El Cajon Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation Services

Garbage disposals are a helpful appliance found in most kitchens today. They allow for easy cleanup of discarded items like orange peels and ice cubes.

That’s why when they don’t work as expected it can be a real headache. It’s not uncommon to run into issues when turning on a garbage disposal such as the motor not turning, a low humming noise, or a tripped breaker.

We’ll dive into the repair and installation process for these common issues along with some maintenance tips to help you keep your garbage disposal functioning for longer.

A Guide to Common Garbage Disposal Issues and Repairs

Garbage disposals are unique in the number of ways that they can fail to work properly. Most of the issues you’ll encounter can be solved easily while others indicate a deeper issue that requires a plumber to repair or install a new disposal.

Remember to always take safety precautions anytime you are inspecting a home appliance. For garbage disposals, this means unplugging the disposal if possible or switching power to the disposal from the breaker box. Also, be mindful to not place your fingers anywhere they may come into contact with the disposal’s spinning blades.

Unpleasant Odors: This might mean there is a clog somewhere and food is being trapped there without disposing. If you are sure there is not clogs, then running some ice cubes down the sink while the disposal is on can clean it.
Loud Noise: Check that the splash guard is not damaged or missing. The splash guard is usually a black, rubber stopper found in the sink.
Motor Humming: This likely means that the blades are jammed. Either use the tool that came with your disposal or buy a specialty tool and free the jam. Then reset your disposal by pressing the reset button commonly found on the bottom of the unit.
Disposal Not Turning On: The simplest thing to do is check that the disposal is plugged in or that the outlet it is plugged into is receiving power. A breaker tripping could have shut off power to the outlet. If that isn't the case, it usually means there is some electrical issue inside the disposal which would require a plumber to fix.
Leaks: A disposal is connected with multiple fittings to the sink, dishwasher, and general draining system, each one of these fittings can leak and require a plumber to disconnect the disposal, fix the leak, and reattach the unit. If the leak is coming from the disposal itself, that usually requires the unit to be replaced.

Garbage Disposal Installation or Replacement Process

Getting a new garbage disposal can be an exciting process. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your new garbage disposal meets your kitchen needs:

Motor Power:

1/3 HP: Suitable for light use in households with one or two people.
1/2 HP: Adequate for small families who don't use the disposal heavily.
3/4 HP: Ideal for average households, offering a good balance of power and affordability.
1 HP or higher: Best for larger families or those who frequently use the disposal, handling tougher food waste efficiently.

Brand and Warranty:

Garbage disposal manufacturers will differ in the quality of the materials used and the warranty they offer. High quality brands like Incinerator and Waste King offer stainless steel disposal which last longer than other models.

Both brands also offer up to a ten-year warranty on new garbage disposals. If you are unsure of what brand to choose, one of our plumbers go through the different options available with you so you can choose the best option for your home.

Required modifications:

When replacing a faulty garbage disposal with a new unit of a similar size and model, there should be few if any modifications required running the replacement process. Certain modifications to fittings could be needed especially if they have degraded over time.

Installing a garbage disposal in a new spot might require more work. An GFCI outlet rated for 20 amps must be installed to power the disposal and ensure safe shutoff in cases of electrical surges. The disposal chosen may not perfectly fit the existing kitchen plumbing so modifications to drains and the sink could be required as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to repair a garbage disposal in El Cajon?

The service cost for a garbage disposal repair will depend on the type issue your garbage disposal has. For simple repairs like resetting the disposal or clearing a jam, you may end up only paying a service fee which ranges from $75 - 150. More complicated issues such as a leaking disposal or clogged drain could end up costing more. If the disposal is severely damaged due to corrosion or broken internals, it may be a better option to opt for replacing the entire unit instead.

How much does it cost to install a garbage disposal in El Cajon?

The installation cost for a new garbage disposal will mainly depend on the brand and size of the disposal along with the amount of modifications required to install a new unit. Residential garbage disposals range in size, usually measured in motor horsepower, from ⅓ HP all the way to 1 ¼ HP. Most homeowners tend to replace their garbage disposal with that of a similar or slightly larger size. The brand you choose also factors into the price along with the modifications required to fit the new unit with your existing plumbing. Use our garbage disposal pricing calculator to get a quote for your garbage disposal installation.

How long do garbage disposals last?

A new garbage disposal that has been properly installed will last around 8 - 12 years of moderate use. Of course, this estimate assumes that the disposal is being used properly and that care is being taken to not place harmful items such as egg shells, potato peelings, and bones into the disposal. There are maintenance tasks that can also help increase the lifespan of your garbage disposal. Routine drain cleaning of the sink drain to remove grease buildup and other clogs can help reduce the load on the disposal and make it last longer.