Garbage Disposals
Garbage Disposals | Plumbing Fixture Replacements | Plumbing | Altamont
When your garbage disposal rattles, stalls, or simply refuses to turn on, life in Altamont’s kitchens can grind to a halt fast. HEP’s seasoned plumbers arrive with fully stocked trucks and sharp troubleshooting skills, ready to rescue jammed impellers, leaky seals, and humming motors before they turn into bigger headaches. From compact units in cozy condos to high-horsepower disposals for bustling family homes, we install, repair, and upgrade them all—swiftly, cleanly, and at a fair, upfront price.
Of course, a healthy sink setup often demands more than a new disposer. That’s why we bundle our garbage-grinding expertise with seamless plumbing fixture replacements, swapping out dated faucets, drains, and traps in one convenient visit. Schedule today, and enjoy whisper-quiet grinding, spotless countertops, and the confidence that every drop of water leaves your kitchen the way it should—effortlessly.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my garbage disposal needs to be replaced instead of repaired?
Frequent resets, persistent odors that cleaning can’t remove, water leaks from the housing, unusual grinding noises, and repeated jams are all indicators that the motor or internal seals have failed. When a disposal is more than 8–10 years old and exhibits two or more of these symptoms, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair.
How long does a typical garbage disposal replacement take in Altamont homes?
For a straightforward swap—removing an old unit and installing a new, similar model—our licensed Altamont plumbers usually need 60–90 minutes. If we are installing a disposal for the first time, adding a dedicated electrical connection, or modifying the drain plumbing, the job can extend to 2–3 hours.
Do I need a permit to replace a garbage disposal or other plumbing fixture in Altamont?
In most cases, a like-for-like replacement of a garbage disposal, faucet, or toilet is considered minor work and does not require a city permit. However, if new wiring, drain line rerouting, or structural changes are involved, the Altamont Building Department may require a simple plumbing/electrical permit. We handle permit verification and filing for you when it’s necessary.
Can you install a garbage disposal in an older Altamont home that never had one?
Yes. We first confirm that the home’s drain plumbing and electrical system can support the unit. If a switched outlet is not already under the sink, we will install a code-compliant GFCI outlet and dedicated switch. We also verify that the existing sink flange, trap, and venting are compatible or upgrade them as needed to meet current plumbing code.
Which garbage disposal size (horsepower) is best for a typical household?
• 1/3 HP: Suitable for light use in small apartments. • 1/2 HP: The most common choice for 1–2 person households with moderate food waste. • 3/4 HP: Ideal for 3–4 person families; handles fibrous scraps and small bones. • 1 HP and above: Best for large families or avid cooks who frequently grind tough waste. We recommend stainless-steel grinders and sound-insulated models for durability and quiet operation.
What maintenance steps will keep my new garbage disposal working smoothly?
Run cold water before, during, and 20–30 seconds after grinding to flush debris. Avoid fibrous materials (corn husks, celery), grease, and large bones. Once a month, grind a few ice cubes with a slice of citrus to clean the chamber and freshen odors. Finally, schedule an annual under-sink inspection—often paired with other fixture checks—to ensure the disposal, P-trap, and electrical connections stay leak-free and code-compliant.