Stubborn Clogs
Stubborn Clogs | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Benton
When your kitchen sink starts to gurgle and grind—or refuses to do either—HEP’s Stubborn Clogs team is ready to jump in. Our licensed plumbers arrive fast, fully stocked, and laser-focused on one thing: getting your Benton home back to smooth, silent operation. From jammed impellers and burnt-out motors to mysterious leaks that soak the cabinet floor, we’ve seen every disposal disaster and solved it with the right parts, clear communication, and respect for your time.
Choose us for expert garbage disposal repair and you’ll feel the difference from the first phone call. We offer upfront pricing, tidy workspaces, and friendly techs who explain what went wrong and how to keep it from coming back. Whether you need a quick fix, a full unit replacement, or just honest advice, HEP is the hometown crew Benton trusts to keep dinner scraps where they belong—out of sight and out of mind.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of a stubborn clog in a garbage disposal?
In Benton homes, garbage disposals usually clog when fibrous foods (like celery or corn husks), starchy items (potato peels, pasta, rice), grease, coffee grounds, or large food scraps build up inside the grinding chamber and discharge pipe. Over-loading the unit, running it without enough cold water, or attempting to grind non-food materials (utensils, plastic, glass) can also jam the impellers and trap debris, leading to a stubborn blockage.
Can I clear a clogged garbage disposal myself, or should I call a professional plumber?
You can try a few safe DIY steps first: turn off the power, use a flashlight to look for visible obstructions, gently turn the impeller with a hex (Allen) wrench in the bottom slot, and flush with cold water while cycling the unit on and off. Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they can damage seals. If the disposal hums but won’t spin, trips the reset button repeatedly, leaks, or the clog is in the drain line beyond the unit, it’s time to call a licensed Benton plumber to prevent motor burn-out or pipe damage.
How do I use the reset button on my garbage disposal?
Locate the small red or black reset (overload) button on the underside of the disposal. When the motor overheats or jams, the button pops out. 1) Switch the wall control off and unplug the unit or turn off the breaker. 2) Clear any visible obstruction with tongs (never your hands). 3) Press the button firmly until it clicks and stays in. 4) Restore power, run cold water, and flip the wall switch. If it trips again soon after, the motor may be failing or the clog is still present—schedule service.
When is it more cost-effective to replace rather than repair a garbage disposal?
Replacement makes sense if your disposal is over 8–10 years old, has a cracked housing, persistent leaks, a burnt-out motor, or repair costs exceed half the price of a new unit. Upgrading also offers the benefit of quieter operation, stronger horsepower for Benton households that cook frequently, and longer warranties (5–10 years). Our technicians can inspect the unit on-site and give you a repair-vs-replace estimate before any work begins.
How can I prevent future garbage disposal clogs?
Run a strong flow of cold water before, during, and 20–30 seconds after grinding. Feed scraps slowly, avoid grease and oil, cut large pieces into smaller chunks, and keep fibrous, starchy, or expandable foods out of the unit. Once a week, grind ice cubes with a splash of vinegar or citrus peels to scour the chamber and neutralize odors. Regularly inspect the splash guard for trapped debris and call for maintenance if drainage slows.
Does Stubborn Clogs Plumbing offer same-day garbage disposal repair in Benton?
Yes. Stubborn Clogs Plumbing provides same-day service across Benton and surrounding communities. Our fully stocked vans carry replacement disposals, gaskets, and drain fittings, allowing most repairs or installations to be completed in one visit. We offer 24/7 emergency response, transparent up-front pricing, and a workmanship warranty, so you can restore your kitchen sink quickly and confidently.