Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation in Orlando, FL
Garbage Disposal Service for Orlando Kitchens
A garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working appliances in the kitchen, and it is easy to take for granted until it hums without grinding, leaks under the sink, or will not turn on at all. Hers & His Plumbing provides garbage disposal repair and installation in Orlando, FL, including jam clearing, leak repair, replacement, and new installations.
Some disposal problems have simple fixes, while others mean the unit has reached the end of its life. We diagnose the problem first and explain whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
The Disposal Hums but Does Not Grind
A humming sound usually means the motor is getting power but the grinding plate is jammed. Common causes include bones, fruit pits, utensils, or hardened food lodged between the impeller and the grinding ring. Continuing to run a jammed unit can overheat the motor.
The Disposal Will Not Turn On
If there is no sound at all, the motor's overload protector may have tripped, the circuit breaker may be off, the switch may be faulty, or the motor may have failed. Many units have a reset button on the bottom of the disposal.
Water Leaking Under the Sink
Leaks can come from the sink flange, the dishwasher connection, the discharge pipe, or the disposal body. Leaks at connections can often be repaired. A leak from the bottom or side of the disposal body usually means the internal seals have failed, and replacement is typically the better option.
Slow Draining or Backups
A disposal that drains slowly may be clogged with food waste, grease, or starchy materials, or the problem may be further down the drain line. If both sides of a double sink back up, the clog may be in the shared drain.
Bad Odors
Food residue trapped in the grinding chamber or under the splash guard can cause persistent odors. Odors can also come from a drain or venting problem.
Loud Grinding or Rattling
Metal-on-metal noise usually means something hard is inside the unit. Worn components can also become louder with age.
Safe Troubleshooting Before You Call
- Never put your hand in the disposal. Turn off power at the switch and the breaker before checking it.
- Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit if it has tripped.
- Check the breaker if the unit makes no sound.
- Use the hex wrench that came with many disposals in the socket on the bottom to gently free a jam, with the power off.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage the disposal and create a hazard if a plumber needs to open the line.
If these steps do not work, or the unit is leaking, it is time for professional service.
Repair or Replace Your Garbage Disposal?
Repair often makes sense when the problem is a jam, a tripped reset, a loose connection, a failed switch, or a clog. Replacement is usually the better choice when:
- The disposal body is leaking
- The motor has burned out
- The unit jams frequently or no longer grinds well
- It is old, noisy, or heavily corroded
- You want a quieter or more powerful model
Choosing a New Garbage Disposal
Horsepower
Disposals typically range from about 1/3 to 1 horsepower. Higher horsepower units grind more finely, jam less often, and handle tougher food waste better, which can be worth it for busy kitchens.
Continuous Feed vs. Batch Feed
Continuous feed models run while you add food waste and are the most common. Batch feed models only run when a cover is in place, which some homeowners prefer for safety.
Noise and Build Quality
Models with more insulation and stainless steel grinding components are generally quieter and more durable.
Homes on Septic Systems
Some homes in the Orlando area use septic systems rather than city sewer. A disposal adds solids to the septic tank, so ask about septic-friendly options and how disposal use may affect pumping frequency.
Garbage Disposal Installation
A proper installation includes more than mounting the unit. We:
- Remove and dispose of the old unit, if replacing one
- Install the sink flange with a watertight seal
- Mount the disposal securely
- Connect the discharge pipe and trap to the drain
- Connect the dishwasher drain, if applicable
- Connect the unit to power according to its requirements
- Test for leaks and proper operation
What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, and fat, which can solidify in the drain line
- Fibrous foods such as celery, corn husks, and onion skins
- Bones and fruit pits
- Coffee grounds and eggshells in large amounts
- Pasta, rice, and other starchy foods that expand with water
- Non-food items such as utensils, bottle caps, and paper
Running cold water during and after use helps carry waste through the drain line. If your kitchen drain clogs repeatedly, our drain cleaning and hydro jetting in Orlando can clear buildup further down the line.
What Happens During Garbage Disposal Service?
1. We Review the Problem
We start with what the disposal is doing, such as humming, leaking, not turning on, or draining slowly.
2. We Inspect the Unit and Connections
We check power, the motor, the grinding chamber, and every connection under the sink.
3. We Explain Repair or Replacement
We explain what failed and whether a repair or a new unit makes the most sense.
4. We Complete the Work
Once approved, we repair the unit or install the replacement.
5. We Test Everything
We run the disposal and dishwasher, check for leaks, and confirm the sink drains properly.
Garbage Disposal Service for Orlando Homeowners
We repair and install garbage disposals for homes in Orlando and nearby communities, including Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Lake Mary, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, and the surrounding areas. Disposal service is part of our full range of Orlando plumbing services. You can also learn more about our general garbage disposal services.
Why Choose Hers & His Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Repair in Orlando?
Hers & His Plumbing has licensed and certified plumbers who repair and install disposals correctly, including the drain and dishwasher connections that often cause leaks. We explain your options in plain terms and back our work with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Schedule Garbage Disposal Repair in Orlando, FL
If your disposal is jammed, leaking, or not working at all, contact Hers & His Plumbing to schedule garbage disposal repair or installation in Orlando.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals in Orlando
Why does my garbage disposal hum but not work?
Humming usually means the motor has power but the grinding plate is jammed. Turn off the power, then use the hex wrench socket on the bottom of the unit to free it, or call for service.
Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
Most disposals have a small red or black reset button on the bottom of the unit. Press it after the motor has cooled for a few minutes.
Can a leaking garbage disposal be repaired?
Leaks at the sink flange or pipe connections can often be repaired. A leak from the body of the disposal usually means the internal seals have failed, and replacement is typically recommended.
How long does a garbage disposal last?
Lifespan depends on the model, quality, and how it is used. Units that are used carefully and kept free of grease and hard objects generally last longer.
Can I use a garbage disposal with a septic system?
Many homes with septic systems use disposals, but they add solids to the tank. Ask about septic-friendly models and plan for more frequent septic pumping.
Should I use drain cleaner in my disposal?
No. Chemical drain cleaners can damage the disposal and pipes. If the disposal is clogged, call for service instead.