- HEP Plumbing
- Stubborn Backups

Stubborn Backups
Stubborn Backups | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | New Market
A jammed disposer can turn meal clean-up into a messy standoff, but it doesn’t have to ruin your evening. HEP’s licensed plumbers arrive fast in New Market, armed with diagnostic tools and replacement parts to tackle everything from blades that won’t spin to motors that only hum. We clear tough clogs, flush out hidden grease buildup, and make sure the entire drain line flows freely, so your kitchen smells fresh and your sink drains like new. When you need reliable garbage disposal repair, reach out to the team your neighbors already trust.
Our service trucks are mini-warehouses on wheels, which means most fixes are completed in a single visit—no return trips, no lingering backups. Friendly technicians explain what went wrong, offer tips to avoid future jams, and back their workmanship with solid warranties. From early-morning emergencies to scheduled maintenance, HEP keeps New Market kitchens running smoothly, letting you focus on cooking, entertaining, and everything else you’d rather be doing.
FAQs
What are the most common reasons a garbage disposal backs up in New Market homes?
Stubborn backups are usually caused by a combination of factors: fibrous foods such as celery or corn husks, grease that solidifies inside the grinding chamber or drain line, coffee grounds that accumulate over time, overloading the unit with too much food at once, or a dull or jammed impeller plate. In many New Market houses the disposal shares a drain with the kitchen sink and dishwasher, so any restriction in that line can quickly create a backup at the disposal.
How do I know whether my disposal needs a simple repair or a full replacement?
If the unit hums but won’t spin, leaks only from a loose gasket, or trips the reset button frequently, a repair is often sufficient. However, if the motor is seized, the housing is cracked, or the unit is 8–12 years old and frequently jams, replacement is usually more cost-effective. Our technicians diagnose the motor, bearings, wiring and drain connection on-site and give you clear repair-vs-replace pricing before any work begins.
What foods and materials should I avoid putting in my garbage disposal to prevent clogs?
Avoid grease, fats, and oils (they congeal in cold pipes), fibrous vegetables (celery, asparagus, artichoke leaves, corn husks), starchy foods that swell (rice, pasta, potato peels), large bones, coffee grounds, eggshell membranes, and any non-food items like twist ties or bottle caps. Run cold water for at least 15 seconds before and after grinding to flush particles completely through the drain line.
What steps do you take to clear a stubborn backup and restore proper drainage?
1) We first cut power to the unit and manually check for jammed objects. 2) The disposal is dismounted and inspected; the grinding plate, splash guard, and gaskets are cleaned or replaced if necessary. 3) We snake or hydro-jet the shared drain line to remove grease and debris up to 50 ft, ensuring the clog hasn’t moved farther down the pipe. 4) After reassembly we test for leaks, confirm smooth operation, and provide tips for ongoing maintenance.
How fast can your New Market plumbing team respond to an emergency disposal backup?
We offer same-day service throughout New Market and nearby communities. Calls received before 2 p.m. are typically handled within three hours, and after-hours emergency service is available 24/7 for an additional fee. Our fully stocked vans carry replacement disposals, gaskets, and drain-cleaning equipment so most issues are resolved in a single visit.
Do you provide any warranty or preventative maintenance plans for repaired disposals?
Yes. All repair parts come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty, and our labor is guaranteed for 90 days. For replacements we register your new disposal for the full manufacturer warranty (5–10 years depending on model) and include a complimentary annual drain-line inspection for the first year. Our maintenance plan offers bi-annual disposal cleaning, drain flushing, and exclusive discounts on future service, helping New Market homeowners avoid future backups.