Should you replace it or repair it?
A disposal that hums but does not spin is often jammed, and the hex-key socket on the underside usually frees it. A unit that is silent may only need its red reset button pressed. A leaking housing or a rusted body means replacement.
Check these first before you spend money. Our garbage disposal repair service covers those quick fixes, and a failed unit older than its warranty is a fair candidate for a new one. Also ask whether the sink drains slowly, since a clogged trap can look like a bad disposal.
Which horsepower to buy
Bigger motors grind finer and jam less, but they are heavier and need more clearance under the sink. A heavier unit also puts more load on the sink flange, so check that the mounting ring seats flat on a firm sink.
| Size | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter to third horsepower | Light use, one or two people | Jams on tough scraps |
| Half horsepower | Typical family kitchen | Balanced choice |
| Three-quarter to one horsepower | Heavy use, large households | Costs more and takes more room |
Check the cabinet depth and trap position before you buy a large unit.
Not sure your disposal needs replacing? Call and we will check it first.
Call (855) 575-2890The installation sequence
- 01Cut power and clear the cabinet
Switch off the breaker, confirm with a voltage tester, and empty the cabinet under the sink.
- 02Remove the old unit
Disconnect the drain pipe and dishwasher hose, twist the unit off the mounting ring, and unwire it if hardwired.
- 03Mount the new flange
Set plumber's putty under the sink flange, seat the new mounting ring, and tighten it evenly from below.
- 04Connect, wire and test
Hang the disposal, connect the drain and dishwasher hose, wire or plug in the cord, then run water and check for leaks.
The dishwasher knockout plug
If the disposal will connect to a dishwasher, there is a small plastic plug inside the dishwasher inlet that must be knocked out. Many people forget, and the dishwasher then refuses to drain. Tap it out with a screwdriver and hammer, and fish the plug out of the disposal chamber.
If you are not connecting a dishwasher, leave the plug in place. Otherwise water will pour out of the open port.
Tavares local note: what goes down the drain
Tavares wastewater flows to the Woodlea Road water reclamation facility through a network of 70 lift stations that the City monitors around the clock. Grease and fibrous scraps such as celery, corn husks and potato peels can collect in those lines. Use the disposal for soft food waste, scrape grease into the trash, and run cold water for a full minute after grinding.
Permit rules vary, so ask the City of Tavares Building Division whether a new electrical circuit or a new drain needs a permit. Houses in Tavares are mostly on slab, so a leak under the sink can reach cabinet bases quickly. Check connections with a dry paper towel after your first run.
Electrical: plug or hardwire
Some kitchens have a dedicated outlet under the sink, and most disposals sold today can use a plug-in cord kit. A cord must reach the outlet without stretching or crossing the drain pipes. Others are hardwired to a switch. A switch and a grounded circuit must already be in place.
If there is no power at the sink, the project becomes an electrical job. Adding a circuit, a switch or a GFCI outlet belongs to a licensed professional. Do not splice into a lighting circuit to save time.
When to hand the job to a plumber
Call a plumber if the drain trap needs to move, if the cabinet space is too tight, or if the sink flange is a different size than the new mounting ring. Also call if your old drain pipes are corroded or if you smell sewer gas.
A plumber can handle a first-time install, new drain lines and any leaks you find on the first test. We take on installs through plumbing installation as well, and a licensed plumber in Leesburg or Eustis can take the same job.
Planning the drain connection
A disposal drains through a discharge elbow into the sink trap, and that elbow sits at a set height. If the new unit's outlet is lower or higher than the old one, the trap arm may need to be cut, extended or reangled. Dry fit the pieces before you glue or tighten anything.
Slope matters too. The trap arm should pitch gently toward the wall drain so water does not sit in it and smell. Use slip joint washers that are in good shape, and replace any brittle ones. Tighten each nut by hand and then a half turn with pliers.
Safety rules that matter
Never put your hand in a disposal, even when it is off. Use tongs or pliers to remove an object. Always switch off power at the breaker before reaching for a wrench near the unit. Check with a tester, because wall switches can fail closed. Wear eye protection when you work under the sink, since old rust and debris fall when the unit comes loose.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if there is already a switched, grounded power source and you can work with basic hand tools. Plan on a couple of hours. If wiring is missing or the drain needs to be moved, hire a licensed plumber and an electrician.
You need a screwdriver set, adjustable pliers, a hammer, plumber's putty, a voltage tester and a bucket. A hacksaw may help trim the drain pipe. Wire nuts and a cable clamp come with the disposal or its cord kit.
The leak is usually at the mounting ring, the drain gasket or the dishwasher hose clamp. Snug each connection a little. A leak from the body itself means a defective unit that must be replaced, so contact the seller.
Homes on City sewer handle disposals well when used properly. Septic systems fill faster with food solids, so check with your septic provider first. When unsure which you have, look at your utility bill or ask the City.
Grease, coffee grounds in bulk, fibrous items like celery and corn husks, bones, eggshells in quantity, pasta or rice that swells, and non-food items. Run cold water while grinding and for a minute after.
Permit rules vary, so ask the City of Tavares Building Division at 201 E. Main Street. A simple swap may not need one, but new wiring or drain changes might. A licensed plumber can tell you what applies to your project.
From repairs to full installs, with a clear price before work starts.
Call (855) 575-2890Sources and standards
Where this page cites a local fact, it comes from a public City of Tavares page, another city's own web page or a published water quality report. Where a figure is not published, the page says so instead of guessing.
Plumbing work in Florida is governed by the Florida Building Code, Plumbing, which is the standard inspectors apply, and permit rules vary by city. The contact page explains how to reach us, and any plumber's license can be checked with the Verify a License tool at MyFloridaLicense.com.