When your garbage disposal jams, hums, or leaks, the kitchen sink quickly becomes unusable. RDP Plumbing offers garbage disposal repair and installation in Atlanta, 24/7. Our licensed plumbers get the unit running again or install a new one, and we check the drain line so the problem doesn’t come right back.
Signs You Need Garbage Disposal Repair
- The disposal hums but the blades don’t turn
- Nothing happens at all when you flip the switch
- Water leaks under the sink or drips from the bottom of the unit
- A bad odor that lingers even after running water and ice through it
- Water backs up into the sink or drains slowly when the disposal runs
- Loud grinding, rattling, or metal-on-metal noises
- The unit trips its reset button or the breaker over and over
Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation
A disposal is a small motor bolted to your sink drain, and it can fail mechanically, electrically, or at any of its seals. We diagnose which part is at fault, explain whether a repair or new unit makes more sense, and give you upfront pricing before we start.
Jammed and Humming Disposals
A humming disposal usually means the motor is getting power but the grinding plate is stuck, often on a fruit pit, bone, or piece of silverware. We free the jam safely, clear the debris, and reset the unit. If the motor has overheated too many times or the bearings are worn, we’ll let you know a replacement is the better choice.
Leaking Disposals
Where the leak comes from tells us what to do. Drips from the top usually mean the sink flange seal has loosened. Leaks from the side often come from the dishwasher inlet or the discharge pipe connection, which we can reseal or replace. Water coming from the bottom of the unit usually means the internal seals or housing have failed, and the disposal needs to be replaced.
Odors and Slow Draining
Food that sticks inside the grinding chamber or settles in the drain trap can start to smell. Slow draining often means the discharge pipe or the drain beyond it is partly clogged. We clean out the unit and trap, and if the clog is deeper in the line, our drain cleaning service can clear it.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is worn out, we install the new unit you choose, sized to your household and sink. We mount it securely, connect the drain and the dishwasher line, and check every seal while the unit runs. If you’re adding a disposal for the first time, we’ll let you know if an electrician is needed for the outlet or switch.
What Not to Put Down a Garbage Disposal
Most disposal problems start with what goes into them. Keep these out of the sink:
- Grease, oil, and fat. They coat pipes and harden into clogs further down the line.
- Fibrous foods. Celery, corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes wrap around the grinding parts.
- Starchy foods. Pasta, rice, and potato peels swell and turn into paste.
- Coffee grounds and eggshells. They build up as sludge in the trap and drain.
- Bones, fruit pits, and shells. They jam the unit and dull the grinding plate.
- Anything that isn’t food. Utensils, twist ties, paper towels, and wipes.
Run cold water before, during, and after each use, and feed food in slowly rather than all at once.
Common Disposal Situations We See in Atlanta Homes and Businesses
- Holiday and party overloads. Big meals send too many peels and scraps through at once, jamming the unit or clogging the drain.
- Aging units in older kitchens. Disposals that have run for many years often start leaking from the bottom.
- Dishwasher drain problems. A clogged disposal inlet can keep the dishwasher from draining.
- Commercial kitchens. Restaurants rely on proper grease handling. Learn about grease trap installation and our commercial plumbing services.
🚨 Sink Backing Up? Call Us 24/7
Turn off the disposal, don’t pour chemical drain cleaners into it, and call us. A licensed plumber is available day or night.
What to Expect
- A licensed, insured plumber who explains whether repair or replacement makes sense
- Upfront pricing before any work starts
- The area under your sink cleaned up when we’re done
- The disposal, drain, and dishwasher connection tested before we leave
Our Simple 4-Step Process
- Diagnosis — We perform a thorough inspection to accurately identify the problem.
- Clear Options — We explain the issue and provide you with clear, upfront pricing for repair or replacement options.
- Expert Service — Our licensed plumbers perform the work efficiently and respectfully, treating your property as if it were our own.
- Final Testing — We test the system to ensure perfect operation and clean the work area completely before we leave.
What Our Customers Say
“Showed up on time, very professional. Completed the job to my satisfaction… Bonus is I called same day and received same day service. Thank you. I definitely will be using RDP again…”
— Student Nurse, Google review
Read more customer reviews.
Garbage Disposal FAQs
Why does my garbage disposal hum but not work?
A humming disposal is usually jammed. The motor has power, but something like a bone, pit, or utensil is stopping the grinding plate. Turn off the switch and never put your hand inside. If pressing the reset button on the bottom doesn’t help, call us. We’ll clear the jam safely and check whether the motor was damaged.
Should I repair or replace my garbage disposal?
Repair makes sense for jams, loose mounting, or a leaking sink flange or drain connection. Replacement is usually better when the unit leaks from the bottom, the motor is burned out, or it keeps jamming and tripping. We check the disposal, explain what we find, and give you upfront pricing for both options before any work begins.
Can I use chemical drain cleaner in a garbage disposal?
We don’t recommend it. Harsh chemical drain cleaners can damage the disposal’s seals and your pipes, and they create a hazard for anyone who works on the drain afterward. If the sink is draining slowly or backing up, turn off the disposal and call a plumber to clear the clog mechanically.
How do I get rid of garbage disposal odors?
Run cold water and grind a handful of ice to knock debris off the grinding chamber, then scrub the rubber splash guard, where food often collects. If the smell comes back quickly, food may be trapped in the drain trap or line. We can clean the disposal and trap and clear any partial clog causing the odor.
How much does garbage disposal installation cost in Atlanta?
The cost depends on the disposal model you choose, whether it replaces an existing unit or is a new installation, and whether the drain or dishwasher connection needs changes. We look at your setup first and give you clear, upfront pricing before any work begins, with no hidden fees.
Related Services
- Drain Cleaning
- Faucet & Fixture Repair
- Hydro Jetting
- Pipe Repair
- Grease Trap Installation
- 24/7 Emergency Plumbing
Areas We Serve
We repair and install garbage disposals across Greater Atlanta, including Atlanta, Midtown, Smyrna, Marietta, Alpharetta, and East Atlanta. See all service areas.
Need Garbage Disposal Repair in Atlanta?
Licensed, insured, and available 24/7. Get upfront pricing before any work begins.