Wondering whether it’s time to book a garbage disposal repair service in Madison, WI? We at Southport Home Services can help. Please reach out to us today and we’ll make sure that our plumbers arrive at your home as soon as possible. They’ll inspect your device, identify the problems you’ve encountered, and proceed to fix them quickly and efficiently. No matter whether you need a garbage disposal replacement or repair service, they’ll get it done with minimal downtime so that you can return to your daily life with as little interruption as possible.
Keep Your Disposal Running Smoothly
We address jams, leaks, and motor failures
Know what not to grind (fibrous peels, bones, grease)
Why Invest in a Garbage Disposal Replacement or Repair Service?
Garbage disposals are indispensable for the modern homeowner — these devices can dramatically reduce the risk of clogs and ensure efficient waste management. They tend to be quite durable, but much like any other device, they can accumulate wear and tear over time and eventually malfunction. More often than not, any garbage disposal issues tend to be relatively minor and simple to fix. Sometimes, however, investing in a replacement service may be more appropriate.
For instance, the average lifespan of these devices is around 10 to 15 years — so if you’ve had yours for quite a while and it tends to malfunction relatively frequently, investing in a new one may be a good choice. Also, you may decide to upgrade as modern garbage disposals tend to have many desirable features such as quiet operation and improved efficiency. Finally, in some rare cases, the damage may turn out to be so extensive — for example, there may be major motor failure or severe corrosion — that getting a new garbage disposal may be your only realistic option.
Some commonplace problems that require garbage disposal replacement or repair are:
Unresponsive garbage disposal
Frequent clogs
Slow operation or jamming
Leaking water
Unusual noises
Call us if you notice any of the above. After we fix or repair your system, we will test everything and make sure the work area is clean. Lastly, before we leave, we will give you some expert tips on maintaining your disposal, along with information about its limits. Empowering you to use it correctly means that your repair or replacement is built to last. For example, we may advise you not to dispose of coffee grounds in the sink, how to clean it with ice cubes and lemon wedges, and how to reset it manually if the unit shuts off due to overheating or other issues.
Your Garbage Disposal Repair Team in Madison
Here at Southport Home Services, we pride ourselves on performing to the highest standard time and time again. We have a team of plumbers who have decades of collective practical experience. As a result, they’re consistently able to achieve excellent results. Our efforts have earned us the highest A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Even more importantly, we’ve gained the trust of the local community with honest service and expert work.
Call us at Southport Home Services today to book a garbage disposal repair or replacement appointment in Madison.
If your disposal does nothing at all when you flip the switch, start by checking the basics. Make sure the unit is plugged in, then look for the small reset button on the bottom of the disposal and press it firmly once. You can also check the kitchen breaker in your electrical panel. If the disposal still will not start, or if the reset button pops again, it is time to have a plumber from Southport Home Services in Madison evaluate the motor and wiring so the problem can be fixed safely.
Most plumbers do not recommend using harsh chemical drain cleaners in a kitchen sink with a disposal. Those products can damage metal parts, seals, and the finish inside the unit, and they can be dangerous to handle if you later need a professional repair. In Madison homes, it is usually better to clear minor clogs with cool water, a plunger designed for sinks, or by having Southport Home Services safely remove the trap or service the disposal instead of relying on chemicals.
Cold water is usually recommended while a garbage disposal is grinding. Cool water helps keep fats and grease more solid so they are chopped into smaller pieces and carried away instead of coating the inside of the unit and pipes. In a place like Madison, WI where kitchen drains already work hard in winter, this simple habit can make a difference. Once grinding is done, you can switch to warm water for rinsing dishes if you prefer, but let the tap run long enough to flush food particles through the line.
A humming sound usually means the disposal is getting power but the impeller is jammed. Turn off the switch and do not put your hand inside the unit. Many disposals have a small opening on the bottom where you can insert the included wrench or a hex key to gently turn the motor and free the jam. If that does not work or you are not comfortable trying it, a plumber from Southport Home Services can safely clear the obstruction and check for motor damage during a repair visit in your Madison home.
Odors usually come from food particles that linger on the rubber splash guard or inside the grinding chamber. Running plenty of cold water while the disposal is on helps, and letting the water run for a short time after grinding clears the line. You can also freshen the unit by grinding a few ice cubes with a small amount of lemon peel. If smells keep coming back or you notice slow draining, Southport Home Services can check the disposal and nearby piping for buildup during a plumbing visit in Madison.
Many older homes around Madison have aging drain lines that are more prone to buildup. A properly sized, modern garbage disposal can help break down soft food scraps more effectively so they are less likely to collect inside the pipe. It is not a cure for every clog, especially if the line already has heavy buildup or structural issues, but when paired with smart habits and occasional professional drain cleaning from Southport Home Services, a new disposal can be part of a plan to keep your kitchen sink flowing better.
A disposal can handle a reasonable amount of food waste, but feeding too much at once can overload the motor or clog the drain. During holidays or big dinners in your Madison home, it is better to send plate scraps through the disposal in small batches while running cold water, and put large amounts of leftovers, bones, and stringy items in the trash or compost. If you have frequent big gatherings, Southport Home Services can recommend a disposal with the right horsepower and features for the way your kitchen is used.
