Garbage Disposal Repair in Miami | Same-Day Service & $50 OFF
Is your kitchen sink clogged or humming? A broken disposal isn’t just an inconvenience; it can lead to foul odors and major drainage issues. From jammed units to leaking disposals, we provide fast, affordable repairs to get your kitchen back in order. At Ez Plumbing, our licensed plumbers specialize in same-day garbage disposal fixes to ensure your home stays functional and clean.
Why Miami Homeowners Trust Us
✅ 24/7 Availability
We handle emergency repairs around the clock.
✅ Licensed & Insured Plumbers
Professional service you can rely on.
✅ Upfront Pricing
No hidden fees, just honest estimates.
Need it fixed right now? Call +1 786 239 6529 for a Free Estimate and get $50 OFF your repair today!
Garbage Disposal Not Working? Try These 3 Fast Fixes First
Before you call a plumber, many common disposal issues can be resolved in under five minutes. If your unit is silent, humming, or simply won’t turn on, follow these expert-verified troubleshooting steps to restore power and functionality:
1. Push the Red "Reset" Button
Most garbage disposals are equipped with an internal circuit breaker that trips when the motor overheats or becomes overloaded.
The Fix: Look at the bottom or the side of the disposal unit under your sink. Locate the small red reset button. If it has popped out, push it back in firmly. If it clicks and stays in, try turning the disposal on again.
2. Use the "Jam Buster" For Humming Motors
If your disposal makes a humming sound but the blades won’t spin, an object is likely jammed between the impellers and the grind ring.
The Fix: Turn off the power switch. Insert a 1/4-inch Allen wrench (also known as a hex key) into the hexagonal hole located in the center of the unit’s bottom. Crank the wrench back and forth forcefully to manually break the jam. Once it spins freely, remove the wrench and restore power.
3. Perform a Power & Circuit Breaker Check
If the reset button doesn’t work and the unit is completely dead, the problem might be your home’s electrical supply rather than the appliance itself.
The Fix: Check your home’s main electrical service panel. Look for a tripped circuit breaker labeled “Kitchen” or “Disposal.” Flip the switch all the way to “Off” and then back to “On.” Additionally, ensure the disposal is securely plugged into the wall outlet under the sink.
⚠️ Safety First: Always ensure the wall switch is in the OFF position before performing any maintenance. Never put your hands inside the disposal to clear a jam; use tongs or pliers instead.
Expert Solutions for Common Garbage Disposal Problems
Sometimes, a simple reset isn’t enough. If your unit is still malfunctioning, it likely requires professional diagnostic tools and repair. At Ez Plumbing, we specialize in the following common issues:
Jammed & Humming Units
If your motor is humming but the blades are stuck, it’s often due to hard objects like fruit pits, bones, or metal jewelry lodged in the grinding chamber. We use specialized plumbing tools to safely extract obstructions without damaging the motor or the impellers, saving you from a costly full replacement.
Garbage Disposal Leaking from Bottom
Finding water under your sink? If the water is dripping directly from the bottom of the disposal unit, it usually indicates that the internal seals have failed. This is a critical issue that can lead to electrical shorts. We assess whether the unit can be resealed or if a garbage disposal replacement is the safer, more cost-effective option.
Clogged / Not Draining (Sink Plumbing)
A backup in your disposal usually means the discharge pipe or the sink trap is blocked by grease or fibrous food waste (like celery or potato skins). Our team provides professional drain cleaning to clear the blockage and restore full flow to your kitchen plumbing system.
Dead Motor & Electrical Repairs
If your unit is completely unresponsive and the reset button doesn’t help, you might be dealing with a burned-out motor or faulty wiring. We test the electrical connections and the capacitor to determine if the motor can be repaired or if the unit’s lifespan has reached its end.
Is It Worth Repairing Your Garbage Disposal?
Deciding whether to fix your current unit or invest in a new one can be tricky. At Ez Plumbing, we believe in helping our customers make the most cost-effective choice for their kitchen. Here is our professional breakdown of Repair vs. Replacement:
The 7-10 Year Rule
Most high-quality garbage disposals are designed to last between 7 and 10 years.
If your unit is under 5 years old: A repair is usually the best and most affordable option.
If your unit is over 8 years old: Internal components like the motor and seals are likely reaching the end of their lifespan. In this case, spending money on a repair might only be a temporary fix before another part fails.
Cost Comparison: Repair vs. Replacement
We believe in price transparency so you can budget effectively:
Professional Repair: Typically costs between $100 and $250. This usually covers clearing major jams, fixing wiring, or replacing a flange.
New Unit Installation: A total replacement generally costs between $200 and $550 (including the unit and labor). While the upfront cost is higher, you get a brand-new warranty and a more efficient, quieter motor.
3 Signs You Need a New Unit Immediately
If you notice any of the following, a repair is likely impossible, and a replacement is necessary:
Persistent Leaks from the Bottom: This indicates that the internal seals have perished. Since these cannot be replaced, the entire unit must be swapped.
A Burning Smell: This is a sign that the motor is burned out or there is an electrical short—both are fire hazards.
Loud, Metal-on-Metal Grinding: This usually means the grinding components are broken or detached, indicating structural failure.
