If your garbage disposal is acting up, don’t ignore the signs. In this post, we walk through common warning signals, basic troubleshooting, and when it’s more cost-effective to consider a full replacement or new garbage disposal installation. Be sure to also check out our companion post, “How to Choose & Maintain Your Garbage Disposal Long-Term.”
Why Garbage Disposal Issues Happen
Before diving into warning signs, it helps to understand what can go wrong:
- Mechanical jams (foreign objects lodged in impellers)
- Worn seals or gasket damage causing leaks
- Electrical problems (motor failure, wiring issues)
- Frequent overheating or motor resets
- Age and wear over time
With that in mind, here are six signs that your unit needs professional attention.
🚨 Warning Signs That You Need Garbage Disposal Repair
- Unit won’t turn on (or constantly trips reset)
If flipping the switch does nothing or the red reset button on the unit won’t stay engaged, there could be a wiring fault, motor burnout, or internal short. - Loud humming or buzzing without grinding
That buzzing often means the motor is trying to spin but can’t—likely due to a jam or obstruction. In some cases, using an allen wrench via the disposal’s bottom manual access can free it.
The Spruce - Grinding or rattling noises
Hearing metal-on-metal sounds? You might have dropped utensils, bones, or hard food particles inside the chamber. - Frequent clogs or slow drainage
If waste is backing up or the sink drains slowly even with the disposal running, buildup may be in the piping or disposal itself. - Odors or foul smells that don’t go away
Sometimes smells stem from rotting food stuck inside parts of the disposal that can’t clear themselves. - Water leaks under the sink
Check for moisture or pooling under your sink. Leaks often occur at the sink flange, drain pipe connection, dishwasher line, or seals.
Once you spot these trouble signals, it’s time to call in a professional for garbage disposal repair or installation. We follow a systematic inspection process to diagnose the issue accurately.
What Happens During Garbage Disposal Repair
Here’s what goes on when you schedule a repair:
- Power off & safety checks — We always cut power first.
- Visual inspection — Look for cracks, leaks, worn parts.
- Reset button test — Sometimes a simple reset restores function.
- Manual spin test — Using a wrench to turn the impellers if jammed.
- Disassembly if needed — Remove drain pipes or housing to clear blockages.
- Seal/ gasket fixes — Replace parts that are leaking.
- Electrical & motor tests — Check wiring, motor continuity, and switches.
- Final test & leak check — Run water, flip the switch, and inspect all joints.
If repair isn’t cost-effective, we may suggest full installation of a new unit. For more about the replacement process, see our second post below.
When Installation May Be the Better Option
Repair isn’t always the right answer. Consider a new unit when:
- Your disposal is already more than 10 years old
- You face repeated breakdowns
- The motor is irreparable or severely damaged
- Repairs are nearly as expensive as replacement
- Your household demands higher capacity or quieter models
Installing a new system gives you a fresh start with improved performance, lower noise, and better efficiency.
For a clear guide to installation and tips for choosing units, continue to “How to Choose & Maintain Your Garbage Disposal Long-Term.”
What You Should Do Next
- Take a photo/video of the unit and symptoms
- Contact us via our service page to schedule a visit → Garbage Disposal Repair or Installation
- Or reach out to us directly through our contact page → Contact Us
- Ask about diagnostic steps and cost before moving forward
Don’t let a failing disposal turn into a messy plumbing headache.
