Garbage disposal repair in San Antonio, TX
Humming, tripping, leaking or smelling. A lot of disposals can be brought back, and we will tell you plainly when one is done.
Signs you need this
- Hums but does not spin
- Shuts off and needs the reset button
- Water dripping from the bottom of the unit
- Smell that will not go away
Why it happens
Humming with no spin means something is wedged in the grinder, often a pit, a bone or a spoon. A unit that keeps tripping its reset is cooking its own motor against that jam. Leaks from the top are often the sink flange and can be resealed. Leaks from the bottom mean the internal seal or housing has failed, and that unit needs replacing.
Some disposal problems are not the disposal at all. A clog in the drain line after the unit can make it look like the disposal is failing. A dishwasher that will not drain can be a blocked knockout in a new disposal or a kinked hose. We check those first so you do not replace a working unit.
What we check first
- Whether the flywheel turns freely from below
- Reset and power at the unit
- Where the leak is coming from: flange, side outlet or bottom
- Drain line for a clog past the disposal
Your options
Clear the jam and reset
Most humming and tripping calls end here.
Reseal the flange or outlet
For leaks at the sink or the side connection.
Replace the unit
For bottom leaks, burned motors or units that keep jamming.
Before we get there
- Turn off the switch and leave it off
- Do not pour drain cleaner in it
- Clear the cabinet underneath
What affects the price
Clearing a jam is a short visit. Resealing a flange or side connection adds parts. If the housing is leaking, the repair is a new unit, and we can usually install it the same day if you want.
Never put your hand in a disposal, even with it off. If it hums, turn the switch off, flip the breaker if you can, and give us a call.
Garbage disposal repair questions
Can I use a wrench to free it?
Many units have a hex socket on the bottom for that. Only do it with the power off, and if it does not free up, stop.
Why does my disposal smell?
Food stuck under the splash guard or in the drain. Cleaning helps, but a persistent smell can mean a slow drain.
Is it cheaper to fix or replace?
Jams and flange leaks are cheap to fix. A leaking body is a replacement.
Can a disposal cause a kitchen clog?
Yes, especially with grease, rice or peels. Clearing the disposal may not fix a clog further down the line.