Garbage Disposal Not Working? We'll Get It Grinding Again.
Well pump and sump pump repair and replacement throughout the Triad.
When Your Disposal Dies, Your Kitchen Stops
A broken garbage disposal backs up your whole sink routine. Food scraps pile up, water drains slow, and that humming-but-not-grinding sound means something’s wrong. Whether it’s jammed, leaking, or completely dead, we fix it.
All-Star Plumbing repairs and replaces garbage disposals throughout High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the Triad. Most disposal problems are straightforward — we diagnose fast, fix fast, and get your kitchen back to normal.
Sometimes a repair makes sense. Sometimes the disposal is shot and replacement is the better move. We’ll tell you honestly which is which before you spend any money.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair or Replacement
Here’s what different symptoms usually mean.
Disposal Hums But Won't Grind
- What it means: The motor runs, but the flywheel is stuck — usually a jam.
- Fix: Often fixable. We clear the jam and reset the unit. If the motor burned out from running too long while jammed, replacement may be needed.
Disposal Won't Turn On at All
- What it means: Could be a tripped reset button, tripped breaker, bad switch, or dead motor.
- Check first: Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. Check the breaker.
- If that doesn't work: Motor or electrical issue. Call us.
Disposal Is Leaking
- What it means: Leak could be from the sink flange (top), side connections (dishwasher hose or drain pipe), or bottom (internal seal failure).
- Bottom leak: Usually means the internal seals have failed. Replacement is typically the answer.
- Top or side leak: Often repairable with new gaskets or tightening connections.
Disposal Drains Slowly
- What it means: Clog in the disposal, drain pipe, or P-trap. Could also be worn grinding components not breaking food down properly.
- Fix: We clear the clog. If grinding is weak, replacement may be better than repair.
Unusual Noises (Grinding Metal, Rattling)
- What it means: Something's stuck inside (utensil, bone, hard object) or internal components are failing.
- Fix: If it's an object, we remove it. If components are failing, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair.
Bad Smells From Disposal
- What it means: Food buildup inside the disposal or drain. Not necessarily a repair issue.
- Fix: Often solved by cleaning — ice cubes, citrus peels, or disposal cleaner. If smell persists, there may be a drain issue.
Disposal Is Old and Unreliable
- What it means: Disposals typically last 8-12 years. Older units lose grinding power and develop problems.
- Fix: If it's over 10 years old and having issues, replacement is usually smarter than repeated repairs.
Should You Repair or Replace?
Here’s our honest take.
Repair Makes Sense When...
- ➟ Disposal is less than 5 years old
- ➟ Problem is a simple jam or reset
- ➟ Leak is from connection (not bottom seal)
- ➟ Repair cost is well below replacement
Replace Makes Sense When...
- ➟ Disposal is 8+ years old
- ➟ Motor won't run (not just a reset or jam)
- ➟ Leaking from bottom (internal seal failure)
- ➟ Frequent jams or weak grinding
- ➟ Repair cost approaches replacement cost
- ➟ You want an upgrade (more powerful, quieter)
Disposals We Repair & Install
- Continuous Feed Disposals
The most common type. Turn on with a switch and run continuously while you feed in scraps. We repair and install all continuous feed models.
- Batch Feed Disposals
Activates only when you insert and turn the stopper — safer around kids. Less common but we service these too.
- Brands We Work With
- InSinkErator — The most popular brand. We install and repair all models.
- Waste King — Known for value and reliability.
- Moen — Kitchen fixture brand with quality disposals.
- GE / KitchenAid — Common in builder-grade homes.
- Other brands — We work on all residential garbage disposals.
What Garbage Disposal Service Includes
- Disposal Repair
- ➟ Diagnose the problem (jam, electrical, leak, motor)
- ➟ Clear jams and reset
- ➟ Tighten or replace connections
- ➟ Replace gaskets if leaking from top/side
- ➟ Test operation
Typical time: 30-60 minutes
- Disposal Replacement
- ➟ Remove old disposal
- ➟ Install new unit (customer-supplied or we provide)
- ➟ Connect drain line and dishwasher connection
- ➟ Wire electrical connection
- ➟ Test for leaks and proper operation
- ➟ Haul away old disposal
- ➟ Clean up
Typical time: 1-2 hours
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Your Plumbing Problem, Solved in 3 Simple Steps!
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Helpful Plumbing Tips From Local Experts
Our blog shares clear advice homeowners can use right away.
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When Should You Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures?
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Locations and Areas Served
Plumber Service Company Serving the Entire Triad
Garbage Disposal Questions
How much does garbage disposal repair cost?
Repairs typically run $100-$200 depending on the issue. Jam clearing is on the lower end. Leak repair depends on the source. We quote before starting.
How much does garbage disposal replacement cost?
Including labor and a standard disposal unit, expect $250-$450. Higher-end units (powerful, quiet) cost more. We quote before starting.
Can I buy my own disposal and have you install it?
Yes. Pick out the disposal you want, and we’ll install it. Make sure it fits your sink configuration — or ask us first if you’re unsure.
How long do garbage disposals last?
Typically 8-12 years with normal use. Heavy use, hard objects, and lack of water while running shorten lifespan.
Why does my disposal hum but not work?
The flywheel is jammed. Something is stuck and preventing it from spinning. Don’t run it continuously when jammed — the motor can burn out. Call us to clear it.
Can you fix a leaking garbage disposal?
Depends where it’s leaking. Top (sink flange) or side connections — often repairable. Bottom of unit — usually means internal seal failure, and replacement is the answer.
Do you offer same-day disposal replacement?
Often, yes. If you call in the morning, we can usually have a new disposal installed the same day.