Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation in Long Beach and Los Alamitos

A garbage disposal makes kitchen cleanup easier until it jams, leaks or stops turning on. Worthey Plumbing repairs and replaces garbage disposals for homes across Rossmoor, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach and nearby cities like Cypress, Westminster and Garden Grove, and we install new units for kitchen remodels and upgrades.

Common Garbage Disposal Problems

A disposal that hums but doesn’t spin is usually jammed. Something hard, like a fruit pit, bone or utensil, has wedged the flywheel. We clear the jam safely and check the motor for damage.

A disposal that does nothing at all may have tripped its internal reset, lost power at the switch or outlet, or burned out its motor. We test each one to find the actual cause before recommending a new unit.

Leaks show up in three main spots. A leak at the top usually means the sink flange seal has failed. A leak at the side points to the dishwasher hose or drain connection. A leak from the bottom of the unit usually means the internal seals have worn out, and that disposal needs to be replaced.

Slow draining and bad odors often come from buildup in the disposal or the drain line below it. We clean the unit and clear the line if needed.

Disposal Replacement and New Installation

Most disposals last around 8 to 15 years depending on use and quality. If yours is leaking from the body, jams often or is loud and weak, a new unit is the better choice. We install the major brands in a range of horsepower ratings and can help you choose one that fits how you cook. A 1/2 horsepower unit handles light use, while 3/4 and 1 horsepower models grind faster and jam less.

For new installations, we handle the sink flange, drain connections, dishwasher connection and electrical hookup to an existing outlet or switch. We test the unit and every connection for leaks before we leave.

What Not to Put Down the Disposal

A few habits will keep your disposal and your drains working longer. Keep grease, oil and fat out of the sink, since they harden in the pipes. Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks and artichokes wrap around the blades. Coffee grounds, eggshells, rice and pasta can build into a thick sludge in the drain line. Run cold water while the disposal is on and for a few seconds after.

Garbage Disposal FAQs

Jams, reset issues, flange leaks and connection leaks are all repairable. A leaking body or burned-out motor means replacement.

Replacing an existing disposal usually takes about an hour. A first-time installation may take longer if wiring or drain changes are needed.

No. Even with the switch off, it's not worth the risk. Use the hex key on the bottom of the unit or call us.

Related services from Worthey Plumbing include Drain Cleaning, Hydro Jetting, Faucet and Fixture Repair and Toilet Repair and Installation.

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