Broken Garbage Disposal
Broken Garbage Disposal | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Benton
When your kitchen sink starts rumbling, screeching, or refusing to drain, you don’t have time to play guessing games with a jammed impeller or a hidden leak. HEP’s local team in Benton brings the tools, parts, and know-how to get your disposal humming again—often on the very first visit—so you can get back to cooking, cleaning, and living without the stink or mess.
From worn-out splash guards to seized motors, our licensed plumbers diagnose fast, quote upfront, and stand behind every garbage disposal repair with rock-solid guarantees. Call, click, or text HEP today and discover why Benton homeowners trust us for service that’s as friendly as it is efficient.
FAQs
What are the most common signs my garbage disposal needs professional repair?
The most frequent indicators include persistent clogs that resist plunging or resetting, loud grinding or metal-on-metal noises, water leaking from the unit or the cabinet below, foul odors that do not clear after cleaning, and a disposal that hums but will not spin. If you notice any of these issues in your Benton home, it’s time to call a licensed plumber for diagnosis and repair.
Can I try to fix my broken garbage disposal myself before calling a plumber?
You can safely try three quick steps: 1) Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit; 2) Check your breaker panel for a tripped circuit; 3) Use the Allen (hex) wrench that came with the disposal to manually turn the flywheel from underneath to free simple jams. If the disposal still hums, leaks, or won’t power on after these steps, further DIY work can damage the motor or void the warranty—contact a professional instead.
How quickly can your Benton plumbing team respond to a garbage disposal emergency?
For disposal breakdowns that completely disable your kitchen sink, we offer same-day emergency service within city limits and surrounding Benton neighborhoods. Appointments booked before noon are usually handled the same afternoon; later calls are handled by the next business morning. Our service trucks are stocked with common replacement parts to minimize repeat visits.
What factors affect the cost of garbage disposal repair vs. replacement?
Pricing depends on the age and horsepower of the unit, the extent of motor or electrical damage, and whether internal components (impellers, seals) are available. Minor repairs such as unjamming, gasket replacement, or wiring fixes typically range from $100–$200. Major repairs that involve motor replacement or leak-proofing corroded housings may cost $250–$350; at that point, upgrading to a new disposal with a multi-year warranty often makes better financial sense.
Will repairing my garbage disposal require shutting off water to the entire house?
No. We isolate the sink’s hot and cold supply valves and disconnect only the drain and power lines feeding the disposal. Your home’s main water supply remains on, so bathrooms and other fixtures stay functional while work is performed.
How can I keep my newly repaired disposal running smoothly?
Run cold water before, during, and after grinding food. Avoid fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), starchy items (potato peels, pasta), large bones, grease, and coffee grounds. Once a month, grind ice cubes with a tablespoon of rock salt to clean the impellers, then rinse with a cup of white vinegar followed by cold water to control odors. Scheduling an annual plumbing inspection ensures seals, wiring, and drain lines stay in good working order.