Garbage Disposal Repair and Restoration

Should You Repair or Replace Your Disposal?

Age and the cost of the needed part are the two factors that drive this decision. A disposal under eight years old with a mechanical problem, like a jammed plate or a leaking seal, is almost always worth repairing. A unit that has a burned-out motor and is already ten or more years old is usually a better candidate for replacement. We look at both before recommending a direction.

How Humidity Affects Disposal Components

Central Louisiana's humidity works against disposal longevity in a couple of specific ways. Moisture inside under-sink cabinets accelerates rust on the grinding components and the mounting hardware. Seals and gaskets degrade faster in humid environments, which is why leaks are a common complaint in older Alexandria homes. Units installed in poorly ventilated cabinets tend to fail sooner than the same model elsewhere.

• Check the cabinet interior for standing water or moisture staining
• Inspect the sink flange seal annually if your cabinet stays damp
• Rust on the mounting collar is a sign the unit is nearing end of life

What to Check Before Calling for Repair

Two quick checks can save a service call. First, press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit. A tripped overload is the cause of many "dead disposal" calls. Second, confirm the outlet under the sink has power by plugging in another small appliance. If both check out and the unit still won't run, the problem is inside the disposal itself.