We act as a commercial plumber for many local and residential businesses
Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation In Lakewood, California
We understand the unique requirements of commercial systems. These disposals are powerful machines that require specialized knowledge to repair and install. We offer maintenance plans to keep your commercial plumbing equipment in top shape. From grease trap cleaning to commercial disposal repair, we are the partner your business needs to succeed.
Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation in Lakewood California
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and the kitchen sink is the center of activity. From prepping meals to cleaning up after dinner, your sink sees constant use. A key component of this workflow is your garbage disposal. When it functions correctly, it is a silent workhorse that helps keep your kitchen clean and sanitary. However, when it jams, leaks, or stops working altogether, it can bring your household chores to a standstill. At Lakewood Plumbing Pros, we provide expert garbage disposal services to the residents of Lakewood California. We specialize in diagnosing issues, repairing stubborn jams, and performing professional installations.
We understand that a broken disposal is more than just an inconvenience; it can lead to bad odors, clogged drains, and a pile of dirty dishes. Our team is dedicated to restoring functionality to your kitchen quickly. Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, we are the local plumber you can trust to get the job done right. We serve the entire Lakewood community, helping homeowners maintain efficient and hygienic kitchens.
The Importance of a Functioning Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal is an essential appliance for modern living. It helps reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It also helps prevent kitchen odors by grinding up food scraps so they can be washed away with water. However, like any mechanical appliance, it is subject to wear and tear.
In Lakewood, where many homes have established plumbing systems, adding the strain of a malfunctioning disposal can lead to other issues, such as a clogged kitchen sink fix requirement or backups in the main line. Keeping your disposal in top shape is crucial for the overall health of your plumbing system. We offer comprehensive services to ensure your unit runs smoothly for years to come.
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
Garbage disposals are durable, but they are not indestructible. We see a variety of issues that cause homeowners to call for help. Understanding these common problems can help you decide when it is time to contact a professional.
The Unit Wont Turn On
If you flip the switch and nothing happens—no sound, no hum, no movement—it is often an electrical issue. It could be as simple as a tripped internal circuit breaker on the disposal itself, or it could be a connection issue. Our technicians can safely troubleshoot the electrical supply to the unit to determine if the motor has burned out or if it is a simple fix.
The Disposal Hum sounds But Wont Spin
This is one of the most frequent issues we encounter. If you hear a humming sound but the blades are not spinning, it usually means the flywheel is jammed. This can happen if a hard object, like a bone or a fruit pit, gets wedged between the impeller plate and the shredder ring. It can also happen if the unit has not been used in a long time and has seized up. If left humming for too long, the motor can overheat and fail. If your garbage disposal jammed won’t turn, turn it off immediately and contact us.
Leaking Garbage Disposal
A leak can occur in several places on a disposal. It might leak from the top flange where it connects to the sink, from the side where the dishwasher hose connects, or from the bottom of the unit. A leak from the bottom usually indicates that the internal seals have failed. In this case, garbage disposal replacement is typically the only option. Leaks can cause significant damage to the cabinet under your sink if not addressed quickly.
Slow Draining Sink
If your sink is draining slowly on the disposal side, it could be due to food buildup in the drain pipe. Disposals grind food into small particles, but if those particles are not flushed with enough water, they can accumulate in the P-trap or the waste arm. We can perform a drain cleaning service to clear the blockage and restore proper flow.
Expert Garbage Disposal Repair Services
At Lakewood Plumbing Pros, we believe in fixing things whenever possible. If your unit is relatively new and experiencing a minor issue, repair is often the best route. Our technicians arrive with the tools and parts needed to handle most common repairs on the spot.
We can release jammed flywheels, reset tripped overload protectors, and tighten loose connections. We also check the mounting assembly to ensure the unit is securely attached to the sink. Vibration over time can loosen these mounts, leading to noise and leaks. We ensure everything is tight and aligned correctly.
Garbage Disposal Installation and Replacement
There comes a time when every appliance reaches the end of its lifespan. Most garbage disposals last between 8 and 12 years. If your unit is old, rusty, leaking from the bottom, or requires frequent repairs, it is likely time for a replacement. We offer professional garbage disposal installation services for all major brands and models.
Choosing the Right Unit
Selecting a new disposal can be confusing given the number of options available. We help you choose the right unit for your specific needs. We consider factors such as:
Horsepower: We recommend units with at least 1/2 horsepower for general use, but 3/4 or 1 horsepower units are better for families who cook often. Higher horsepower motors jam less frequently and can handle tougher food scraps.
