Jams and Stuck Flywheels
We safely clear jammed plates and remove whatever is stuck, from bottle caps to bones.
Disposal Repair and Replacement
Same-Day Garbage Disposal Repair in Pacifica, CA
A humming disposal, a sink full of dirty water or a puddle in the cabinet can bring the kitchen to a stop. If you're searching for garbage disposal repair near me, our Pacifica technicians repair and replace disposals, often the same day. Leaks under the sink are an emergency, and we answer 24 hours a day.
- Humming, jammed or dead disposals
- Leaks under the sink
- New disposal installation
- Dishwasher drain hookups
Leak FixesFlanges, hoses and seals
Repair or ReplaceHonest advice either way
Dishwasher HookupsDrain lines done right
Written WarrantyParts and labor covered
Common Disposal Problems
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair
Garbage disposals take a lot of abuse. Here are the problems we fix most often in Pacifica kitchens.
Hums but won't spin
No sound at all when switched on
Water leaking in the sink cabinet
Sink drains slowly or backs up
Loud grinding or rattling noise
Bad smell coming from the drain
Reset button keeps popping out
Dishwasher drains into the sink
What We Fix
Garbage Disposal Repairs We Make
Some disposal problems are quick fixes. Others mean it's time for a new unit. We'll tell you which one you're facing.
Power and Reset Problems
We test the switch, outlet, wiring and thermal reset when a disposal won't run at all.
Sink Flange Leaks
We reseal the top mount where the disposal meets the sink, a common source of slow leaks.
Dishwasher and Drain Connections
We tighten or replace loose hoses and fittings on the side of the disposal.
Clogs and Slow Drains
We clear the disposal and trap below it when food waste backs up the sink.
Full Disposal Replacement
When the unit leaks from the bottom or the motor is worn out, we install a new one. Learn about our appliance installation service.
Kind to Your Disposal
What to Put In, and What to Keep Out
A disposal is made to handle small scraps, not everything on the plate. Treat it right and it can last 10 years or more.
Safe in small amounts
- Soft food scraps scraped from plates
- Small pieces of fruit and cooked vegetables
- Ice cubes and citrus peels to clean and freshen it
Keep these out
- Grease, oil and fat, which harden in pipes
- Stringy foods like celery, corn husks and artichokes
- Potato peels, pasta and rice, which turn into paste
- Coffee grounds and eggshells, which build up like sand
- Bones, fruit pits and shells from crab or shrimp
Always run cold water before, during and for a few seconds after grinding.
Water in the Cabinet?
Fast Help for Disposal Leaks and Backups
A leaking disposal can soak the cabinet floor and spread to the floor below. Here's what to do right away.
Stop Using the Sink
Don't run water or the dishwasher. Every bit of water adds to the leak.
Cut the Power
Turn off the disposal switch and unplug it under the sink, or switch off the breaker. Never reach inside a disposal.
Call for Same-Day Repair
Call (650) 491-1179 24 hours a day. Learn more on our emergency appliance repair page.
Repair or Replace?
When to Fix and When to Replace a Disposal
Unlike bigger appliances, disposals are affordable to replace. That changes the math.
Usually worth repairing
- Jams, tripped resets and loose wiring
- Sink flange and hose leaks
- Clogs in the drain line
Usually time to replace
- Water leaking from the bottom of the unit
- A burned-out motor that only hums even when clear
- Heavy rust on the grinding chamber
- A unit older than about 10 years with repeat problems
Disposal Problem Guide
| Symptom | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Hums, won't spin | Jammed plate or seized motor |
| Silent, no power | Tripped reset, switch or breaker |
| Leak at top | Loose sink flange seal |
| Leak at side | Loose dishwasher or drain hose |
| Leak at bottom | Failed internal seal, replace unit |
| Bad smell | Food stuck under the splash guard |
New dishwasher or disposal?
When a new disposal is installed, a small plastic knockout plug must be removed for the dishwasher to drain. If your dishwasher fills with water after a new disposal goes in, this is likely why. See our dishwasher repair page for more.
Brands We Service
Disposal Brands We Repair and Install
Most disposals in Pacifica homes come from specialty brands like InSinkErator, Moen, Waste King and KitchenAid. We repair and install all of them, and we connect them properly to dishwashers from brands like Bosch, KitchenAid, Whirlpool and GE.
Service Areas
Garbage Disposal Repair Near You
We fix and install disposals in every Pacifica neighborhood, from Pedro Point to Sharp Park, and in these nearby cities.
Homes on septic systems, more common in rural parts of the Coastside, should ask us about septic-safe disposal options.
View All Service AreasRelated Services
Related Kitchen Services
Disposals share drains and space with these appliances.
Disposal Repair Warranty
Every disposal repair and installation includes our written warranty on parts and labor. If the same problem returns during the warranty period, we come back and fix it free.
Keep Exploring
More Help With Garbage Disposal Repair
Guides, related repairs and nearby cities picked for garbage disposal repair customers.
Repair Guides
FAQs
Garbage Disposal FAQs
Why is my garbage disposal humming but not spinning?
Humming means power is reaching the motor, but something is jamming the spinning plate. Turn off the power first. Many disposals have a hex socket in the center of the bottom that lets you turn the plate by hand with a small wrench to free the jam.
Where is the reset button on a garbage disposal?
Most disposals have a small red button on the bottom of the unit under the sink. If the motor overheats, the button pops out. Wait a few minutes for it to cool, then press it in firmly.
Why is my garbage disposal leaking?
Where the leak comes from tells you the cause. A leak at the top usually means the sink flange seal is loose. A leak at the side is often a loose dishwasher or drain hose. A leak from the bottom of the unit usually means internal seals have failed and the disposal needs replacing.
What should I never put down a garbage disposal?
Avoid grease and oil, stringy foods like celery and corn husks, potato peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, bones, and pasta or rice, which swell and clog pipes. Never put in glass, metal or plastic.
How long do garbage disposals last?
Most disposals last about 8 to 15 years. Stainless steel parts and stronger motors usually last longer. If yours is old and leaking from the bottom, replacing it is often the better value.
Can you install a new garbage disposal?
Yes. We remove the old unit, install the new one, connect the dishwasher drain, test for leaks and remove the knockout plug if your dishwasher drains through it.
Why does my garbage disposal smell bad?
Food bits get stuck under the splash guard and on the grinding plate. Run cold water and grind a handful of ice cubes, then a few lemon or orange peels. Clean the rubber splash guard with a brush and dish soap.
Get Your Sink Draining Again
Don't let a broken disposal back up your kitchen. Call our Pacifica garbage disposal repair team for same-day service, or book online. Browse all appliance repair services, visit the homepage, or learn about us.