Should You Call a Plumber for Your Garbage Disposal? (5 Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional)

A garbage disposal usually keeps your kitchen running smoothly, until the moment it suddenly stops. Maybe it hums, maybe it groans or maybe it refuses to respond at all. The first instinct for many homeowners is to reach for a tool or try to clear the problem by hand. That is where trouble often starts. Disposals contain sharp, fast-moving parts and electrical components that can cause serious cuts or shocks if handled incorrectly. When something feels off, it is safer to pause and take a closer look.

Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has helped families in Des Moines for more than seventy-five years, and we have seen how small disposal issues can turn into major kitchen problems. Below are five clear signs that it is time to call a licensed plumber for garbage disposal repair instead of trying to fix it yourself.

The 5 Undeniable Signs It’s Time to Call Schaal

1. The Hum of Death, But No Grinding

If you flip the switch and hear a low hum but no actual grinding, the motor is trying to work. The flywheel, however, is jammed. This usually happens when something hard, like a bone or metal utensil, stops the blades from turning.

Forcing the disposal or letting it sit jammed can burn out the motor. A simple jam can turn into a full replacement if it is pushed too far.

2. Disposals That Leak Water

Water under the sink is one of the more obvious signs something is wrong. Disposals can leak from the housing, the sink flange or the gasket between the unit and the drain line. Sometimes the housing cracks. Other times the seal fails.

Leaks lead to cabinet damage, mold growth and damp smells. Because leaks often come from internal parts, most require professional replacement of the seals or the disposal itself.

3. Frequent and Immediate Tripping

If your disposal trips the breaker every time you turn it on, or if it constantly hits the reset button, there is likely an electrical short or internal wiring problem. The motor may be overheating, or the wiring may be damaged.

Electrical malfunctions can be dangerous to troubleshoot. A licensed plumber for garbage disposal repair can check the electrical components safely and determine whether the motor has failed.

4. No Power at All

Sometimes a disposal goes completely silent. No hum, no vibration, nothing. Homeowners can check the wall switch and the red reset button on the bottom of the unit. If neither helps, the cause is usually a dead motor, a wiring issue or a loose sink flange connection.

These issues require more than a basic reset. A technician can remove the disposal, inspect the wiring and confirm whether the unit can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

5. Persistent, Foul Odors

A lingering smell that does not go away, even after using baking soda, ice or citrus peels, usually means there is buildup deep inside the grinding chamber or drain line. Fats, oils and food waste can settle into places that simple flushing will not reach.

When odors return quickly after cleaning, a professional deep clean or drain service is often needed to remove the buildup and bacteria inside the system.

The 5 Undeniable Signs It’s Time to Call Schaal

Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling understands the plumbing systems in Des Moines homes. Our technicians know how local water quality, aging pipes and everyday kitchen habits affect disposal performance. We handle both electrical and plumbing causes of disposal failure, which helps us pinpoint the problem accurately.

Disposal troubles can lead to sink backups and kitchen flooding, so we offer quick response times when the situation cannot wait. Whether the disposal needs repair or complete replacement, our team can restore your kitchen to normal quickly.

Call Schaal for Your Garbage Disposal Service Needs

Garbage disposals work hard every day, and when they stop, it affects the whole kitchen. The five signs to watch for include a humming but jammed motor, water leaks, constant tripping, complete silence and persistent odors. Each one signals an issue that can grow worse if not handled properly.

If you are seeing any of these signs, it is best to skip the risk and call a professional. Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling brings decades of experience, clear communication and reliable service to every home we visit. We can diagnose the issue, explain your options and get your disposal working again.

Call Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to schedule garbage disposal service today.