Noise Level: Modern disposals come with sound insulation technologies. If you have an open concept kitchen or a stainless steel sink that amplifies sound, we can recommend a quiet model.
Feed Type: Most homes use continuous feed models, which run as long as the switch is on. However, some prefer batch feed models, which only run when a cover is placed over the drain, offering an extra layer of safety.
The Installation Process
Installing a garbage disposal involves both plumbing and electrical work. It is not a job for the inexperienced. Our process includes:
- Removal: We carefully disconnect and remove the old unit, ensuring no damage is done to your sink or pipes.
- Mounting: We install a new mounting bracket and sink flange, using plumber’s putty to create a watertight seal.
- Connections: We connect the drain lines and the dishwasher discharge hose. We ensure there are no kinks in the hose that could cause the dishwasher to not drain properly.
- Electrical: We safely connect the electrical wiring, ensuring it meets all local codes in Lakewood California.
- Testing: We test the unit for leaks and proper operation before we leave.
What Not to Put Down Your Disposal
One of the best ways to extend the life of your garbage disposal is to be careful about what you put into it. Many calls we receive for a jammed garbage disposal could have been avoided with proper usage. We educate our customers on what belongs in the trash and what is safe for the disposal.
The “Do Not Grind” List
Grease and Oil: Never pour grease, oil, or fat down the drain. It may look liquid when it is hot, but it solidifies as it cools. This creates a thick, sticky mess that clogs pipes and binds the disposal’s moving parts.
Fibrous Vegetables: Celery, corn husks, artichokes, and onion skins have tough fibers that can tangle around the blades and cause the motor to jam.
Coffee Grounds: While they seem small and harmless, coffee grounds act like sediment. They accumulate in the drain trap and create a dense sludge that causes clogs.
Eggshells: The membrane inside the shell can wrap around the shredder ring, while the shell itself grinds into a sand-like substance that can settle in pipes.
Bones and Pits: Small fish bones might be okay for powerful units, but large meat bones and fruit pits (like peach or avocado) are too hard and will jam the flywheel.
Starchy Foods: Pasta, rice, and potato peels expand when wet. They can turn into a thick paste that blocks the drain and puts strain on the disposal motor.
Troubleshooting Tips Before You Call
We want to save you time whenever possible. Before you reach out for professional help, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can try safely.
The Reset Button: If the disposal will not turn on, check the bottom of the unit under the sink. There is usually a small red reset button. If the unit overheated or jammed, this button will pop out. Press it back in and try the switch again.
The Allen Wrench: If the motor hums but does not spin, turn off the switch and unplug the unit (or turn off the breaker). Insert a 1/4 inch Allen wrench into the hex socket on the very bottom center of the disposal. Crank it back and forth to manually free the jam. If it moves freely, remove the wrench, restore power, and press the reset button.
Safety First: Never put your hand inside the disposal to clear a jam, even if it is turned off. Use tongs or pliers to retrieve objects. If these steps do not work, it is time to call Lakewood Plumbing Pros.
Dishwasher and Disposal Connection
Your dishwasher and garbage disposal are often connected. The dishwasher pumps dirty water out through a hose that connects to the side of the disposal. If the knockout plug on a new disposal is not removed during installation, the dishwasher will not drain.
If you are experiencing standing water in your dishwasher, the issue might actually be in your disposal or the air gap. We check the entire system to ensure that both appliances drain correctly. A dishwasher hookup plumber is essential when installing a new disposal to ensure this connection is secure and leak free.
Why Professional Installation Matters
While some homeowners attempt DIY installation, it often leads to leaks or improper wiring. A loose connection can cause water to drip unnoticed into the cabinet below, leading to mold growth and wood rot. Improper electrical connections can pose a fire hazard.
By hiring a professional from Lakewood Plumbing Pros, you ensure that the job is done correctly the first time. We check the condition of the surrounding pipes as well. In older Lakewood homes, the P-trap or waste arm may be corroded. Connecting a new, powerful disposal to old, weak pipes can cause vibrations that lead to leaks. We assess the entire setup and recommend necessary upgrades to the plumbing under your sink.
Kitchen Remodeling and Upgrades
If you are planning a kitchen remodel, the garbage disposal is a key consideration. We work with homeowners and contractors to provide kitchen remodel plumbing services. Whether you are installing a deep farmhouse sink or upgrading to a chef’s kitchen with a high capacity disposal, we handle the plumbing specifications.
