Garbage Disposal Repair in Winston-Salem, NC

Match the symptom to the fix

• Hums but doesn't grind: something is wedged between the flywheel and the grind ring
• No sound at all: the overload reset has tripped, or the switch, outlet or breaker has failed
• Runs but the sink won't drain: a clog in the trap or the drain line past the disposal
• Drips at the sink opening: loose mounting ring or failed sink seal
• Drips at the side: the dishwasher hose or discharge elbow
• Drips from the bottom: an internal seal has given out

Safe steps before you call

Turn the disposal off and cut power at the plug or breaker. Never reach into the chamber. Press the red reset button under the unit. For a jam, insert the hex wrench into the socket at the center of the bottom and rock it until the flywheel turns freely, then pull out the loosened object with tongs. Restore power and run cold water before trying it again. Skip chemical drain cleaners, which can damage the unit and make the repair hazardous.

Grease is the real enemy

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities runs a Can the Grease campaign for a reason. The utility says cooking oil poured down drains causes frequent blockages in sewer pipes and leads to sewage overflows, and that hot water does not dissolve grease; it just hardens farther down the pipe as it cools. Its advice is to scrape grease into a can or jar, keep it in the refrigerator until it's full and solid, then throw it in the garbage. Capped containers work for used frying oil.

Beyond grease, go easy on coffee grounds, fibrous peels and starchy scraps, and keep cold water running while the unit grinds.

When replacement makes more sense

Jams, a tripped reset, a loose mount and a leaking hose clamp are normal repairs. A unit that leaks from its housing, won't run after a reset or jams constantly is usually at the end of its life. A replacement can often reuse the existing mount, which keeps the job simpler.

What affects the price

Cost depends on whether it's a quick unjam or a new unit, the size and model you choose, electrical work at the switch or outlet, any drain clearing past the disposal, and the dishwasher connection.