Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation in Grand Junction, CO
Jammed, humming, leaking or worn-out disposals repaired or replaced for kitchens across the Grand Valley.
A garbage disposal that hums, jams or leaks under the sink is easy to put up with until the day it floods the cabinet. GPS Plumbing & Mechanical repairs and replaces disposals for homes and businesses in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Clifton and across Mesa County.
Many disposal problems are a jam or a loose connection, and some units are worth replacing. We will tell you which, and give you a written estimate before any work starts.
Serving Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Clifton, Delta, Montrose, and the rest of Mesa County.
What's included
- Disposal replacement and new installation
- Jam clearing and reset
- Leak repair at the sink flange, dishwasher connection and body
- Clogged kitchen drain clearing
- Disposal and dishwasher drain connection
- Sink drain and trap repair
Signs you need this
- A humming sound but the blades do not turn
- A disposal that will not start at all
- Water leaking under the sink from the unit
- A slow or clogged kitchen sink
- A bad odor that cleaning does not fix
- Loud grinding or rattling
How a garbage disposal works
A disposal does not have blades the way a blender does. A spinning plate with small impellers throws food waste against a grinding ring, which breaks it into pieces small enough to wash down the drain with running water. The motor sits at the bottom, and the unit hangs from a mounting ring under the sink flange. The side outlet connects to the drain trap, and a second inlet often connects the dishwasher drain.
That is why running cold water matters. The water carries the ground waste through the pipe. Without enough water, the waste settles in the drain line and causes a clog further down.
Common disposal problems
- Humming, no spinning. A jam. Turn the power off at the switch (and unplug it or turn off the breaker if you are going to reach into the sink). Never put your hand in the opening. Many units have a socket in the bottom for a hex wrench to work the plate free, or you can use the handle of a wooden spoon from above to free a stuck item.
- Nothing at all. Check the reset button on the bottom, the wall switch and the breaker. If the reset trips again right away, the motor may be failing or still jammed.
- Leaks. Where it leaks matters. A drip from the top is the sink flange seal. A drip from the side is the drain or dishwasher hose connection. Water from the body of the unit usually means the seals inside have failed, and the disposal needs to be replaced.
- Slow or clogged sink. The trap or the drain line is blocked, not the disposal. Grease is the most common cause. See our drain cleaning page.
- Odors. Food residue on the rubber splash guard and the chamber. Cleaning usually helps. If the smell is from the drain, there may be a trap or vent problem.
Repair or replace a disposal
A jam or a loose connection is a quick repair. A disposal that leaks from the body, has a worn-out motor or constantly trips the reset is usually not worth repairing, since a replacement cost is similar to a major repair and comes with a new warranty from the manufacturer.
When choosing a new one, horsepower is the main spec. A 1/3 or 1/2 horsepower unit is fine for light use. A 3/4 or 1 horsepower unit grinds more finely, runs quieter in many designs and handles heavier use. Batch-feed models run only when a stopper is in place. We install the unit, connect the dishwasher drain, check the power connection and test it for leaks before we leave.
Habits that protect the disposal and the drain
- Run cold water before, during and for 15 to 20 seconds after use
- Feed small amounts at a time instead of a full load
- Keep grease, oil and fat out of the sink. They harden in the drain line downstream of the disposal.
- Skip bones, fruit pits, corn husks, celery, potato peels, large amounts of coffee grounds, pasta and rice
- Never pour drain chemicals into a disposal. They can damage seals and are hazardous for anyone repairing it.
If your whole kitchen sink is draining slowly, the problem may be further down the line than the disposal. We can clear the drain too.
What affects the price
Prices depend on the details, so we don't quote blind. Every job gets a free written estimate before any work starts, so you know the cost up front. Diagnostics are free in the Grand Valley. Outside the Grand Valley, a $79.99 service call fee covers locations up to 50 miles from Grand Junction, plus $2 per one-way mile beyond that. The $79.99 is credited toward the work if you go ahead with the repair; the additional mileage is not credited. Here's what usually drives the cost:
- The size and quality of the disposal you choose
- Whether the electrical connection or the switch needs work
- Whether the sink drain, trap or dishwasher connection needs repair
- Whether the job is a repair or a replacement
How it works
Call or request service
Tell us what is going on and we will get you on the schedule.
We diagnose & quote
We diagnose the problem on site and give you a free written estimate.
We do the work
We complete the job, walk you through what we did, and warranty our labor for one year.
Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation questions
Why is my garbage disposal humming but not working?
The motor is running but the blades are jammed. Turn the power off at the switch, and then use the hex key slot on the bottom of many units to turn the blades back and forth. Never put your hand in the disposal. If it still hums, call us.
What does the red reset button do?
Most disposals have a reset button on the bottom. If the motor overheats or jams, the unit trips and the button pops out. After clearing the jam and letting the unit cool, press it to reset. If it trips again, the motor may be failing.
Why is my garbage disposal leaking?
Common leak points are the sink flange at the top, the dishwasher drain connection, the drain pipe on the side, and the body of the unit. A leak from the body usually means the disposal needs to be replaced.
What should I not put down a garbage disposal?
Grease and fat, coffee grounds in quantity, pasta and rice, potato peels, bones, fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks, and anything that is not food. Run cold water while using it and for a few seconds afterward.
How long does a garbage disposal last?
Often around 8 to 12 years, depending on the unit and how it is used.
Can you install a disposal where I do not have one?
Often yes. It needs a power connection or outlet under the sink and the right drain setup, and we will check that first.
Is the work warranted?
Our labor is warranted for one year. Parts and equipment are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. We do not cover or offer a warranty on customer-supplied material or equipment.
Get a free estimate
Free written estimates for garbage disposal repair & installation, straight answers, and a licensed contractor who shows up when promised.