Garbage Disposal Repair Prunedale

In Prunedale, the typical cost of mending a rubbish disposal hovers around $100 and $200. Said another way, for most citizens, a broken disposal doesn't usually amount to a "$50 Fix." Something more like a "$100 Problemo" with a decently high expectation of getting it fixed as opposed to just replacing it, which usually costs around $300.

In Prunedale, the decision about whether to repair a garbage disposal or not is mostly determined by three factors: the kind of problem the disposal has, the age of the unit, and the cost of fixing it compared to the price of a new disposal. If the garbage disposal is nearly new and the problem is a minor one, like a jam, then the fix is probably going to be quite inexpensive, and repair is likely a better choice than replacement. But if the disposal is older and the problem is a serious one, like a blown motor, then you might well be better off installing a new unit. Getting a pro from Prunedale to look at the problem and provide an estimate can help you a lot in making this decision.

An average garbage disposal has a lifespan of 8 to 15 years. The longevity of the appliance depends on the quality of the unit, its upkeep, and the intensity of use it sees.

When repairing a garbage disposal in Prunedale, start by making sure the unit is off and unplugged. If you discover the disposal is jammed, you'll need to manually rotate the motor from underneath the disposal using a special wrench to get things moving again. If you find yourself dealing with a clog instead, you'll be best served by taking apart the trap and giving it a good clean. For electrical problems, check to see if the reset button on the bottom of the unit has tripped. If it has, simply pressing it should get things back up and running. Lastly, if you haven't been doing so already, practice some regular maintenance, and make a promise to yourself to not dump hard objects into the disposal. If all else fails, don't be afraid to call in the professionals.

In Prunedale, the expense associated with hiring a plumber to set up a garbage disposal usually falls between $150 and $500. This range accounts for both the labor and the materials necessary to complete the job, yet it can fluctuate for a number of reasons. For one, the installation could be straightforward or could require an amount of labor or a kind of expertise that makes the plumber charge more. And then there's the matter of whether your plumbing system might need some kind of fix or upgrade before it can handle a new disposal. For these reasons, Prunedale residents should be sure to get a couple of detailed estimates before making a decision.

Typically, the reset button for a garbage disposal can be found on the bottom or underside of the unit. It's usually a small, red button.

If you possess basic electrical and plumbing skills, you can replace the garbage disposal yourself. First, cut the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker. Then, disconnect the disposal from the wiring and plumbing. Be careful when doing this, as the disposal may be heavier than it looks and could come apart in ways that could injure you. Once the old unit is out, follow the instructions that come with the new disposal for installation. If you're at all shaky about your ability to do this, definitely hire someone to do it for you.

Typically, we think of garbage disposal as a variable cost, one that can change not just from year to year but even from month to month, depending on a household's production of waste. That seems true for us in Prunedale. The more we throw away, the more it costs; the less we throw away, the less it costs; and we're paying for it all through our property taxes.

There are several typical problems that can cause a garbage disposal to stop working: it could be jammed with some hard object, like a bone or utensil, that got past the otherwise foolproof design, the motor might have overheated and needs a reset, the circuit breaker might have tripped, or the garbage disposal might have basic electrical problems. It's also possible that the disposal itself isn't broken but is connected to a drain that is clogged. If we've set you on the right path, then start troubleshooting and see if you can fix it. If not, you might be looking at the need for some professional repairs.

Usually, the installation of a garbage disposal might cost from $120 to $150 at Lowe's, but the company cautions that prices might vary depending on location and other specifics. For the most accurate price, you should contact the Lowe's in Prunedale directly and ask for a quote based on your circumstances.