Garbage disposals are one of those things you don't think about until they stop working. Often you can fix it yourself in 5 minutes. Try these in order.
1. It just hums but won't spin
Jam. Turn off the disposal switch. Find the hex key (Allen wrench) under the disposal — insert into the bottom-center slot, rotate back and forth to free. Then press the red reset button on the bottom.
2. Nothing happens at all
Check the red reset button on the bottom. Press it. Many disposals trip themselves. If reset doesn't work, check your breaker.
3. It smells bad
Drop ice cubes plus rock salt with cold water running. Run 30 seconds. Then drop in half a lemon. Ice scrapes residue, salt kills bacteria, lemon deodorizes.
4. Leaking from the bottom
Disposal seal has failed — time for a new disposal. Units last 8-12 years.
5. Leaking from the top (where it meets the sink)
Plumber's putty seal between flange and sink drain failed. Can be re-seated.
6. Worked yesterday, nothing today
9 out of 10 times it's the reset button or breaker.
When to call us
If reset doesn't help, jam removal doesn't help, or it's leaking — call us. New disposal install in Abingdon: $250-$450 including the unit.