Humming, jammed, or leaking? Usually a one-visit fix.
A humming disposal is usually a jam, not a dead motor — and a leaking one usually needs a specific seal, not a whole new unit. We tell you which it is before you spend a dime.
Disposal problems we see every week.
- • Humming but not spinning (jammed flywheel — often freed without replacement)
- • Completely dead (tripped reset, bad switch, or burned-out motor)
- • Leaking from the bottom (internal seal failure — this one does mean replacement)
- • Leaking at the sink flange or dishwasher connection (resealable)
- • Draining slowly or backing up into the other sink bowl
- • Grinding metal noises, excessive vibration, constant tripping
- • Persistent odor that cleaning doesn't fix (trapped food under the splash guard)
Picking the right replacement.
Builder-grade 1/3 HP units are why most disposals die in five years. Here's how we size them:
1/2 HP
Fine for light use — small households, minimal food scraps. The budget pick, and we'll say so when it's enough.
3/4 – 1 HP
We install very few of these, as they are usually unnecessary and more expensive — unless the customer requests it.
A disposal grinds — it doesn't push. If your kitchen sink backs up even when the disposal runs fine, the problem is grease or buildup in the drain line behind it. We'll check before replacing anything. See drain & sewer service.
What's included in a disposal install.
- • New unit sized for your household — brand and model shown before we start
- • New sink flange, plumber's putty seal, and mounting hardware
- • Dishwasher drain connection with knockout removed (the #1 DIY miss)
- • P-trap and drain alignment corrected — not forced
- • Electrical connection checked and secured
- • Full run and leak test, plus haul-away of the old unit
Why Hill Country Homeowners Call Cowboy
Diagnose Before Replacing
A humming disposal is usually a jammed flywheel — a 15-minute fix. We'll tell you that before selling you a new unit.
Proper Sizing, Not Cheap Units
We stock 1/2 HP disposals on our trucks — a solid unit we can guarantee and stand behind. If a customer asks for a 3/4 HP, we can provide it and acquire it pretty quickly.
P-Trap & Drain Checked
We don't just swap the unit and leave. We align the drain, check the P-trap pitch, and confirm the line is clear before calling the job done.
Questions Homeowners Ask
Why is my garbage disposal humming but not spinning?
It's likely jammed — the flywheel is stuck. We can usually free the impeller with the hex wrench port on the bottom. If the motor has burned out from the jam, we'll let you know and recommend a replacement sized for your kitchen.
What size garbage disposal do I need?
For most households, a 1/2 HP unit is the sweet spot — it's a solid, reliable unit we stock on our trucks, stand behind, and can guarantee. We size based on your household's actual needs.
Can I put coffee grounds or eggshells down the disposal?
We don't recommend it. Stringy, fibrous, or granular waste like eggshells, coffee grounds, and celery can clump up and cause a stubborn drain clog downstream.
My disposal is leaking from the bottom — can it be fixed?
If a disposal is leaking from internal seals or the bottom of the unit, it usually means the casing has failed and it must be replaced. Leaks from the flange or dishwasher connection are resealable.
My disposal is fine but the kitchen sink drains slowly. What's going on?
A disposal grinds — it doesn't push. If the sink drains slowly even when the disposal runs clean, grease or food buildup in the drain line is the likely cause. We'll cable the kitchen line to clear it.
Disposal Service Area
We install and repair garbage disposals across Central Texas including:
New Braunfels · Canyon Lake · Seguin · San Marcos · Kyle · Buda · Boerne · Spring Branch · Bulverde · Northeast & Northwest San Antonio
Disposal down? Find out if it's a jam or a goner.
Honest diagnosis first, written price, and most jobs done in one visit.