Leaking from below the sink
If water is leaking from the disposal body or from the pipes under the sink, run no water and switch the disposal off at the wall switch. Empty the cabinet, put a bucket under the leak and call the 24/7 line. A leak from the disposal housing means the unit has failed and needs replacement.
A disposal that hums but does not spin is jammed, and many jams are cleared with a hex key turned in the bottom socket. If you try it, switch off the power first and never put your hand in the unit. If the unit trips the breaker, stop and call.
- Water pooling in the cabinet under the sink.
- A disposal that hums but does not spin.
- A reset button that trips repeatedly.
- A sink that backs up when the disposal runs.
- A burning smell or smoke from the unit.
Common disposal faults
Most calls fall into a few groups.
| Fault | Likely cause | Typical result |
|---|---|---|
| Hums, will not spin | A jam or a seized impeller | Clear the jam, or replace if the motor is damaged |
| Dead, no hum | Tripped reset, failed switch or wiring | Reset, test, replace the part |
| Leak at the top flange | Failed seal or mounting | Reseat the flange with new putty |
| Leak from the body | Cracked housing | Replace the unit |
| Smells or drains slowly | Buildup or a drain line clog | Clean, and clear the drain line |
Disposal leaking under the sink?
Switch it off and call the 24/7 line.
What not to put down a disposal
A disposal is not a garbage can. Grease coats pipes, fibrous foods wrap around the impeller, and starchy foods form a paste that clogs the drain. Bones, coffee grounds in large amounts, pasta, rice and potato peels are frequent culprits.
Run cold water while the disposal operates and for some seconds afterward. Grind small amounts at a time. If the kitchen drain backs up often, the drain line may need clearing, as covered on our drain cleaning page.
Repair, replace or remove
A jam or a loose connection is a repair, and a cracked housing or a burned-out motor is a replacement. When a disposal is more than a decade old, replacement often costs less than repeated repair. The plumber also checks the wiring, the dishwasher connection and the drain trap during the visit.
Some households choose not to have a disposal at all. The plumber can remove one and cap the connection, but septic systems have their own considerations. Homes in Hampstead and Chester on septic should ask the plumber and their septic contractor before relying on a disposal.
Installing a new disposal
A new install needs a sink with the right opening, a nearby outlet or hardwired connection and a drain trap that fits. The plumber mounts the flange, connects the dishwasher drain and wiring if needed and tests for leaks. Sizing depends on how much cooking you do and the strength of the motor you want.
If you are remodeling the kitchen, mention it. Our plumbing installation page covers the broader planned work, and the plumber can combine visits.
Garbage Disposal Repair questions in Derry
Yes. The line is open 24/7. Switch the disposal off, stop running water in the sink and call (603) 815-9179 if it is leaking.
It is probably jammed. Switch off the power, turn the hex socket under the unit or use a wooden spoon handle to free the impeller, then press reset. If it still hums, call.
Avoid them. They can corrode parts and are hazardous for the next person to work on the drain. Use a brush and hot water, or call a plumber.
It depends on use and quality. Many last about a decade, though heavy use shortens that. A leaking housing means replacement.
Septic systems can handle some food waste, but heavy use can fill a tank faster. Ask your septic contractor before relying on a disposal.
References: manufacturer instructions for your disposal. ask your septic contractor before using a disposal on a septic system.
Disposal repair in Derry
Call any hour for repair or replacement with a clear price first.