Garbage Disposals
Repair or replace, sized for your kitchen.
Expert Garbage Disposals
A disposal that hums, leaks, or jams makes the kitchen harder to use. Sometimes a reset fixes it. Sometimes the motor is done.
We repair, replace, and install disposals. When the clog is past the unit, we clear the drain line in the same visit.
Signs your disposal needs service
- It hums but doesn't spin
- It trips the breaker or needs frequent resets
- Water leaks under the sink
- The sink drains slowly or backs up into the other basin
- An odor that won't go away
- Grinding or rattling noises
What causes disposal problems
- Fibrous and starchy foods, grease, and hard objects
- Worn seals and gaskets
- An undersized unit for the household
- A clog farther down the kitchen drain line
What we handle
- Disposal repair and reset
- Disposal replacement, from 1/2 HP to 1 HP
- Batch-feed and continuous-feed units
- Dishwasher drain connections
- Kitchen drain line clearing
- Haul-away of the old unit
What affects the cost
- Unit size and type
- Whether you supply the disposal
- Condition of the existing plumbing and electrical
- Whether the drain line also needs clearing
Before we arrive
- Turn off power to the disposal before reaching under the sink.
- Never put your hand inside the disposal.
Our Approach
We start with a thorough inspection to understand the scope of the problem. Then, we provide an honest assessment and upfront pricing. We'll never try to upsell you on something you don't need. Our goal is to provide the best, most cost-effective solution for your home.
Garbage Disposals Questions, Answered
Straight answers from local plumbers who've been working in Nampa and the Treasure Valley since 1960.
How much does a garbage disposal installation cost?
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Cost depends on the unit's horsepower, your existing plumbing, and whether you supply the disposal or have us provide one. We'll quote in writing before any work begins, including haul-away of the old unit.
My disposal is humming but not spinning — can I fix it myself?
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Sometimes. Cut power first, use the hex wrench in the bottom of the disposal to free the flywheel, then push the reset button. If it still hums or trips the breaker, the motor is likely seized and it's time for a replacement. We're a call away if you'd rather not deal with it.
How long do garbage disposals last?
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In hard water, expect roughly 8–12 years from a quality disposal. Cheaper builder-grade units often fail sooner. Upgrading to a 3/4 HP or 1 HP unit when yours dies usually pays for itself in fewer service calls.
What shouldn't I put down the disposal?
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Fibrous stuff (celery, corn husks, onion skins), starchy stuff (pasta, rice, potato peels), bones, grease, coffee grounds, and eggshells. These cause most of the clogged-disposal calls we run.
Why does my disposal smell bad?
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Food gunk builds up under the rubber splash guard. Run the disposal weekly with cold water, a handful of ice, and a lemon wedge. If the smell won't go away, you may have a clog further down the line — we can clear it on the same visit.
What size disposal do I need — 1/3, 1/2, 3/4, or 1 HP?
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For a household of 1–2 people, a 1/2 HP unit is fine. For a family kitchen, go with 3/4 HP — it grinds finer and is much less likely to jam. 1 HP is overkill for most homes but a great match if you cook a lot or run a disposal-heavy household.
Does my dishwasher drain through the disposal?
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In most installations, yes. The dishwasher drain hose connects to a port on the disposal. If you don't have a disposal, the dishwasher drains directly into the sink tailpiece — both are code-compliant when installed correctly with a proper air gap or high loop.
Are batch-feed disposals worth the extra cost?
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If you have small kids or just want the extra safety of a unit that won't run unless the stopper is engaged, yes. For most adult-only kitchens, a standard continuous-feed unit with a properly installed wall switch works fine and costs less.
Why does water back up into the other sink basin when the disposal runs?
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That's a partial clog downstream of where both basins join. Running the disposal pushes ground food into the restriction and it surges into the other side. We can clear the branch line in the same visit as your disposal service.
Can I run the disposal with hot water?
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Use cold water. Cold keeps any grease in the wastewater solid so it grinds and flushes through. Hot water melts grease and lets it re-solidify further down the drain line — which is exactly where you don't want it.
Garbage Disposals Across the Treasure Valley
We bring garbage disposals to homes and businesses throughout the valley: