Jam and reset check first
Jams are cleared safely with the power off, and the reset button is checked. Never put your hand in a disposal, even when it is off.
Plumbing Service · Hermitage, TN
A disposal that hums but will not grind usually has a jam, a tripped reset, or a worn seal, and the simple causes should be checked before anyone quotes a replacement. We clear jams safely, test the motor and seals, and replace the unit only when the housing or motor has actually failed.
Mon–Fri: 7AM – 7PM · Sat: 8AM – 4PM · 24/7 for emergencies. Burst pipe or flooding? Shut off the main water valve first, then call.

What to look for
A disposal that hums but will not grind usually has a jam, a tripped reset, or a worn seal, and the simple causes should be checked before anyone quotes a replacement. We clear jams safely, test the motor and seals, and replace the unit only when the housing or motor has actually failed.
If you have one of these symptoms, describe it when you call (615) 436-9486. The symptom, the fixture, and whether water is still running help us prioritise your visit and tell you what to shut off while you wait. If water is flooding, shut off the main valve first – see our emergency plumbing page for the steps.
How we fix it
Every visit follows the same pattern: find the fault, show you what we found, price the options, and only then do the work. No part is replaced on a guess.
Jams are cleared safely with the power off, and the reset button is checked. Never put your hand in a disposal, even when it is off.
Motor, seals, and mounting are tested. A leaking housing seal means replacement, not a patch.
The drain, trap, and dishwasher connection are checked, because a disposal problem often shows up as a sink or dishwasher backup.
A replacement disposal is matched for power and connections, mounted, sealed, and tested with water running.
Hermitage homes
Kitchen disposals in Hermitage homes work hard, and the most common failures are the same in every kitchen: a jam from bone or fibrous food, a tripped reset after a jam, and a housing seal that gives out with age. The repair worth doing carefully is the mounting and seal: a disposal that rocks or leaks at the sink flange soaks the cabinet before anyone notices. We test the mount, the seal, and the drain connections on every disposal visit.
Homes across Hermitage and Davidson County vary widely in age and plumbing material, so the same symptom can have different causes in different streets. That is why diagnosis comes first: a slow drain in a newer home and a slow drain in an older home with mature trees in the yard are not the same job, and they should not get the same quote. We explain the cause we found in your home, in plain language, before recommending a repair.
| What we find | What it usually means | Our recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Jammed, reset tripped, unit otherwise sound | Clear and reset | Repair |
| Housing leaking, older unit | Seal has failed | Replace |
| Motor burned out, will not run | Motor failure | Replace |
| Smell only, unit running well | Cleaning and drain check | Clean and check |
This table is a guide, not a quote. Your upfront price depends on the fault found, the parts needed, and access in your home. See our plumbing cost guide for typical estimate ranges, labelled as estimates only.
Simple & Straightforward
Call us. Tell us the symptom, where the water is, and whether it is still running. We find a time that works and confirm it so you are not waiting around.
Your plumber finds the actual fault, shows you what is going on, and explains it in plain words – including what you can safely check yourself next time.
You get your options with real numbers before any work starts. Repair it now, repair it later, or replace it: you decide, no pressure.
We repair, run water through the system, check for leaks under pressure, and clean up. We make sure everything works before we leave.
Why Homeowners Call Us
Questions
Turn it off, press the reset button on the bottom once, and try again. If it still only hums, turn it off and call us. Never put your hand inside, and do not keep running a jammed disposal.
Grease, coffee grounds, fibrous foods like celery and onion skins, large bones, and anything non-food. Even approved foods should go in small amounts with plenty of cold water running.
Yes for the cabinet. Put a container under the drip, avoid using that sink if water is pooling, and call us before the cabinet base softens.
Most disposals last 8 to 12 years depending on use and model. A leaking housing or a burned-out motor on an older unit is usually replacement time.
Call (615) 436-9486 and describe the symptom, the fixture, and whether water is still running. We give you a time window, tell you what to shut off while you wait, diagnose the fault on site, and quote an upfront price before any work begins. Emergencies are answered 24/7.
Still unsure? Call (615) 436-9486 and describe what you are seeing. We would rather answer a question than have a small leak become a large repair.
Related services
Clogged kitchen sink, jammed disposal, dishwasher backup, or leaking sprayer? Kitchen lines cleared and sealed.
Learn more →Slow drain, gurgling, or a clog that keeps coming back. Cleared properly, then tested – not just poked through.
Learn more →Dripping faucet, low pressure, or a leaking sink? Cartridges, seals, and supply lines fixed or replaced cleanly.
Learn more →New dishwasher, leaking connection, or dishwasher draining into the sink? Hookup, drain loop, and leak testing done right.
Learn more →Offices, restaurants, retail & multi-unit buildings in Hermitage. Planned work, fast emergency response, minimal downtime.
Learn more →On the job
Photos of plumbers at work on the kinds of jobs described on this page. Photos are illustrative; alt text is generic and never claims a photo was taken in a specific neighborhood.




Where we work
We offer garbage disposal repair in every Hermitage neighborhood we serve, from our base at 3442 Lebanon Pike. Choose your neighborhood for local information, or see all service areas, typical cost ranges, and how a visit runs.
Related reading
More help: all plumbing guides, common plumbing problems, and annual maintenance plan.
Don’t see your brand? No problem – our plumbers work on all major makes and models. Call (615) 436-9486 and tell us the brand and model number on the rating plate. Brand names are trademarks of their owners; Hermitage Plumber Near You is an independent local plumbing service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brand listed.
One call gets a local plumber on the way. Mon–Fri 7AM–7PM, Sat 8AM–4PM, and 24/7 for emergencies. Tell us the symptom and whether water is still running, and we will tell you what to shut off while you wait.
Schedule Service · (615) 436-9486
Mon–Fri: 7AM – 7PM · Sat: 8AM – 4PM · 24/7 Emergency Service