DIY Maintenance vs. When to Call a Miami Plumber
While many minor clogs can be handled with a little elbow grease, knowing when to put the tools down is crucial for your safety and your home’s plumbing health. Here is the breakdown of what you can do yourself and when it’s time to call the experts at Ez Plumbing.
Essential DIY Tools for Homeowners
If you want to maintain your unit like a pro, keep these Lowe’s and Home Depot-recommended tools in your kitchen toolkit:
1/4-inch Hex Key (Allen Wrench): The “must-have” tool for clearing motor jams.
Plumber’s Putty: Used for resealing the sink flange if you notice a leak from the very top.
Tongue-and-Groove Pliers: Essential for tightening loose slip-nut connections on the discharge tube.
Professional Intervention: When DIY Isn't Enough
Some symptoms indicate internal mechanical failure that a “quick fix” won’t solve. You should call a licensed plumber immediately if you notice:
Leaks from the Bottom: This usually means the internal seals have perished. Since these cannot be easily replaced, a professional must determine if the unit needs a full replacement.
Burning Smells: An electrical burning odor indicates a short circuit or a burnt-out motor. This is a fire hazard—turn off the breaker immediately.
Loud Metal Grinding: If the unit sounds like it’s “eating itself,” the blades or impellers may be broken or detached.
Expert Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Repairs
To extend the life of your disposal (typically 7–10 years), follow these professional habits:
Run Cold Water Only: Use cold water while grinding; it keeps fats and oils solid so they can be chopped up rather than coating the pipes.
The Ice Cube Trick: Periodically grind a handful of ice cubes and citrus peels. The ice scours the blades, and the citrus eliminates foul odors.
Avoid Fibrous Foods: Never put celery stalks, potato peels, onion skins, or coffee grounds down the drain. These act like “string,” tangling the blades and causing instant jams.
How Much Does Garbage Disposal Repair Cost in Miami?
Understanding the costs upfront helps you make the right decision between a quick repair or a full replacement. In Miami, the average cost for professional garbage disposal repair typically ranges from $100 to $450, depending on the complexity of the issue.
Typical Price Breakdown:
Minor Repairs (Clogs & Jams): Usually costs between $100 – $200. This covers labor for clearing stubborn obstructions or resetting electrical connections.
Mid-Range Fixes (Leaks & Parts): Expect to pay $150 – $300 if we need to replace gaskets, mounting flanges, or specific internal seals.
Full Replacement: If the motor is burnt out, a professional installation of a new unit generally costs $250 – $550 (including the new unit and expert labor).
Lowe’s/Home Depot vs. A Local Miami Plumber
While big-box retailers like Lowe’s or Home Depot offer installation services, choosing a local Miami plumber like Ez Plumbing offers distinct advantages:
Same-Day Service: Retailers often schedule you days or weeks out. We offer emergency same-day repair because a clogged sink can’t wait.
Expert Diagnostics: A retailer just swaps the unit. We check your entire drainage system to ensure the new disposal doesn’t fail due to a hidden pipe blockage.
Personalized Warranty: You get a direct line to the person who fixed your sink, not a corporate call center
How Long Does It Take? Service Time
Most garbage disposal repairs or replacements are surprisingly quick when handled by a pro. A standard replacement or repair typically takes 1 to 2 hours. This includes the time to disconnect the old unit, secure the new one, and perform a rigorous leak test to ensure your cabinets stay dry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposal Repair
Most high-quality garbage disposals last between 8 to 12 years. If your unit is over a decade old and frequently jamming or leaking from the bottom, it is usually more cost-effective to replace it rather than repair it.
While a handy homeowner can replace a unit, hiring a licensed plumber is recommended. This ensures that the electrical connections are safe, the flange is sealed with plumber’s putty to prevent leaks, and the dishwasher knockout plug is correctly removed.
The easiest way is to use a 1/4-inch Allen wrench (hex key) in the hole at the bottom of the unit. Rotating the wrench back and forth manually breaks the obstruction free without needing to disassemble the pipes.
Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover appliance failure due to wear and tear. However, if the disposal causes a sudden flood that damages your cabinets, the resulting water damage might be covered. A Home Warranty plan usually covers the disposal itself.
If the repair costs less than $150 and the unit is under 5 years old, repair is worth it. If the motor is burned out or the internal seals are leaking (leaking from the bottom), replacement is the better long-term investment.
In Miami, professional repair costs typically range from $100 to $250. This usually covers labor for clearing major clogs, replacing a flange, or fixing electrical issues.
Lowe’s and similar big-box stores usually charge between $100 and $200 for basic installation, but this often does not include the price of the unit itself or any necessary plumbing modifications.
Persistent Leaks: Water dripping from the bottom of the motor housing.
Frequent Resets: Having to push the red button every time you use it.
Burning Smell: Indicating a dead or overworked motor.
Loud Grinding: Signaling that the internal components are broken.
No. You should never spray WD-40 or harsh chemical de-cloggers into a disposal. These chemicals can damage the rubber seals and internal components. To lubricate, simply grind up ice cubes and lemon peels.
Yes. Locating and pressing the red reset button on the bottom of the unit is a safe DIY task that solves most power-related issues instantly.
