Licensed Technicians
Licensed Technicians | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Athens
When your sink suddenly grinds to a halt, HEP’s licensed technicians are on call in Athens, ready to restore order to your kitchen with fast, reliable garbage disposal repair. We combine decades of plumbing expertise with today’s most advanced diagnostic tools, so we can pinpoint the problem—whether it’s a jammed flywheel, a worn-out motor, or a mysterious rattle—then fix it on the spot. Our trucks arrive fully stocked, which means no guessing games or return trips, just courteous professionals who respect your time, your home, and your budget.
Choosing HEP means choosing transparency and safety. We provide upfront pricing, explain every step in plain language, and clean up thoroughly when the job is done. From student apartments near the University of Georgia to historic homes off Milledge Avenue, we keep Athens kitchens running smoothly—because great meals (and peace of mind) start with a disposal you can trust.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my garbage disposal needs professional repair?
Frequent clogs, loud grinding or humming without rotation, persistent odors, leaks under the sink, and the need to constantly press the reset button all indicate something is wrong inside the unit. If these issues persist after basic troubleshooting—such as pressing the reset switch, clearing obvious debris, or checking the circuit breaker—call our licensed Athens-based technicians. Trying to force the disposal to run can burn out the motor or crack the grinding chamber, turning a minor repair into a full replacement.
Is it more cost-effective to repair or replace a faulty garbage disposal?
Our rule of thumb is to repair if the unit is less than 6–8 years old, has no visible cracks, and the repair cost is under half the price of a comparable replacement. We carry most OEM parts on our service vehicles, allowing us to change jammed flywheels, worn seals, and failed capacitors on the spot. If the motor is burnt out, the grinding chamber is corroded, or the disposal is older than ten years, replacement generally offers better long-term value and warranty coverage. During the diagnostic visit, we provide a written quote for both options so you can make an informed choice.
How quickly can your Athens licensed plumbers respond to a garbage disposal emergency?
Because we are a local team, we can reach most addresses in Athens and surrounding Clarke County within 60–90 minutes for true emergencies such as leaking disposals that threaten cabinetry or electrical components. For non-urgent repairs, same-day or next-day scheduling is usually available. Weekend and evening appointments are offered at no extra charge, and you will receive a 30-minute arrival text so you’re never left waiting.
Do I need to shut off power or water to the disposal before you arrive?
If water is actively leaking, turn off the cold-water supply valve under the sink to prevent flooding. For electrical safety, flipping the breaker or unplugging the disposal is a good precaution, but not mandatory—we can safely isolate the circuit when we arrive. Leave any jammed objects in place; attempting to remove them with tools or hands can damage the impellers or lead to personal injury. Simply clear the area under the sink so our technician has room to work.
What garbage disposal brands and models do you service?
We repair and install all major brands sold in the U.S. market, including InSinkErator, Waste King, Moen, KitchenAid, GE, Whirlpool, and Badger. Our vans are stocked with factory-approved replacement parts for the most popular 1/3-, 1/2-, and 3/4-horsepower models. If your unit is an older or discontinued model, we can source parts through our Athens supply network or recommend a compatible upgrade that fits your existing mounting assembly and plumbing connections.
How can I keep my garbage disposal running smoothly after it’s repaired?
Run cold water for 15–20 seconds before and after each use, feed waste gradually rather than all at once, and avoid fibrous foods like corn husks, potato peels, and celery strings that wrap around the flywheel. Once a month, grind a tray of ice cubes with a small amount of rock salt to clean the blades, then deodorize by grinding lemon peels or baking soda. Never pour grease, bones, or expandable foods such as pasta and rice into the disposal. Following these habits can add years to your unit’s life and protect your plumbing line from clogs.