When to Replace vs Repair Your Garbage Disposal

Plumber working on the drain pipes under a kitchen sink

Repair or Replace? A Quick Guide

Garbage disposals are workhorses that most homeowners take for granted — until they stop working. Here's how to know whether yours needs a repair or replacement.

Signs It Needs Repair

**Humming but not spinning** — Usually a jam. We can often fix this in 15 minutes by clearing the obstruction and resetting the unit.

**Slow grinding** — Dull blades or minor obstruction. Repairable.

**Intermittent operation** — Could be a loose electrical connection or failing switch.

Signs It Needs Replacement

**Leaking from the bottom** — This means the internal seals have failed. Not repairable cost-effectively.

**Persistent bad odor** — Even after cleaning, if the smell won't go away, internal buildup may be too severe.

**Frequent resets** — If you're hitting the reset button weekly, the motor is failing.

**Age** — If your disposal is over 10 years old and having any issues, replace it.

What We Recommend

Situation	Action
Jam or reset needed	Repair
Over 10 years + any issue	Replace
Leaking from bottom	Replace
Loud grinding/rattling	Diagnose first

Our Installation Options

**1/3 HP (Budget)** — Fine for light use, 1-2 people.

**1/2 HP (Standard)** — Good for most households.

**3/4 HP (Premium)** — Best for heavy use, large families.

We install InSinkErator, Waste King, and Moen disposals. All include proper drain connection, electrical hookup, and 1-year workmanship warranty. Send a photo of the unit under your sink and we will quote the replacement free, before any work starts. Call (682) 900-4100 for same-day service.