Get the Roto-Rooter App

Download
Skip to main content
CareersContact UsResourcesSearch
Schedule Call 800-768-6911

Garbage Disposal Repair and Replacement

A malfunctioning garbage disposal can disrupt your kitchen routine. Whether you’re experiencing a jammed garbage disposal, your disposal persistently leaks, it’s time to replace an old one, or you want a first time new installation, Roto-Rooter's licensed plumbers are ready to help. We have offered prompt, professional garbage disposal repair, replacement, and installation services for both residential and commercial customers since 1935.

Schedule Online
badge-dollar-solid Save money! Check out available coupons
Plumber inspects kitchen sink
Fast, Friendly and Professional Service. Schedule Now!

The Roto-Rooter Difference in Garbage Disposal Services

Why Choose Roto-Rooter?

  • Expertise: Trusted since 1935, our plumbers have experience with all garbage disposal brands and models.

  • Availability: 24/7 emergency services with no extra charges for nights, weekends, or holidays.

  • Transparency: Free on-site upfront, flat-rate cost estimates with no hidden fees.

  • Flexibility: We can install a disposal you provide or supply one that fits your needs and budget.

  • Comprehensive Services: From minor repairs to complete disposal replacements, we handle it all.
Read More

Common Garbage Disposal Issues

Garbage disposals are essential kitchen appliances, but they can encounter various problems:

  • Jams: Caused by fibrous foods, bones, seeds, or foreign objects.
  • Leaks: Often due to worn seals, rust, or cracks in the unit.
  • Humming Sounds: Indicate a seized motor or jammed impeller.
  • No Response: Could be an electrical issue or a tripped reset button.
  • Slow Draining: Resulting from clogs in the disposal or its connected drain pipes.

Attempting DIY fixes can sometimes make the problem worse. Our professional plumbing experts can accurately diagnose and resolve all garbage disposal issues efficiently.

Roto-Rooter plumber looking at garbage disposal

Garbage Disposal Services

Our comprehensive garbage disposal services include:

  • Repair: Addressing issues like jams, leaks, and motor problems.
  • Replacement: Upgrading outdated, noisy, or irreparable units with quieter, more efficient models.
  • Installation: Professional setup of new disposals, ensuring proper integration with your plumbing system.
  • Maintenance: Routine checks to prevent future issues and extend the lifespan of your disposal.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Proper maintenance can prevent many common disposal problems:

  • Regular Use: Run your disposal frequently to prevent rust, corrosion, and standing water in your sink.
  • Cold Water: Always use cold water when operating the disposal to solidify any grease or oils.
  • Avoid Hard Materials: Refrain from disposing of bones, fruit pits, nut shells, or non-food items.
  • Clean Naturally: Use a mixture of ice cubes, baking soda, and/or peeled citrus wedges (minus the seeds) to clean and freshen the unit.
  • Check Beneath: Take the time to look at your disposal beneath the sink. Inspect signs of leaks, especially along the bottom edge.

For a detailed guide on cleaning your garbage disposal, refer to our instructional video: How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal.

Smiling plumber holding wrench, working on garbage disposal

Customer Reviews

01234
It was Christmas Eve day and we realized our garbage disposal was leaking water all inside of our sink cabinet... a real emergency since we were hosting Christmas dinner the next day. Roto Rooter was the only plumbing service I called that would agree to come the same day. Angel was our service representative. He was friendly and quick and efficient in replacing the unit. We will definitely use Roto Rooter for all our future plumbing needs. Thank you! Darlene A. H
01234
The service technician, Keith, was very professional and explained to me what the problem was. He was able to fix my clogged garbage disposal in no time. He also advised me on garbage disposal shoulds and should nots. Bridget C
01234
Great, friendly, and professional service. Yuri arrived quickly and on time to fix my garbage disposal, which was an emergency! He was very knowledgeable and fixed the problem quickly. I will be using Roto Rooter again for all my home service needs. Christine K

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I avoid putting down my garbage disposal?

Avoid putting grease, oils, fibrous veggies, pasta, rice, coffee grounds, bones, fruit pits, and non-food items down your garbage disposal. These can cause clogs or damage. Feed waste gradually with cold water. Compost your food waste when possible for an eco-friendly, disposal-safe alternative.

How do you unjam a stuck garbage disposal?

First, always be sure whenever you are working on your disposal that the power to the disposal is off. Next, if you turn the power on and do not hear a buzzing sound, check to see if the local fuse on the disposal has been tripped. You can do this by pushing the reset button located on the bottom of the disposal. If you still aren't hearing any noise, check the main breaker located in your home's breaker box. If you hear buzzing and the jam persists, turn the disposal off, and using a 1/4" hex wrench, insert the wrench into the center hole at the bottom of the disposal. Turning the wrench back and forth should release the jam. If you do not have a hex wrench, a dowel or a wooden spoon can be used to do the same through the drain. Simply insert the spoon firmly up against one of the impellers, rotating back and forth until the jam is freed.

How to clean my garbage disposal?

Cleaning your garbage disposal doesn't have to be difficult. There are many simple methods for cleaning a garbage disposal. For instance, you can fill it with ice cubes, pour in a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar then turn on the disposal until all the ice cubes have been chewed up. Then run the water for a minute to rinse everything down the drain. Instead of the baking soda and vinegar concoctions, you could try a cup of lemon juice or a half cup of grease cutting dishwashing liquid.

What is the smell coming from my garbage disposal, and how can I eliminate it?

Foul odors occur from a buildup of food debris within the garbage disposal. To eliminate this drain odor, place ice cubes and lemon or orange wedges (minus the seeds) in the disposal and run for 30 seconds. Next, pour a little liquid dish detergent into the disposal while it is running. To clean out the debris created by the odor removal process, run cold water into the drain for about 30 seconds.

Do plumbers install garbage disposals?

Yes, plumbers regularly install and replace garbage disposals. Roto-Rooter Plumbing and Water Cleanup provides this service. If you'd prefer to purchase your own garbage disposal, just have it ready for our plumber to install when he arrives. Otherwise, he may have some in his van, or he’ll discuss options and purchase one for you at a plumbing supply house or a nearby home center.