Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation

A Broken Disposal Derails Your Entire Kitchen Routine

One day it's grinding food scraps like normal. The next morning you flip the switch and nothing happens — or worse, it hums loudly but the blades won't spin. Suddenly food scraps are piling up in the trash, the sink smells, and you're running water into a drain that won't clear because the disposal is blocking flow. It's one of those problems that seems minor until you're living without it.

The good news? Most garbage disposal problems are fixable in under an hour — and when replacement makes more sense than repair, we install a new unit same-day with proper connections so everything works the way it should. No return trips, no waiting for parts, no "we'll come back next week."

"Our disposal had been leaking for weeks — we kept putting a bucket underneath and ignoring it. Finally called GB Plumbing and they replaced the entire unit in 45 minutes. Should have called sooner. No more bucket, no more smell, kitchen actually works again."

— Burlingame homeowner, disposal replacement ★★★★★

Common Disposal Problems We Fix Every Day

Garbage disposals fail in predictable ways. Here's what we see most often and what it usually means:

• Jams / hums but won't spin — something is lodged between the impeller plate and grinding ring. Often a bone fragment, fruit pit, or piece of glass.
• Won't turn on at all — could be a tripped reset button, blown internal fuse, faulty switch, or a burned-out motor.
• Leaking from the bottom — internal seal failure. This usually means the unit needs replacement (seals aren't serviceable on most models).
• Leaking from the side — the dishwasher drain connection has loosened or the hose clamp has failed.
• Leaking from the flange/top — the mounting ring or plumber's putty seal has deteriorated. Often repairable without replacing the unit.
• Grinding or rattling noise — broken impeller, loose mounting hardware, or foreign object in the chamber.
• Slow draining — partial clog in the disposal outlet or P-trap below. Often combined with buildup inside the grinding chamber.
• Reset button won't stay pushed in — the motor is overheating repeatedly, often a sign of failing bearings or an undersized unit for your usage.

Repair vs. Replace: Here's How We Decide

We're not going to sell you a new disposal if a $15 part fixes the problem. But we're also not going to waste your money repairing a unit that's going to fail again in three months. Here's our honest framework:

Repair makes sense when: the unit is under 6 years old, the problem is a jam or electrical issue, and the repair cost is under $150. Replacement makes sense when: the unit is leaking from the bottom (internal seal failure), the motor is burned out, the unit is 8+ years old, or the repair would cost more than 60% of a new installation.

"We were remodeling our kitchen and wanted to upgrade from the builder-grade 1/3 HP disposal to something that could actually handle a family of five. GB recommended a 3/4 HP InSinkErator Evolution Compact — installed it the same day as our new sink. Handles everything we throw at it now."

— San Mateo family, kitchen remodel upgrade ★★★★★

Brands We Install & Recommend

We work with the top disposal manufacturers and carry common models on our trucks for same-day installation:

• InSinkErator — the industry standard. Evolution series (Compact, Excel) for quiet, powerful grinding. Badger series for budget-friendly reliability.
• Waste King — excellent value with permanent magnet motors (no jams). Legend series popular for high-speed grinding.
• Moen — newer to the market but solid build quality with universal mounting systems that simplify future replacement.

Choosing the Right HP for Your Household

Disposals come in different horsepower ratings, and choosing the right size prevents future problems. An undersized unit jams more often, burns out faster, and drains slower:

• 1/3 HP — studio apartments, single occupants, light use only (soft foods, no fibrous vegetables).
• 1/2 HP — couples or light cooking households. Handles most everyday scraps.
• 3/4 HP — families of 3-5. Best balance of power and value. Handles chicken bones, vegetable peels, coffee grounds.
• 1 HP — heavy use, large families, frequent entertaining. Handles virtually anything except hard bones and fibrous husks.

Why Proper Installation Matters

A garbage disposal isn't just "plug it in and go." Proper installation involves multiple connections that all need to be done correctly:

• Mounting ring & snap ring — must be properly seated to prevent leaks from the flange.
• Dishwasher drain connection — the knockout plug must be removed if a dishwasher drains through the disposal (one of the most common DIY mistakes).
• P-trap alignment — the discharge pipe must connect to the P-trap at the correct angle to prevent standing water and odors.
• Electrical connection — hardwired or plug-in, the wiring must match your existing setup and meet code requirements.

Why a Licensed Plumber Beats a Handyman

We get it — garbage disposal installation looks straightforward on YouTube. But here's what goes wrong with DIY and handyman installs:

• Improper wiring — incorrect gauge wire, no GFCI protection, or unsafe junction box connections.
• Code violations — disposal installations must comply with California Plumbing Code. Non-compliant work can void warranties and create liability during home sales.
• Warranty requirements — most manufacturers require professional installation for warranty coverage. A handyman install may void your coverage.
• Leak potential — improper mounting, wrong plumber's putty application, or misaligned P-trap connections cause leaks that damage cabinetry over time.

"Disposal was making a terrible grinding noise for weeks. Thought it was done for. GB diagnosed it as a broken impeller — not something I'd ever heard of. They replaced the unit (same brand, bigger HP) and the new one is whisper quiet. Explained everything clearly and cleaned up after themselves."

— Millbrae homeowner, broken impeller diagnosis ★★★★★

Our Disposal Services

Our Process — Simple & Fast

Why Choose GB Plumbing for Disposal Work