If a disposal is leaking from the bottom or the sink is backed up and full of water, switch the disposal off at the wall switch and close the shutoff valves under the sink. Do not put a hand in the disposal. Call our 24/7 line and a plumber can be dispatched, including nights and weekends.
Why disposals jam, hum and leak
Disposal problems and likely causes
- Hums but does not spinSomething is jammed between the impellers or the motor is seized.
- Does nothing at allThe reset button tripped, the switch failed or the power is off.
- Leaks from the topA worn sink flange seal or loose mounting.
- Leaks from the side or bottomA cracked housing or loose drain connection.
- Smells badFood residue or a partial drain clog.
A safe first check before you call
- Switch the disposal off at the wall.
- Look for the red reset button on the bottom and press it.
- Use the hex wrench slot under the disposal, if there is one, to rotate the motor back and forth.
- Use tongs or pliers, never your hand, to remove any visible object.
- Turn on the cold water and test.
If the motor still hums, the disposal has a mechanical or electrical fault. Leaks from the housing mean the unit needs replacement.
Repair or replace
| Condition | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Jam cleared, runs normally | Keep | A small fix |
| Housing leak | Replace | Cannot be patched safely |
| Motor seized or burned out | Replace | Repair costs more than a new unit |
| Flange or drain leak | Repair | Seal or connection fix |
| Unit over 10 years old with repeated jams | Replace | Expect more failures |
A new disposal is easy to install if the sink drain connections are in good condition. We match the horsepower to how you use it. For a household that cooks a lot, a stronger motor and a stainless grind chamber last longer.
If your sink backs up with the disposal
Sometimes the disposal is fine and the drain beyond it is blocked. A kitchen drain clogged with grease will back water into the disposal. In that case the right fix is drain cleaning, and we check both parts on one visit.
Disposals and septic systems
In parts of Hingham and Norwell homes use septic tanks, and food waste from a disposal adds solids to a septic system. A tank that is pumped regularly can handle moderate use, but heavy disposal use fills a tank faster. If you are on septic, ask your septic professional before adding or heavily using a disposal.
If you are on town sewer, disposals are generally fine, but grease still builds in the line. Avoid pouring fat or cooking oil into the unit. It coats the pipe and leads to blockages that need a jetter.
What disposal repair costs
Disposal repair prices depend on whether the unit can be saved.
What moves the price
- Unit horsepower and qualityHeavier units cost more.
- Repair or replacementA jam is quick, a motor replacement is not.
- Electrical connectionA hardwired or outlet connection may need adjustment.
- Plumbing connectionsWorn drain parts add materials.
- Removal of old unitDisposal and haul-away are part of the job.
A leaking disposal that floods a cabinet may fall under sudden water damage coverage, but the unit itself usually does not. Photograph the damage.
Want the number for your house? Call (339) 216-9771 and describe what you see.
We repair disposals in ZIP codes 02043, 02025, 02188, 02189, 02190, 02191, 02061 and 02045. Call our dispatch line and tell us the brand and whether the unit hums, leaks or is silent.
According to the town's fee schedule, swapping a disposal under the same sink is routine, though new drain or electrical connections can fall under the town's fixture fees of $15 per additional fixture.
Questions homeowners ask
The motor is trying to turn but something is jammed or the motor is stuck. Switch it off and try the reset and hex wrench steps. If it still hums, call a plumber.
Yes. We take disposal calls 24/7, including nights and weekends, when a unit is leaking or the sink is backed up. Switch it off, close the shutoffs and call.
Often yes when the right unit is in stock. Appointments are same-day when available.
No. Switch off the power and use tongs or pliers.
Heavy use adds solids to a septic system. Ask your septic professional before relying on one.
Many last about 8 to 12 years depending on use and how well they are maintained.