Garbage Disposal Repair Houston

Common Garbage Disposal Repair Issues

Same-Day Garbage Disposal Repair

When your garbage disposal begins to exhibit issues, the last thing you wish for is a prolonged repair wait. We comprehend the urgency at Appliance Cowboys, thus offering same-day/next-day appointments to swiftly restore functionality to your disposal unit.

Even seemingly minor malfunctions should be promptly addressed to thwart potential escalation. Neglecting a minor glitch could rapidly lead to the complete replacement of the garbage disposal system. Furthermore, delaying repairs for gas and electric garbage disposals can give rise to substantial safety hazards.

Serving Houston and Greater Houston, we stand ready to aid you with any garbage disposal predicaments you encounter. The Appliance Cowboys team remains accessible 24/7, ensuring convenient accessibility whenever you require it. Rely on us to promptly rectify the issue, saving you time and money.

Garbage Disposal Repair: Troubleshooting and DIY

Many people rely on their garbage disposals in the kitchen to eliminate food waste. When they stop working, all that food waste can accumulate in your trash, causing unwanted odors in the kitchen. The good news is that you can fix the garbage disposal yourself. Before you can troubleshoot, you’ll need to know the problem. There are several reasons why your garbage disposal may not be working. Taking a few easy steps to uncover the issue will help you find the right solution for repairing your garbage disposal.

Garbage Disposal Repair Issue: Garbage Disposal Stops Working

If your garbage disposal stops working, before doing the solutions, make sure to unplug the appliance first for safety purposes. 

• Reset the Disposal – Locate the reset button — the overload protector — on the bottom or side of the garbage disposal unit. If the button has popped out, you need to reset the disposal. Firmly press the reset button. Wait a few minutes before proceeding to allow the disposal to cool down if it’s overheated.
• Test the Disposal – Run cold water, plug in the garbage disposal, and turn it on to test it.
• Check the Circuit Breaker – If the disposal still isn’t working, check your home’s electrical panel to see if the disposal’s circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, flip the switch to reset the breaker.

Garbage Disposal Repair Issue: Clogged Garbage Disposal Drain

You may have a clogged drain if your garbage disposal isn’t working correctly. There are a couple of remedies for clearing a clogged drain.

• Turn Off the Disposal – Make sure the garbage disposal is turned off and unplugged. If the disposal is hardwired, you’ll need to turn the power off at the circuit breaker that serves the disposal.
• Determine the Obstacle – Look down inside the disposal using a flashlight to determine what’s obstructing the blades.
• Remove the Debris – Remove as much obstruction as possible using a pair of needle nose pliers. Alternatively, use a plunger to remove debris. Place the plunger over the drain hole. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the tip of the plunger. Pump the plunger up and down with force until the debris is removed.
• Flush the Debris –  Turn the faucet on to flush the debris. Plug in the disposal and turn it on.

Garbage Disposal Repair Issue: Humming but Not Grinding

If you turn on the garbage disposal and you only hear a humming sound, the problem could be food or other debris lodged between the drain hole and the impeller, causing a jam. Turn the disposal off immediately to avoid burning out and permanently damaging the motor.

• Disconnect the Disposal –  Unplug the disposal underneath the sink. For hardwired disposals, turn the power off at the circuit breaker that serves the disposal.
• Clear the Jammed Impeller or Flywheel – Insert the garbage disposal wrench that came with the disposal into the flywheel turning hole on the bottom of the disposal. Use a hex wrench if you don’t have the garbage disposal wrench. Turn the wrench back and forth to dislodge the items, jamming the impeller or flywheel. Once you’ve dislodged the jam, you can turn the wrench freely.
• Try a Wooden-Handle Alternative – If you don’t have a wrench, use a wooden spoon handle, broom handle, or end of a plunger by inserting it into the drain, pressing it against one of the impeller blades, and pushing against it until you’re able to rotate the blade.
• Test the Disposal – Once you’ve removed the blockage, plug in the garbage disposal, run cold water, and turn on the disposal. You may need to press the reset button.

Garbage Disposal Repair Issue: Leaking Garbage Disposal

Dealing with a leak may not be ideal, but the solution can often be straightforward, depending on location. If you find your garbage disposal leaking, it is essential to identify the source quickly to prevent further damage. If the leak comes from the bottom, typically near the reset button, it is likely due to normal wear and tear, resulting in cracks or a broken seal. In such cases, it may be worth considering purchasing a new disposal. Another common cause of leaks is a failed seal between the sink’s drain and the disposal, known as the flange. This can occur due to deteriorating sealant or loose bolts, causing a top leak. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot a leaking top disposal.

• Clear Underneath the Sink – Remove all the items from underneath the sink so you have room to work.
• Turn Off the Power – Unplug the disposal’s power cord. If the disposal is hardwired, turn off the power for the circuit at the main electrical panel. Also, place a bucket under the sink to catch any leaking water.
• Loosen the Screws – Loosen any screws and clamps that secure the main drain pipe to the disposal. If needed, loosen the screws in the clamp that secure the dishwasher hose to the disposal.
• Detach the Hoses – Detach the dishwasher hose and drain pipe from the disposal.
• Remove the Disposal – Loosen the screws that mount the flange to the sink and pull the disposal straight down. Next, loosen the screws on the mounting bracket.
• Remove, Clean, and Reseal the Flange – Lift the flange out from the top of the sink. Scrape off the old putty with a putty knife and wipe off any excess with a damp rag. Also, make sure the area around the sink opening is clean. Wrap a new ring of plumber putty around the top of the flange and re-insert the flange in the sink until it’s snug.
• Reinstall the Disposal – Re-tighten the mounting bolts and remove any excess putty that oozes out. Reinstall the disposal, plug in the garbage disposal, run cold water, and turn on the disposal.