We can also help move drain lines if you are changing the layout of your kitchen. Our expertise ensures that your new kitchen is not only beautiful but also fully functional.
Plumbing Pro Services
Complete Plumbing Care for Your Entire Home
Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or sewer line, we have the tools and training to handle any challenge your plumbing system throws at us.
We Deliver Expert Results
Don’t gamble with your plumbing. We combine years of experience with modern technology to deliver lasting repairs and installations. Our team respects your time and your property.
- Fixture Installation
- Leak Detection
- Modern Diagnostics
- Drain Cleaning
The Environmental Impact
Using a garbage disposal helps divert organic waste from landfills. When food waste decomposes in a landfill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By grinding food scraps and sending them to the wastewater treatment plant, they can be processed more effectively. Some treatment plants even capture the methane produced during processing to generate energy.
We are proud to help the residents of Lakewood California make sustainable choices for their homes. By maintaining an efficient disposal, you are contributing to a greener community.
Emergency Plumbing Services
A broken garbage disposal can sometimes lead to urgent situations, such as a sink that refuses to drain right before a big family meal. While a jammed disposal might not always be a catastrophe, if it leads to a burst pipe or a major backup, it becomes an emergency.
Lakewood Plumbing Pros offers emergency plumber services. We are available to handle urgent plumbing needs that cannot wait. We are the 24 hour plumber you can rely on when things go wrong. From a burst pipe repair to an overflowing sink, we have the team to handle it.
Related Plumbing Services
We are a full service plumbing company. While we excel at garbage disposal services, we also provide a wide range of other plumbing solutions for your home.
Drain Cleaning: If your disposal is working but the sink is still clogged, you may need a deeper drain cleaning. We use snakes and hydro jetting to clear main lines and kitchen drains.
Faucet Installation: A new disposal often goes hand in hand with a new kitchen faucet. We can install stylish and functional faucets to complete your kitchen upgrade.
Leak Detection: If you have water under your sink but cannot find the source, our leak detection experts can pinpoint the issue, whether it is the disposal, a supply line, or a drain pipe.
Gas Line Services: We install and repair gas lines for stoves, ovens, and water heaters.
Safety Warning:
Gas leaks are a serious emergency. If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or suspect a gas leak anywhere in your home, you must go outside call 911 immediately as this is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention. Do not use any phones or switches inside the house. Once the area is cleared by emergency responders, contact us for gas leak repair.
Maintaining Your New Disposal
Once we have installed your new unit, we want to help you keep it running smoothly. Here are a few maintenance tips:
- Run it Regularly: Use your disposal daily to prevent rust and corrosion. Even if you do not have food to grind, run cold water and turn it on to move the parts.
- Use Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and after grinding food. Cold water keeps grease in a solid state so it can pass through the pipes. Hot water can melt grease, allowing it to coat the pipes and cause clogs later.
- Clean with Ice and Salt: To clean the blades and remove sludge, grind a cup of ice cubes and a cup of rock salt. This acts as a scrub brush for the inside of the disposal.
- Freshen with Citrus: To combat odors, grind a few lemon or orange peels. The natural oils help freshen the smell of the drain.
Why Choose Lakewood Plumbing Pros?
We are committed to being the best plumbing company in Lakewood. Our reputation is built on trust, reliability, and quality workmanship.
- Local Experts: We know Lakewood California. We understand the local plumbing codes and the common issues faced by homeowners in our specific zip codes.
- Customer Focused: We listen to your needs and explain our solutions clearly. We want you to feel confident in the work we perform.
- Clean and Professional: We respect your home. We arrive on time, work efficiently, and clean up our workspace when we are finished.
- Comprehensive Care: From the initial call to the final test, we provide a seamless experience. We are your partner in home maintenance.
Contact Us Today
If your garbage disposal is humming, leaking, or just not doing its job, do not wait. Contact Lakewood Plumbing Pros today. We are ready to provide expert repair or installation services to get your kitchen back to normal.
We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our community. Let us handle the dirty work so you can enjoy your home. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.
Service Areas
We are proud to serve the entire city of Lakewood and the surrounding communities. We cover the following zip codes to ensure prompt service for all our neighbors.
Lakewood Zip Codes: 90711, 90712, 90713, 90714, 90715, 90716.
Nearby Service Areas:
Long Beach (90805, 90807, 90808)
Bellflower (90706)
Cerritos (90703)
Hawaiian Gardens (90716)
Cypress (90630)
Paramount (90723)
Signal Hill (90755)