

Seattle Garbage Disposal Repair
If your garbage disposal is jammed, leaking, or simply outdated, our team at Jim Dandy Sewer and Plumbing specializes in Seattle Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation to keep your kitchen running smoothly. Whether you need a new unit installed or your existing system repaired, we handle every step with care, ensuring your disposal works efficiently and reliably.
From diagnosing common issues like clogs or motor failures to installing the right unit for your home, we provide solutions that save you time, prevent costly damage, and make kitchen cleanup easier. With a century of experience serving Seattle homeowners, you can trust that your garbage disposal will be installed or repaired correctly the first time.
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can disrupt your kitchen and lead to bigger plumbing problems if left unaddressed. Our Seattle Garbage Disposal Repair services focus on quickly identifying and fixing issues so your system runs safely and efficiently. Common problems we’ve faced include:
Jams caused by tough food scraps or foreign objects
Leaks from worn seals, loose connections, or cracks in the unit
Unusual noises such as grinding, rattling, or humming indicating internal damage
Slow operation or poor drainage that can lead to backups
Motor failures or electrical issues that prevent the disposal from running
Prompt repair helps prevent damage to your pipes and ensures your garbage disposal continues to handle kitchen waste effectively, keeping cleanup fast and easy.
Proper Garbage Disposal Installation for a Smooth-Running Kitchen
A proper installation is key to a garbage disposal that performs reliably for years. Our professional Garbage Disposal Installation ensures the unit is sized correctly for your household, connected properly to your plumbing and electrical systems, and meets all local code requirements. What makes professional installations stand out:
Correctly sizing the disposal for your household’s needs
Secure, leak-free plumbing and electrical connections
Compliance with local building and safety codes
Expert testing to ensure smooth, efficient operation from day one
With proper installation, your garbage disposal will handle kitchen waste efficiently while reducing the risk of future repairs.
Get Your Garbage Disposal Fixed or Installed Today
Don’t let a jammed, leaking, or outdated garbage disposal slow down your kitchen. With over a century of experience serving Seattle homeowners, our team provides fast, reliable Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation to keep your system running efficiently. Contact us today to schedule service and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
My garbage disposal won't turn on at all. What should I do?
If your garbage disposal is completely silent when you flip the switch, the issue is usually electrical. Before calling a professional, here are the troubleshooting steps you should take:
Check the Reset Button: Look on the bottom or side of the disposal unit (under the sink) for a small, usually red, reset button. If it has popped out, press it firmly to reset the internal circuit breaker. This button trips when the motor overheats or is overloaded.
Check the Wall Switch: Make sure the wall switch is working and not loose.
Check the Circuit Breaker: Locate your home's main electrical panel and look for a tripped breaker (a breaker switch that is flipped to the opposite position or is between "On" and "Off").
Check the Plug/Outlet (If Applicable): If your disposal is plugged into an outlet under the sink, check that the plug is fully seated. If the outlet is connected to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet (one with "Test" and "Reset" buttons), check if the GFCI has tripped and needs to be reset.
If none of these steps work, the motor may be completely dead, or there could be a wiring issue, in which case you should call a plumber.
Why is my garbage disposal humming, but not turning (or grinding)?
A humming noise with no grinding is the classic sign of a jam. The motor is trying to run and receiving power, but the grinding plate (flywheel) is stuck and can't spin.
Solution: How to Unjam It
Safety First: Turn the power off at the wall switch AND unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker before proceeding.
Use a Hex (Allen) Wrench: Most disposals come with a small offset wrench (usually a 1/4 inch Allen wrench).
Locate the hex hole on the very bottom center of the disposal unit.
Insert the wrench and manually turn it back and forth several times (clockwise and counter-clockwise) to try and free the stuck impeller or debris.
Use a Wooden Spoon/Dowel (Alternative): If you can't access the bottom or don't have the wrench, you can try to free it from the top. Do not put your hand in the disposal.
Insert a wooden spoon handle (or a similar wooden dowel) down the drain opening.
Use the handle to push/pry the impellers (the metal arms that spin) until they move freely.
Reset:
Once the jam is cleared, retrieve any loose debris with tongs.
Press the reset button on the bottom of the disposal.
Turn the power back on, run cold water, and flip the switch to test it.
Why does my garbage disposal smell bad, and how do I get rid of the odor?
The bad smell is typically caused by food particles getting stuck and rotting on the grinding chamber walls, under the rubber baffle, or in the drainpipe.
Solutions to Eliminate Odor:
Ice and Salt/Vinegar:
Fill the disposal with a cup or two of ice cubes and a handful of rock salt (or a cup of vinegar).
Run cold water and turn on the disposal. The ice is hard enough to scrape the walls of the grinding chamber and clear away old food debris, while the salt/vinegar helps scour and sanitize.
Citrus Peels:
After the ice treatment, drop a few slices of lemon, lime, or orange peels into the disposal.
Run cold water while grinding them. The citrus oils leave a fresh, clean scent.
Clean the Baffle:
The black rubber splash guard (baffle) often traps gunk. Turn the disposal off and use a damp rag or old toothbrush with dish soap to clean the underside of the rubber baffle flaps, being careful not to let your fingers go into the grinding chamber.
What Foods Should I Never Put Down the Garbage Disposal?
A: To avoid clogs, jams, and damage to your unit and plumbing, you should never put the following items down your garbage disposal:
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG): These solidify in the pipes and create sticky, long-term clogs.
Starchy and Expanding Foods: This includes rice, pasta, bread, yeast with flour, and oatmeal, which swell up and form a thick paste.
Fibrous or Stringy Foods: Items like celery, corn husks, onion skins, and asparagus can wrap around the impellers and jam the motor.
Dense and Pasty Materials: Avoid large amounts of coffee grounds and potato peels, as they create sludge that stops up the drain.
Hard Materials: Do not put bones (of any kind), fruit pits (peach, avocado), or clam/oyster shells down the disposal.
Non-Food Items: This includes plastic, metal, glass, and harsh drain-cleaning chemicals like bleach or traditional drain openers.