Garbage Disposal Repair and Replacement in Lakewood, CA

A hum with no grinding usually means the motor is getting power but the flywheel is jammed, often by a bone, pit, utensil or hardened food. Turn off the power at the switch and breaker. Then insert a quarter-inch hex key (disposal wrench) into the socket on the center of the bottom of the unit and turn it back and forth until it moves freely. Remove the object with tongs, never your hand. Press the reset button, restore power and test with cold water running. If it still hums, the motor may be failing. If you're not sure how this applies to your home, call (708) 350-9399, describe what you're seeing and where, and ask whether your address is covered.

Most disposals have a small red or black reset button on the bottom of the unit, under the sink. It pops out when the motor overheats or overloads. After clearing any jam with the power off, press the button firmly until it clicks, then turn the power back on. If it trips again right away, the motor may be failing or there may still be a jam. Check that the wall switch and the circuit breaker are on before assuming the unit is dead. When you call, mention the home's age and what you've already tried, because that helps the provider decide what to bring and what to check first.

It's best not to. Coffee grounds and eggshell bits don't stay suspended in water. They settle in the trap and drain line and combine with grease to form a sludge that narrows the pipe. Small amounts occasionally may pass, but regularly putting them down the disposal is a common cause of kitchen drain clogs. Compost them or put them in the trash. Fibrous scraps, rice and pasta cause similar problems. It's worth writing down when the problem started and which fixtures are affected before you call, since those details often point straight to the cause. Lakewood's public sewers and water mains are run by public agencies, so the first step is always working out which side of the property line the problem is on.

A leak from the very bottom of the disposal usually means water is getting past internal seals into the motor housing, or the housing itself has corroded. That generally can't be repaired economically, and the unit should be replaced. Before deciding, dry the area and check whether water is actually coming from above, such as the sink flange, dishwasher hose or discharge tube, and running down the outside of the unit. If anything about the situation feels unsafe, such as a gas smell, water near electrical outlets or sewage indoors, stop and protect the house first, then call. Most Lakewood homes were built between 1950 and 1953, so original pipes, sewer laterals and fixtures are common, and that history is worth keeping in mind.

Replacing a disposal of similar size and mounting style is usually done in about an hour or two. It can take longer if the sink flange has to be reset, the drain trap needs replacing, or a different mounting system is involved. Electrical work, such as adding an outlet or switch, may add time. Tell the provider the brand and horsepower of your current unit, and whether your dishwasher drains into it. For anything beyond a simple fix, ask on the call whether a permit is needed, what's included in the price and what warranty comes with the work. Our troubleshooting guides cover the safe checks you can do yourself first, and the point at which it makes sense to stop and call.

Call (708) 350-9399 and ask. We don't list any Lakewood ZIP code as guaranteed coverage for garbage disposal repair, because availability depends on the provider, the specifics of the job and timing. The site covers all three Lakewood ZIP codes, 90712, 90713 and 90715, and nearby cities, so it's worth calling if you're anywhere in that area. Have your address or nearest cross streets ready, plus a short description of what's happening and anything you've already shut off. You'll hear on the call whether your address and job are covered, so you're not left waiting for callbacks from a list of contractors.

The plumbing provider you're connected with sets the price, not this website. Prices depend on the job, access, parts, permits and what's found on site, so we don't publish quotes. Where we can, we publish dated national ranges from named sources, along with what tends to move prices in Lakewood homes. On the call, ask how pricing works, whether there's a charge for a visit or diagnosis, what's included, and whether you'll get a written estimate before work starts. For larger jobs, ask about permits and warranty, and check the contractor's license with the California Contractors State License Board. When you call, mention the home's age and what you've already tried, because that helps the provider decide what to bring and what to check first.