- HEP Plumbing
- Stubborn Jams

Stubborn Jams
Stubborn Jams | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Cowan
Stuck with a sink full of half-chewed leftovers and a motor that only growls back? HEP’s Stubborn Jams Plumbing swoops into Cowan kitchens like a rescue squad for misbehaving disposals, bringing the parts, tools, and know-how to get blades spinning smoothly again. Our licensed techs diagnose in minutes, clear clogs without the mess, and replace worn components on the spot, so you can send scraps swirling down the drain instead of scraping plates into the trash.
Homeowners here trust us because we treat every call as urgent, arrive when we say we will, and back our workmanship with iron-clad guarantees. Whether your unit hums but won’t grind, leaks beneath the sink, or trips the breaker at the worst moment, our garbage disposal repair service restores sanity to your kitchen—and lets you get back to the good stuff, like cooking and gathering around the table.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my garbage disposal in Cowan needs professional repair?
Warning signs include humming without spinning, frequent resets, persistent clogs that back up both sinks, water leaking from the unit or the cabinet below, foul odors that won’t wash away, or the circuit breaker tripping when you switch the disposal on. If you notice any of these, it’s best to shut off the unit and call Stubborn Jams Plumbing before bigger issues (like motor burnout or drain line damage) arise.
Why does my disposal keep getting jammed, and how can Stubborn Jams Plumbing fix it?
Frequent jams usually stem from fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), hard items (bones, fruit pits), grease buildup, or non-food objects slipping in. Our technicians first cut power, manually rotate the flywheel, clear lodged debris, and check that the shredder ring and impellers move freely. We then run a diagnostic to ensure the motor, reset switch, and electrical connections are healthy. If any parts are worn, we can replace them on-site so your disposer runs like new.
Can you repair my existing garbage disposal, or will I need a full replacement?
About 70 % of the disposals we see in Cowan can be repaired—usually by freeing jams, replacing a failed reset switch, or installing a new splash guard or grinding plate. If the motor is burned out, the housing is cracked, or the unit is older than 10–12 years, replacement is the more economical option. We’ll give you an honest assessment and clear quote before any work begins.
Is it safe to pour chemical drain cleaners into a jammed garbage disposal?
No. Caustic drain cleaners can corrode the metal grinding chamber, degrade rubber seals, and create splash hazards when the unit is reactivated. They also rarely dissolve the solid objects that typically jam a disposal. Instead, turn off the power at the breaker and schedule a service call. Our techs use specialized disposal wrenches, bio-safe cleaners, and camera inspections that protect both your plumbing and the environment.
How much does garbage disposal repair cost in the Cowan area?
Simple jam removals start around $95, while repairs involving part replacements—such as new impellers, splash guards, or wiring—run $150–$250. If the motor or grinding chamber has failed, replacement units (including installation) range from $325 for a basic 1⁄3-hp model to $550 for a premium 3⁄4-hp disposal with sound insulation. We always provide upfront, written estimates and stand behind our work with a one-year labor warranty.
What steps can I take after the repair to prevent future jams?
1) Run cold water before, during, and 10 seconds after every use. 2) Feed food scraps slowly instead of dumping large amounts at once. 3) Avoid fibrous foods, expandable starches (rice, pasta), grease, and hard items like bones. 4) Freshen the grinding chamber monthly with a handful of ice cubes and coarse salt or citrus peels. 5) Never insert utensil handles or your hands into the disposal—use tongs if you must retrieve something. Following these tips and scheduling an annual check-up with Stubborn Jams Plumbing will keep your disposal trouble-free.