Garbage Disposal Repair in Kansas City

Request Your Appointment

No Job is too big or too small

$10 Off Labor

Coupon is only good for an owner occupied property, paid at the time of service. Not valid with any other offer or promotion. Value of the coupon will not be refunded or credited once the service tech has left the job site. Maximum value $50.

You’ve cleaned up dinner and poured the leftover scraps into your garbage disposal, just like any other night. However, you flip the switch to your disposal, and nothing happens. Does this scenario sound familiar to you?

If so, you need an expert plumber. Our team at A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc. has been fixing the plumbing problems of Kansas City homeowners and businesses since 1968. We pride ourselves on offering exceptional service at reasonable prices. Our services cover all areas of plumbing, including garbage disposal repair. Contact us today for emergency service!

Our plumbing services can cover everything related to garbage disposals, from repair services to replacement of malfunctioning systems, to tracking down the cause of foul odors, to faucet replacements and upgrades for your kitchen sink, and, of course, stubborn clogs and backups.

Want a new unit? We offer garbage disposal installation! If you’re in the Kansas City area, then request service today! Remember, just CALL A-1 TO GET THE JOB DONE!

Recent Articles About Garbage Disposal Maintenance and Repair

What Is the Problem With My Garbage Disposal?

Garbage disposals can have a variety of problems. It may do nothing when you flip the switch, which could be an electrical problem. It may be grinding, but too slowly. Or it may make a humming noise but will not grind any food. Common reasons include:

Switches getting stuck
Garbage disposal leaking
Garbage disposal jammed
Not putting enough water down the drain after running the disposal

Signs You Need a New Garbage Disposal vs. Signs It Needs Repair

Your garbage disposal is a workhorse in the kitchen, breaking down food waste and keeping your sink clear. But like any appliance, it can develop problems over time. Knowing whether it needs a simple repair or a full replacement can save you time and money.

Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair

Some issues can be fixed with a quick tune-up, a new part, or a minor adjustment. If your disposal is making unusual noises—like rattling or grinding—it could be a loose blade, a small object stuck inside, or worn-down components. Frequent clogs might mean there’s a buildup of food waste, grease, or debris, which a deep clean or a plumber’s snake can resolve. If the motor hums but doesn’t grind, the disposal may be jammed, and resetting it or manually turning the blades could fix the issue. Water leaks at the sink flange or connections can often be tightened or sealed rather than replacing the whole unit.

Signs You Need a New Garbage Disposal

Sometimes, repairs aren’t enough, and a new garbage disposal is the best solution. If your disposal frequently overheats or trips the reset button, the motor may be failing. When grinding performance is weak even after cleaning and maintenance, the internal components may be worn out. Persistent bad odors that don’t go away with cleaning can indicate deep-seated food buildup inside the unit that can’t be reached. Visible cracks or leaks in the disposal body usually mean it’s time for a full replacement. And if your disposal is over 10 years old and experiencing frequent problems, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model might be the most cost-effective choice.

Whether you need a quick fix or a full replacement, paying attention to these signs will help keep your kitchen running smoothly.

A qualified Kansas City plumber can diagnose these problems, and repair and/or replace the garbage disposal. Garbage disposal jams, leaks, and other issues are not only inconvenient, but they can also cause further damage to the rest of your home’s plumbing system if the problem remains undetected. That is why it is so important for you to have a knowledgeable plumber look at the garbage disposal first to tackle the issue head-on.

Tips to Avoid Garbage Disposal Repairs & Keep It Running Smoothly

A well-maintained garbage disposal can last for years without trouble, but neglect or misuse can lead to clogs, jams, or even the need for a full replacement. Here are some key tips to keep your disposal in top shape and avoid costly repairs.

What Not to Put Down the Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal isn’t invincible—some items can cause serious damage. Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and banana peels down the drain, as they can wrap around the blades and jam the motor. Starchy foods such as pasta, rice, and potato peels can swell with water, creating a thick paste that clogs pipes. Hard objects like bones, fruit pits, and eggshells can dull the blades or break the grinding mechanism. Grease, oil, and fats should never go down the drain since they can solidify and clog your plumbing over time. Lastly, coffee grounds and eggshell membranes may seem harmless, but they can accumulate and create stubborn blockages.

How to Properly Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Regular cleaning prevents buildup, unpleasant odors and helps extend the lifespan of your unit. Every few days, run cold water and a small amount of dish soap through the disposal to flush away residue. To tackle odors, drop a handful of ice cubes and rock salt into the disposal, then run it to clean the grinding chamber. You can also use citrus peels—like lemon or orange—to naturally deodorize the unit. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage the disposal’s internal components.

Does Water Temperature Affect How Well the Disposal Works?

Yes! The temperature of the water you use can impact how efficiently your disposal operates. Always use cold water when running the disposal. Cold water helps solidify grease and oils, allowing the blades to break them down before they enter your pipes. Hot water, on the other hand, can melt fats and spread them through the plumbing system, increasing the risk of clogs. However, for general cleaning (without running the disposal), hot water with soap is fine for breaking down grease that may have built up in the sink.

By following these simple maintenance tips and using your disposal correctly, you can keep it running efficiently and avoid unexpected repairs.

End Your Garbage Disposal Troubles—Call A-1 in Kansas City Today!

A-1 offers a full range of services, from garbage disposal issues to hot water heaters, hydro jetting, sewer repair, and septic pumping. We now also offer air conditioning, heating, and other HVAC services! We provide great service to customers all over the Kansas City Metro, including Overland Park, Leawood, Lee’s Summit, Olathe, Prairie Village, Blue Springs, Lenexa, Gladstone, and all over the Kansas City Metro.

Schedule service by filling out the form or call today and we’ll get your service call on the books and get you taken care of.

Call A-1 To Get The Job Done!