Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair in Brighton, CO
A disposal that hums but does not spin is jammed. One that leaks is worn out. Both are common, and both are fixable. Knowing which one you have saves time and a mess.
Call (720) 794-0054- Jams and resets
- Leaks and replacement
- Install new units
What the symptom means
What each disposal symptom points to
| Symptom | Likely cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Hums but does not spin | Jam or a stuck flywheel | Clear with the hex key or a wooden spoon |
| Dead, no sound at all | Tripped reset button or breaker | Press reset, check the breaker |
| Leaks from the bottom | Cracked housing or a failed seal | Replace the unit |
| Leaks from the top | Loose flange or a worn gasket | Reseat or replace the flange |
| Leaks from the side | Loose dishwasher or drain connection | Tighten or replace |
| Smells bad | Food residue in the chamber or drain | Clean and flush |
| Water backs up into the other sink side | Clogged trap or branch | Clear the line |
Safe first steps
- Turn off the disposal switch and unplug the unit or flip the breaker.
- Never put a hand in the chamber. Use tongs or pliers.
- Use the hex key slot at the bottom to turn the flywheel back and forth.
- Push the small red reset button underneath the motor housing.
- Run cold water and test only after clearing the jam.
- Call if the unit leaks, smells burnt or trips the breaker again.
What not to put down a disposal
A disposal grinds soft food scraps. It does not make every item safe for the pipe. Grease, coffee grounds in large amounts, fibrous peels and starchy foods can clog the line.
- Fats, oils and grease, which cool and harden in the drain.
- Stringy produce like celery stalks and corn husks.
- Pasta, rice and other starches that swell.
- Bones, fruit pits and shells.
- Non-food items such as utensils, paper and plastic.
If the kitchen line keeps backing up, the problem may be past the disposal. See drain cleaning.
Disposal jammed or leaking?
Turn it off at the switch and the breaker, then call. The dispatcher will plan a repair or swap.
Repair or replace
A jam or a tripped reset is a simple fix. A leak from the housing means replacement. If the unit is more than a decade old, replacement is often the sensible choice, since the parts cost nearly the same as a new one.
When you choose a new disposal, horsepower and noise level matter. Larger motors grind better and last longer. Ask for a unit with a sound-reducing housing if the kitchen is open to a living area.
How a replacement goes
- DisconnectPower is off, the drain and dishwasher lines are detached and the old unit is removed.
- Prep the flangeThe sink flange is cleaned and sealed with plumber's putty or a gasket.
- Mount the unitThe new disposal locks into the mounting ring.
- ReconnectDrain, dishwasher knockout and power are connected.
- TestRun water and check for leaks.
Installing a disposal where none exists means adding power and a switch. Ask whether an electrician is needed. Related sink work is on the faucet and sink repair page.
What changes the price
Pricing depends on the unit and whether electrical work is needed. Ask the dispatcher for a clear quote before work starts.
Repair or replacement
A jam clearing differs from a swap.
Unit size and features
Horsepower, feed type and noise rating vary.
Power and switch
New installs may need wiring.
Dishwasher connection
Knockout and hose are part of the job.
Drain condition
A clogged trap adds a drain job.
Questions callers ask us
It is jammed. Turn the power off and use the hex key slot to free the flywheel.
A jam or reset is quick. A leak from the housing means replacement.
A small amount is fine, but they can clump in the drain. It is better to throw them out.
The trap or branch line is likely clogged. Clear the line before using the disposal again.
Yes, with power and a switch. Ask whether an electrician is needed.
Many last around a decade, depending on use. Heavy use shortens it.
Yes, as part of a disposal install or repair.
Get the kitchen sink working again
Call to repair or replace a disposal and fix the drain connections behind it.