Garbage Disposal Repair Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your garbage disposal unit’s smooth operation and longevity. Following these maintenance tips can prevent common issues and keep your disposal working efficiently.

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your garbage disposal regularly by running cold water while grinding ice cubes and a citrus fruit peel. This helps remove debris and eliminates odors.
• Avoid Hard Objects: Avoid putting hard items like bones, fruit pits, or non-food materials down the disposal, as they can damage the blades and motor.
• Run Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify grease and fats, preventing clogs.
• Cut Large Items: Cut large food items into smaller pieces before feeding them into the disposal to avoid overloading the system.
• Use Disposal Regularly: Run the disposal regularly to prevent rust and corrosion, even if you don’t have food waste.
• No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean the disposal, as they can damage the unit. Instead, use natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar.
• Grind Citrus Peels: Grinding citrus peels helps eliminate unpleasant odors and leaves a fresh scent in the disposal.
• Flush with Water: After grinding waste, let cold water run for a few seconds to flush any remaining debris through the pipes.
• Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect the disposal for leaks, which can lead to more significant problems over time.
• Avoid Fibrous Foods: Keep fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins out of the disposal, as they can tangle the blades.
• Use Cold Water with Grease: If you grind foods high in grease or oil, use cold water to prevent them from congealing and causing clogs.
• Know Your Limit: Be mindful of your disposal’s capacity. Refrain from overloading it with too much waste at a time.
• Fix Minor Leaks Promptly: If you notice minor leaks, address them promptly to prevent water damage and more extensive repairs.
• Educate Users: Ensure that everyone in your household knows how to use the garbage disposal to avoid misuse properly.

By incorporating these maintenance practices into your routine, you can extend the lifespan of your garbage disposal unit and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Why Choose Appliance Cowboys?

If you find yourself in need of assistance regarding the multitude of options for appliance repair, we’re here to help. Making the right choice is crucial for a favorable outcome, as too many service providers can exacerbate your initial issues. Appliance Cowboys is your best bet for dependable, affordable, and durable solutions. Our experts specialize in garbage disposal repair and maintenance, guaranteeing prompt and long-lasting results.

From the moment you pick up the phone to reach out to, you’ll not doubt that you’ve made the right choice. Our call lines are staffed by courteous and knowledgeable professionals ready to provide excellent guidance on your next steps. If expert attention is needed, worry not; you’ll receive a comprehensive diagnostic report and cost estimate before any work begins. This ensures complete transparency, keeping you informed every step of the way. You’ll know the issue, our plan to resolve it, and the cost you can expect once the job is complete.

Our team of expert technicians always uses factory-approved replacement parts sourced directly from manufacturers. This ensures that once they’re done with your unit, it will be as good as new, if not better. There must be room for taking chances regarding the services you need for your home or business. Ensure you get the highest quality services without compromising. Contact Appliance Cowboys for all your garbage disposal repair and maintenance needs in Houston and Greater Houston. Rest assured, we possess the expertise and precision to handle it seamlessly. Our dedication will leave you beyond satisfied.

Quick And Effective Garbage Disposal Repair

We understand your time is valuable and want to ensure that fixing your garbage disposal is as convenient as possible. When you schedule an appointment with us, our expert technicians will arrive promptly with all the necessary spare parts and tools. This ensures there won’t be any rescheduling or delays, allowing you to focus on what matters most. With Appliance Cowboys, you can be confident that we’ll efficiently resolve your garbage disposal issues so you can proceed with peace of mind.

Avoid Costly Garbage Disposal Repair! Schedule A Maintenance Check Today!

Just as you take in your car for a checkup every so often, you should have your appliances looked at by expert eyes regularly (at least once a year, depending on usage) to identify budding issues and prevent catastrophic failures down the road. This basic tenet of responsible appliance ownership will save you significant time and money in the long run. 

Why Come To Us?

Finding the perfect appliance repair company for your maintenance and repair needs in today’s vast market can be time-consuming. It requires careful consideration and discernment before entrusting your valuable garbage disposal to any service provider. Choose wisely—engaging skilled professionals for your garbage disposal repair and other appliance issues can prevent further complications and save you precious time and money. Secure the expertise you deserve!

Our team of garbage disposal repair experts is highly trained, experienced, and dedicated to serving homeowners across Houston and Greater Houston. With deep technical knowledge of major disposal brands and models, you can trust us to handle your unit with the same care and precision as its manufacturer intended. When you contact us, expect a transparent diagnostic assessment and a clear price estimate, allowing you to make quick and informed decisions.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved—explaining the issue, outlining the proper solution, and providing a realistic cost and timeframe. We source our replacement parts directly from trusted appliance manufacturers to ensure long-lasting performance and reliability. With our top-quality service, you can enjoy the confidence of knowing your garbage disposal will run smoothly, safely, and efficiently again.

For dependable garbage disposal repair and maintenance, don’t hesitate to call us. You’ll be glad you did.

We Work on All Appliance Types and Brands

Our trained technicians provide guaranteed appliance repair. We work on freestanding and built-in wine coolers by Koldfront, EdgeStar, Danby, Summit, Magic Chef, Marvel, U-line, Haier, Avanti, Amana, Maytag, Amcor, Artevino, Bosch, Cuisinart, Electrolux, Emerson, Frigidaire, GE, Jenn-Air, Sears, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Samsung, Sub Zero, Wolf and more. Call us for the reliable wine cooler repair Houston residents count on.