Repair or replace? How much does it cost to repair a garbage disposal, anyway?
You may wonder if hiring a plumber to repair a garbage disposal is worth the cost. Not every problem is the same, so the price to fix this handy appliance varies. But the truth is, you never realize how much you appreciate your disposal until it’s no longer available. Here’s the answer to your question, “How much does it cost to repair a garbage disposal?”
Jammed garbage disposal
Did you put something down the sink that doesn’t belong? If the appliance just hums whenever you flip the switch, there’s something stuck inside. The blades can’t work their magic until you unclog it. A jammed garbage disposal is one of the top reasons to call a plumber, but should you justify the cost?
The answer is yes. As long as there isn’t any structural damage to the unit, the disposal should work like new once a plumber fixes it. Expect to pay anywhere from $75-100 to have your system running again. Most plumbers can finish the repair in about an hour.
Clogged kitchen drain
If your sink overflows whenever you run the garbage disposal, a pipe clog is probably to blame. Sometimes leftover food particles get stuck in the line, and the sink drains sluggishly. A plumber will use a special, snake-like tool to clear the pipes. It’s an easy job for a professional, but the process can be tedious, depending on the size and location of the clog. Is it worth the price?
Yes! You should always pay a plumber to unclog a pipe. The problem will only continue to get worse. Eventually, a clogged garbage disposal may affect other areas of your home. Trust us; you don’t want to deal with an overflowing toilet or washing machine because you didn’t fix the kitchen sink. The total cost should be around $150-200, depending on how long it takes to clear the line.
Garbage disposal doesn’t have power
When you turn on the garbage disposal, you expect to hear the blades chopping up any food particles. But, for this to happen, the unit needs electricity. Dead silence means there is something wrong with the power supply. Good news—you may be able to fix this problem yourself.
Before you rush to find a plumber, look under the sink to make sure the disposal didn’t come unplugged. Pushing the reset button may also resolve the problem. If neither of these troubleshooting solutions works, make sure you don’t have a tripped breaker.
Worth it?
Of course, a bad kitchen switch or a failing garbage disposal may also be the reason you don’t have power. Is the price to repair worth it?
Once again, absolutely! However, it may not be a plumber that you need. If the problem turns out to be a faulty switch, you’ll need an electrician to replace it. Unless you feel comfortable working with electricity and water, you shouldn’t attempt this repair on your own.
How much will you pay? Replacing a single switch will run about $100-150, given there is nothing else wrong with your electrical system.
Leaking garbage disposal
Do you notice a growing puddle of water after running the garbage disposal? If so, you have a plumbing leak on your hands. Tighten all the connections and bolts to see if this solves your issue. If it does, great—you don’t need to do anything else. However, if the unit still leaks, a worn-out seal may be the cause. Should you pay a plumber to replace the seal?
Probably not. Sure, fixing the seal will solve the problem right now, but a worn-out seal is usually the first sign of an old disposal. Unless you want to keep putting money down the drain, replacing the unit is a more cost-efficient option. It costs between $185-400 to install a brand new garbage disposal, depending on the model you select.
Prevent disposal problems before they happen
Be careful what you put into your garbage disposal. Misuse of this appliance is the number one reason for repairs. Too many homeowners mistakenly believe they can toss anything and everything down the sink, but this isn’t true. To avoid a costly problem, keep these items out of the drain:
Fat, Grease, And Oil:
These substances don’t mix well with water. Instead of rinsing away, fat sticks to the sides of your pipes—the same way it blocks your arteries! It can also clog the city sewage system, and you don’t want to get that bill in the mail.
Celery And Other Fibrous Vegetables:
Did you know that highly fibrous vegetables can jam your disposal? When you put celery down the drain, for example, the fibers may become entangled in the blades.
Pasta And Rice:
Dumping large amounts of pasta or rice into your disposal may lead to a costly clog. That’s because when these food substances mix with water, they expand. It’s best to toss any leftovers into the trashcan.
Fruit Pits And Cores:
You don’t eat fruit pits because they’re too hard for your teeth. Well, they are also too hard for your disposal to handle. Consider composting leftover pits and cores instead.
Non-Food Items:
The kitchen sink isn’t a trash bin! Paper, cigarettes, and other types of non-edible substances belong in the garbage. Always remove any non-food items from the drain before you turn on the disposal.
Garbage Disposal Repair in the Midtown Atlanta Area
While a broken garbage disposal may not be an emergency, it will put a damper on your cooking style. There’s nothing worse than dealing with an overflowing or leaking sink whenever you clean up the kitchen. Luckily, help is on the way. Morningside Plumbing will have your garbage disposal up and running in no time at all.
The goal at Morningside Plumbing is to find an affordable and proven solution for all your plumbing needs. Taking care of our customers is always at the forefront of what we do. You can count on us to lead you in the right direction, and we will never recommend a service you don’t need.
We have been in the business for over 25 years, and if it involves pipes and water, we know how to fix it! The next time your kitchen sink backs up, click or call 404-445-6139 to hire our plumbers to repair a garbage disposal right away.