Let’s be honest—most of us don’t think twice about our garbage disposals until something goes wrong. You flip the switch after dinner, expecting that satisfying hum… and instead, you get a rattle, a buzz, or worse—nothing at all.

At Rooter-Man Plumbing, we’ve helped Reno and Carson City homeowners with everything from garbage disposal repairs to full garbage disposal replacements. Whether your garbage disposal is not working or you’re just ready for an upgrade, our local plumbing team is here to help you get things running smoothly again.

How Do Garbage Disposals Work?

Before diving into repairs or replacements, it helps to understand how your disposal actually works. A garbage disposal is mounted under your kitchen sink and connected to your drain. When you flip the switch, the motor spins a set of impellers (not sharp blades, as many believe) that grind up food scraps into tiny particles. These particles then wash safely through your plumbing with water.

It’s a simple but powerful tool—until something goes wrong. Over time, grease buildup, fibrous foods, or foreign objects can jam or damage the unit. That’s when you might need professional garbage disposal repair or to install a new garbage disposal.

garbage disposals

Common Garbage Disposal Problems We Fix

We’ve seen it all—banana peels, bottle caps, silverware, and even the occasional wedding ring. Some of the most common issues we handle include:

  • Garbage disposal not turning on – Could be an electrical issue, a tripped reset button, or a worn-out motor.

  • Disposal humming but not grinding – Usually a jam or stuck impeller.

  • Leaking disposal – A cracked casing or loose seal can lead to water damage under your sink.

  • Clogs and slow drains – Caused by grease, food waste, or improper disposal use.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, don’t wait for a bigger plumbing headache—call us to come out for a garbage disposal repair.

Repair or Replace? We’ll Help You Decide

Sometimes, a quick repair is all your garbage disposal needs. But if your unit is over 8–10 years old, makes loud noises, or breaks down often, it may be time for a garbage disposal replacement.

Our experienced plumbers can inspect your system and give you honest advice on whether it’s more cost-effective to repair or install a new model. We handle every step of garbage disposal installation, ensuring your new unit is properly wired, sealed, and ready to go.

Why Homeowners in Reno & Carson City Choose Us

We’re not just another plumbing company—we’re your neighbors. Reno and Carson City homeowners trust Rooter-Man Plumbing because we:

  • Offer fast, reliable service with up-front pricing

  • Have licensed, local plumbers who know Nevada homes

  • Provide both emergency and same-day appointments

  • Guarantee our workmanship and your satisfaction

Whether your garbage disposal is not working or you’re upgrading to a quieter, more efficient model, we’ve got the experience and tools to get it done right.

Don’t let a broken garbage disposal disrupt your routine. Call us today for garbage disposal repair, installation, and replacement in Reno and Carson City.