Expert Technicians
Expert Technicians | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Charleston
When an impromptu Lowcountry boil leaves your sink whirring, humming, or refusing to drain, Charleston homeowners turn to HEP’s expert technicians for fast, fuss-free garbage disposal repair. We know every make and model, from compact units in historic downtown condos to heavy-duty grinders in sprawling Johns Island kitchens, and we arrive equipped to diagnose on the spot. Our team pinpoints clogs, motor failures, and jammed impellers with precision tools and an eye for long-term solutions—often restoring full functionality in a single visit.
Because life in the Holy City should be spent on the waterfront, not waiting on a plumber, we schedule around your day, protect your countertops and cabinetry, and back every fix with a satisfaction guarantee. Whether your disposal needs a minor tune-up or a full replacement, trust HEP for courteous service, transparent pricing, and a job done right the first time. Ready for peace of mind and a sink that sings instead of groans? Call or book online today for expert garbage disposal repair.
FAQs
How do I know if my garbage disposal needs repair instead of a full replacement?
Most disposals last 8–15 years, but many malfunctions can be fixed long before total replacement is necessary. Call us if you notice persistent clogs, a humming motor that won’t spin, unexplained resets, leaks from the unit or sink flange, or foul odors that cleaning won’t remove. Our Charleston-based technicians will inspect the grind plate, flywheel, bearings, seals, and electrical connections. If the motor is still healthy and the housing hasn’t cracked, a repair—such as freeing a jam, replacing a gasket, or installing new wiring—will restore normal operation and save you money over a full unit swap.
What garbage disposal brands and models can your Charleston plumbers service?
Our certified plumbers are factory-trained to diagnose and repair all major disposal manufacturers, including InSinkErator, Waste King, Moen, GE, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Badger, and Frigidaire. We stock OEM replacement parts for 1/3-HP to 1-HP continuous-feed and batch-feed units, so most repairs can be completed on the first visit. Even if your model is older or the brand has been discontinued, we can usually source compatible components or advise on an equivalent replacement if parts are no longer available.
My disposal is jammed and only makes a humming sound—what should I do before you arrive?
First, turn the switch OFF immediately to keep the motor from overheating. Do NOT reach into the chamber with your hand. Instead, insert the Allen wrench (hex key) that came with your unit into the bottom center of the disposal and gently twist clockwise and counter-clockwise to free the flywheel. Press the red reset button on the base, restore power, and test briefly. If it still hums or trips the breaker, leave the unit off and call our 24/7 Charleston dispatch line. A jam could mask a seized bearing, worn capacitor, or obstruction in the drain line—conditions that require a professional technician to prevent further damage.
Do you offer same-day or emergency garbage disposal repair in Charleston?
Yes. Our trucks are strategically stationed throughout the Charleston metro, from Mount Pleasant to West Ashley, allowing us to reach most homes and businesses within 90 minutes. Emergency appointments are available 24/7, including holidays. Each service vehicle carries common splash guards, sink flanges, impellers, tailpipes, and electrical parts so we can resolve over 85% of disposal emergencies in a single visit. If a replacement is unavoidable, we stock compact and full-size disposals on the truck to restore your kitchen functionality before we leave.
How much does garbage disposal repair cost, and what factors affect the price?
Typical repairs in Charleston range from $95 to $225, including diagnostic, labor, and standard parts. Costs vary based on: 1) the age and horsepower of the unit; 2) whether parts such as a new motor capacitor, splash guard, or grinding plate are required; 3) extent of plumbing modifications (e.g., re-piping the trap or dishwasher drain); and 4) after-hours or holiday service. We provide a flat-rate quote up front, so you know the exact price before work begins, and all repairs carry a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
How can I prevent future garbage disposal problems after you repair it?
Run cold water before, during, and 15 seconds after use to solidify grease so it can be ground and flushed away. Feed scraps gradually rather than dumping large loads at once. Avoid fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), expandable starches (pasta, rice), coffee grounds, and cooking oil. Every month, grind a tray of ice cubes with a cup of rock salt or white vinegar to scour the grind chamber and remove buildup. Deodorize naturally with citrus peels. Finally, never use harsh chemical drain cleaners—they corrode seals. Following these tips and scheduling an annual maintenance check with our Charleston technicians will keep your disposal humming efficiently for years.