Garbage Disposal Install, Repair & Replacement

Garbage Disposal Problems?

At Legacy Plumbing, we’re always happy to step in when home garbage disposal units are out of order. With that said, it’s not uncommon for us to respond to a call about a “broken” disposer, only to discover that the unit is simply jammed or needs to be reset. And those are actually easy fixes that most homeowners are capable of performing on their own.

Resetting a Garbage Disposal:

If you turn on your garbage disposal and nothing happens (that is, you don’t hear any sounds at all), it is possible that the mechanism needs to be reset. Your unit should have a small button on the bottom, and resetting the system is simply a matter of pressing that button. If your kitchen sink looks anything like ours, clearing out the space under the sink and locating the switch (a flashlight helps) is truly the most difficult part of the process!

Once you hit the button, the disposer should immediately start working again. If it doesn’t, then it might be jammed.

Unjamming a Garbage Disposal:

If you turn on your garbage disposal and hear a buzzing sound, then it’s possible that the unit is jammed. In other words, something (be it a large, hard food scrap or a foreign object) is caught in the blades and preventing them from moving. If scooping at the inside of the drain with your fingers (or a pair of needle-nosed pliers) doesn’t reveal the obstruction, you’ll need to take an indirect approach. On the bottom of your garbage disposal unit, there should be a small Allen wrench socket. Place an appropriately sized Allen wrench into this socket and vigorously work the wrench back and forth for a few seconds. Often times, this motion is enough to dislodge a jam, and the unit will roar back to life the next time you hit the power switch.

Now, if the aforementioned fixes don’t work, then it probably IS time to call a plumber. A professional technician will be able to diagnose the problem and advise you on the solution, whether it’s to have the system repaired…or replaced completely.

Dynamic Disposers

Are you still using the same garbage disposal that was in your home when you bought it several years ago? Do you have an older system that you know has “seen better days?” Do you dread using your disposal because of how loud and issue-prone it seems to be? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then it might be time to consider an upgrade!

When it’s time for a total tear-down and replacement, we offer two different models of garbage disposal: the InSinkErator Badger 5 and the InSinkErator Evolution Pro 880. Both units come with the following benefits:

• Less noise. Thicker insulation means that the unit is relatively quiet—especially if you’re used to an older “garbage demon.”
• Higher horsepower. Minimizes clogging and enables the disposal to work faster.
• An Auto-Reverse function. Helps to prevent jamming, which will negate the need to get under the sink and fiddle with an Allen wrench.
• Stainless steel components. Prevents rusting and contributes to a longer lifespan.
• A 2-8 year warranty. We stand by the quality of our products and our work, and we want for you to be pleased with your purchase!

Please note that the disposal systems we offer are not available in hardware stores. They are professional-quality setups!