A disposal that hums but won't spin, leaks under the sink, or trips the breaker is usually a quick fix once we know the cause. Our technicians clear jams, replace worn seals and motors, and get your sink back in working order safely.
Most disposal problems fall into one of a few clear patterns. Here's what to listen and look for.
This almost always means the grinding chamber is jammed by food, a bone, or a small object.
A silent unit usually means a tripped reset button, a tripped breaker, or a wiring issue.
Water under the sink usually points to a worn seal, a loose connection, or a cracked housing.
An object caught in the chamber or worn impellers can cause noise beyond the normal grinding sound.
Water rising in the sink while running the disposal points to a clog further down the drain line.
A unit that repeatedly trips the circuit is often a sign the motor is straining or starting to fail.
Here's what usually causes each garbage disposal problem we see in The Colony, and the typical price range once your technician confirms the exact issue.
| Likely cause | What it means | Typical repair cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Jammed grinding chamber | Food, bones, or a foreign object stuck between the impellers. | $75 – $175 |
| Worn seal or gasket | Lets water leak out from the unit or its connections. | $60 – $100 |
| Clogged drain line | Blocks water from draining even when the unit is running properly. | $70 – $200 |
| Faulty switch or wiring | Prevents power from reaching the motor at all. | $100 – $300 |
| Burned-out motor | The unit hums or does nothing when the chamber isn't jammed. | $200 – $400 |
*Ranges reflect typical parts-and-labor costs across the industry. Your technician confirms the exact price on-site before starting any repair.
It's natural instinct to reach in and clear a jam by hand, but that's how serious injuries happen. Always cut power at the switch or breaker first, and use tongs or a hex wrench from underneath the unit instead.
Here's what happens from your first call to a working disposal again.
We check the chamber, seals, switch, and motor to find the actual cause.
You get a flat-rate price for the repair before any parts are touched.
Most parts are stocked on the truck, so the fix usually happens the same visit.
We run water and the disposal together to confirm it grinds and drains properly.
We regularly service InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid garbage disposals found throughout The Colony.
A dishwasher that won't drain can sometimes trace back to the disposal's drain connection.
View all servicesWhat homeowners in The Colony most often ask before booking a garbage disposal repair.
This almost always means the grinding plate is jammed by food, a bone, or a small object. Cut power first, then try clearing it with a hex wrench in the bottom opening or tongs from above — never your hand.
Most repairs run between $60 and $400 depending on the issue, plus the standard $60–$95 service call fee. A simple jam or seal replacement is on the lower end.
Leaks usually come from a worn seal, a loose connection at the sink flange, or a cracked housing on an older unit. Cracked housing leaks typically call for replacement rather than repair.
No. Always cut power at the switch and breaker first, then use tongs or the hex wrench opening underneath the unit. Never put your hand inside the grinding chamber, even with the power off.
Disposals typically last 8 to 12 years. If yours is within that range and the issue is a jam, seal, or switch, repairing is usually the better value. A burned-out motor on an older unit often makes more sense to replace.
This points to a clog further down the drain line rather than a problem with the disposal itself, though the two can sometimes be related if food waste isn't being ground finely enough.
Call now for a same-day or next-day appointment with a local technician.