Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation in Bend, OR
Free a stuck disposal, fix a leak, or install a new unit connected correctly to the dishwasher.
Fix a stuck disposal safely
Before you touch anything
- Turn off the wall switch, and unplug the unit or switch off its breaker. Never put a hand in the disposal.
- Look for a small hex socket in the center of the bottom of the unit and turn it back and forth with the wrench that came with it.
- Use tongs or pliers to remove any item you can see, such as a bottle cap or a fruit pit.
- Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit once it has cooled.
- Restore power and run cold water, then test. If it still hums, call a plumber.
Leaks from a garbage disposal
| Where it leaks | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Top, at the sink flange | Dried plumber's putty or a loose mounting ring | Reseat the flange and remount |
| Side, at the dishwasher hose | Loose clamp or cracked hose | Replace the hose or tighten |
| Side, at the drain pipe | Loose gasket or flange bolts | Reseal the connection |
| Bottom, through the housing | Internal seal failure or cracked case | Replace the disposal |
| Under the cabinet generally | Trap or drain line leak | Inspect the trap and the branch line |
A leak from the bottom of the unit means the housing has failed and the disposal needs replacement. The others are usually repairs.
What to know before replacing a disposal
A basic quarter-horsepower disposal is rarely worth buying. Most households do well with a half or three-quarter horsepower unit that runs quietly and grinds more finely. Larger families, and those that cook a lot, may like a one-horsepower model.
Continuous-feed units are the norm, with a batch-feed option that only runs when a stopper is in place. Look at the sound insulation, the grinding stages and the warranty length before choosing.
Garbage disposal repair and installation in Bend includes electrical connection, which may require a plug-in cord or a hardwired connection, depending on the cabinet and the code. Wiring is done to the electrical code, and the plumber coordinates with an electrician if the circuit needs work.
Three small things that cause big callbacks
The dishwasher knockout plug
Most disposals have a knockout plug in the dishwasher inlet. If the plug is not removed during installation of a connected dishwasher, the dishwasher cannot drain and floods back into the sink. It is a classic error and takes seconds to avoid.
A high loop or an air gap on the dishwasher drain line keeps wastewater from flowing backward into the dishwasher.
The trap and the drain line
A disposal sends finely ground food into the trap, which needs a good slope and clean connections. A sagging drain pipe holds food and grease and clogs fast.
Under the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, built on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), the drain connection must be accessible and properly vented. The plumber checks these on every install.
What not to put down a disposal
Grease and oil harden in the trap and the branch line. Coffee grounds, eggshells and pasta can clump into a paste. Fibrous items such as celery and corn husks tangle. Bones and fruit pits can jam or dull the blades.
Run cold water before, during and for about fifteen seconds after use. In a house on a septic system, go lighter on the disposal, since ground food adds to the solids in the tank. If the sink runs slowly even with the disposal clear, drain cleaning is the next step.
What moves the price of disposal service
Disposals wear out and normal failure is not an insured event. Water damage from a sudden leak may be, so photograph cabinet damage.
Disposal service in the Bend area
Calls come from Bend, Redmond and Sunriver. Kitchens with an older faucet or leaking stops can combine work with faucet and sink repair.
Disposals in rentals near the Old Mill District and downtown see heavy use, while kitchens in family homes in Larkspur and Southern Crossing more often jam on fibrous scraps. If a disposal hums and stalls, shut it off and use the hex key before calling.
Garbage disposal questions in Bend
It is jammed. Turn the power off and use the hex socket at the bottom to free it, then press reset.
Many last eight to fifteen years, depending on use and care.
Leaks at the top or side connections often are. A leak from the bottom of the housing means replacement.
Many can, but the extra solids shorten pump-out intervals. Ask your septic professional before installing.
Yes. The knockout plug, high loop or air gap are all part of the check.
A half or three-quarter horsepower unit suits most homes. Heavy users may prefer one horsepower.