with the hex key from below

Stop and call

• Never put your hand in the disposal
• Stop if water leaks from the unit body

Garbage disposal repair questions

Can I put potato peels or coffee grounds in a disposal?

In small amounts with plenty of water, but they're common causes of kitchen drain clogs. Grease, bones and fibrous foods like celery are better in the trash or compost.

How long do garbage disposals last?

Commonly 8 to 15 years depending on use and model quality.

Why does my disposal smell?

Food residue builds up under the splash guard and on the grinding chamber. Grind ice and citrus peel, and clean the rubber baffle.

Can I install a garbage disposal if I have a septic system?

Possibly, but disposals add solids to the tank. Check with your septic professional and consider a septic-rated model.

Why is my disposal leaking from the bottom?

A leak from the bottom of the unit usually means an internal seal has failed, and the disposal needs to be replaced.

What size garbage disposal do I need?

A 1/2 HP unit suits light use; 3/4 HP is common for families; 1 HP handles heavy use with fewer jams.

Garbage disposal repair near you, by town

Denver Lakewood Golden Arvada Westminster Thornton Broomfield Aurora Littleton Centennial Highlands Ranch Parker Castle Rock Boulder Longmont Fort Collins Loveland Greeley Plumber near me

Drain cleaning

If one fixture is slow, the clog is usually in that fixture's branch line.

Learn more

Faucet & sink repair

A dripping faucet usually needs a new cartridge or washer.