Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation in Boca Raton, FL
A disposal that hums but won't spin, leaks from underneath, or trips the breaker repeatedly usually has a specific, fixable cause, and most repairs are quicker and cheaper than a full replacement.
What's usually behind each symptom
Hums but won't spin
Almost always a jam, often solved by manually turning the flywheel from underneath with an Allen wrench and clearing the obstruction.
Leaking underneath
Usually a worn seal at the sink flange, the dishwasher connection, or a crack in the housing itself if the unit is older.
Trips the breaker
Often a motor that's overheating from a jam or age, or a wiring issue that needs checking before the unit is used again.
When it's worth fixing vs. replacing
| Situation | Usual path |
|---|---|
| Jammed, otherwise working fine | Clear the jam, often same-visit |
| Leaking at flange or dishwasher line | Reseal or replace the specific connection |
| Cracked housing or leaking from the body | Full replacement, not repairable |
| Unit over 10-12 years old with repeated issues | Replacement usually costs less over time |
Florida's plumbing code, based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC), requires a disposal's drain connection to meet the same trap and venting standards as any other kitchen fixture, which matters most when replacing an older unit that may predate current code.
Older Boca Raton kitchens that haven't been remodeled sometimes still have a disposal wired directly without a dedicated switch loop, which technically still works but doesn't meet how a modern installation is typically wired. We flag this during any replacement rather than reusing outdated wiring as-is.
What to check first
- • Check the reset button on the bottom of the unit before assuming it's dead.
- • If it hums but doesn't spin, do not put your hand in the disposal; call us rather than trying to force it.
- • Note whether the leak is from underneath the sink or the dishwasher connection specifically.
Running cold water while the disposal is on, and for a few seconds after, helps flush waste fully through the trap rather than letting it settle and cause a slow drain that gets blamed on the disposal itself.
What changes the cost
Want your real number? Call (561) 448-8545 and describe the symptom.
What a proper install actually checks
Swapping a disposal isn't always a drop-in replacement. Mounting systems vary between brands, so a new unit sometimes needs an adapter or a different mounting assembly than the one that came out. We also check that the dishwasher knockout plug is removed if a dishwasher connects to the unit, confirm the electrical connection meets current code rather than reusing questionable wiring, and test the full drain path after installation, not just that the disposal spins.
If your kitchen sink has a single basin rather than a double, plumbing the disposal alongside a dishwasher connection takes a slightly different configuration than a standard two-basin setup, which we account for during the estimate rather than discovering it mid-install.
Warranty terms also vary by brand and model, so we note what's covered and for how long as part of the installation paperwork, rather than leaving that detail for you to track down later if something comes up.
If you're comparing a repair against a full replacement, an aging unit with a leak at the housing itself is rarely worth patching, since the same corrosion that caused the crack tends to reappear elsewhere within a short time.
Common questions
No. Always turn off power at the breaker or unplug it before attempting any manual clearing, and never put your hand inside the disposal.
Most last 10-15 years with normal use. Frequent jams or leaks on an older unit are usually a sign it's nearing end of life.
Yes, we can size the unit to your household's actual use, from a basic 1/3 HP model to a heavier-duty 3/4 or 1 HP unit.
The dishwasher knockout plug sometimes isn't removed before connecting the hose, which causes a backup rather than a leak; we check this on every install.
Ready to get it fixed or replaced? Call (561) 448-8545.
If the sink still isn't draining right
A disposal that runs fine but the sink still drains slowly may point to the drain line itself rather than the unit; drain cleaning covers that. For a full kitchen remodel, we can also handle faucet and sink work at the same visit. Not sure which applies? Call (561) 448-8545.