Faulty Garbage Disposal
Faulty Garbage Disposal | Garbage Disposal Repair | Plumbing | Charleston
When your sink suddenly grinds to a halt or starts rumbling like a freight train, you don’t need another kitchen headache—you need fast, friendly help. HEP’s local Charleston technicians arrive stocked with genuine replacement parts, ready to diagnose clogs, leaks, or electrical hiccups on the spot. We respect your time by offering convenient scheduling, upfront pricing, and tidy workmanship that leaves your kitchen cleaner than we found it.
Trust a team that’s repaired thousands of disposals across the Lowcountry and stands behind every job with a satisfaction guarantee. From jammed impellers to burnt-out motors, our certified pros restore smooth, quiet operation so you can get back to cooking (and relaxing) without worry. For prompt, professional garbage disposal repair that keeps your Charleston home humming, call HEP today.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my Charleston garbage disposal needs professional repair?
Look for humming without grinding, repeated circuit breaker trips, slow drainage or standing water in the sink, foul odors that won’t wash away, metal-on-metal noises, or water leaking from the unit or the cabinet base. Any of these symptoms usually point to a jammed flywheel, worn motor bearings, a cracked housing, or a failed seal—issues that require an experienced plumber to diagnose and fix safely.
Is there anything I can safely do before calling your plumbers?
Yes. First, cut the power by turning the disposal switch off and unplugging the unit or switching off the breaker. Insert the disposal’s offset wrench (or a ¼-inch Allen key) into the bottom flywheel slot and gently work it back and forth to clear minor jams. Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit, restore power, and test the disposal with cold water running. If it still hums, trips, or leaks, stop there—continued DIY attempts can burn out the motor or worsen leaks, and the City of Charleston plumbing code requires licensed technicians for most in-cabinet repairs.
How soon can you get to my house in the Charleston area, and how long will a typical repair take?
Because we keep on-call technicians in downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and the islands, we can usually arrive the same day—often within 2–3 hours for true emergencies such as active leaks. A straightforward jam or wire replacement takes about 30–45 minutes, while seal replacements or partial rebuilds typically run 60–90 minutes. If we find extensive corrosion or a cracked grinding chamber, we can install a new disposal on the same visit and you’ll have a fully functioning sink in under two hours.
What does garbage disposal repair cost and do you charge a diagnostic fee?
We charge a flat $59 trip-and-diagnostic fee, which we waive if you proceed with the repair. Most Charleston garbage disposal repairs fall between $125 and $225, including parts and labor. Motor replacements or complete unit swaps range from $295 to $550 depending on horsepower, noise insulation, and corrosion-resistant features that hold up better in our coastal climate. You’ll always receive a written estimate before any work begins.
Should I repair or replace my disposal?
We recommend repair when the unit is less than 7–8 years old and the problem involves a jam, failed reset button, minor wiring issue, or replaceable seal. Replace when the motor is burned out, the grinding chamber is cracked, rust has eaten through the housing, or the unit is over 10 years old and struggles with even soft food scraps. Newer disposals grind more efficiently, use less water, and come with stainless-steel grind components that resist Charleston’s humid, salty air—often saving you money in the long run.
Are your technicians licensed and insured, and do you guarantee the work?
Absolutely. All of our plumbers hold current South Carolina mechanical contractor licenses with the plumbing classification and carry full liability and workers’ compensation insurance. We register every job with the City of Charleston when permitting is required. Repairs are covered by a 1-year parts-and-labor warranty; new disposal installations carry a 2- to 5-year manufacturer’s warranty plus our own 1-year workmanship guarantee, so you have complete peace of mind.