The garbage disposal is one of the most used — and most abused — kitchen appliances. When it hums but doesn’t grind, leaks at the base, or simply refuses to turn on, daily kitchen routines grind to a halt. Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc. installs, repairs, and replaces garbage disposals throughout Riverside County, including Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Perris, and Lake Elsinore.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Repair makes sense when: The disposal is less than 5 years old; the issue is a jam, tripped reset button, or worn splash guard; the leak is from the drain connection (not the unit body).

Replace the disposal when: It’s 10+ years old; it leaks from the bottom (the internal seal has failed); it makes loud grinding or rattling noises indicating bearing failure; it clogs constantly due to weak motor.

Common Garbage Disposal Problems

  • Humming but not spinning — A jammed impeller plate. Insert the hex wrench (usually stored in a bracket under the disposal) into the center port on the bottom and work it back and forth to free the jam. Then press the red reset button and try again.
  • Not turning on at all — Check if the red reset button has popped out (press it until you feel a click). Also check the outlet circuit or switch.
  • Leaking from the bottom — Internal seal failure. Replacement is required.
  • Leaking from the side — Typically the drain hose connection to the dishwasher or the discharge pipe connection. Tightening the clamp or replacing the drain gasket often fixes this.
  • Leaking at the sink flange (top) — The plumber’s putty seal between the flange and the sink has failed. The disposal must be removed and the flange resealed.
  • Constant clogs or backups — Usually means the disposal’s 1/2 HP motor isn’t powerful enough for the household’s demands. Upgrade to 3/4 or 1 HP.

What NOT to Put in Your Garbage Disposal

Even the most powerful disposal has limits. Never put in: grease or oil (coats the pipes and causes clogs), fibrous vegetables (celery, artichokes, corn husks), hard items (bones, fruit pits, shellfish shells), expandable foods (pasta, rice), coffee grounds (accumulate as sludge), or anything non-food.

Garbage Disposal Brands We Install

Davis Plumbing installs InSinkErator (the gold standard), Moen, and Waste King disposals in 1/2, 3/4, and 1 horsepower configurations. We stock common sizes in our service vehicles for same-day installation in most cases.

Schedule Garbage Disposal Service Today

Call (951) 657-0393 for garbage disposal installation or repair throughout Riverside County. Or schedule online.