Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation in Hillsboro, Oregon

Garbage disposals make Hillsboro kitchens more efficient by grinding food waste into small particles that flow safely through plumbing. When units jam, leak, hum, or stop working, daily routines can be disrupted. Homes in Downtown Hillsboro, Aloha, and Reedville often experience disposal issues due to normal wear, food clogs, motor strain, or damaged internal components.

Timely repair or replacement prevents backups, water damage, and expensive plumbing issues. At M.T. Dunn Plumbing, we provide licensed, professional garbage disposal repair and installation services across Hillsboro and nearby communities. Whether it’s a simple repair or a full replacement, we restore reliable function so your kitchen stays functional every day.

COMPREHENSIVE GARBAGE DISPOSAL SERVICES

Emergency Garbage Disposal Response

Sudden disposal failure can cause water leaks, clogs, and kitchen disruption. Our emergency team responds quickly to:

  • Jammed blades
  • Electrical or motor malfunctions
  • Leaks that threaten cabinets, flooring, or plumbing

Technicians arrive fully equipped to assess, repair, or replace units safely, ensuring your kitchen remains operational while preventing further damage.

Professional Diagnostic Services

Modern disposals combine electrical components and plumbing connections that require careful inspection. Our technicians:

  • Test power supply, reset switches, and motors
  • Inspect grinding chambers, impellers, and drain connections
  • Identify root causes instead of treating symptoms

Early diagnosis often extends the unit’s life and prevents repeated issues. Our team explains findings clearly so homeowners can make informed repair or replacement decisions.

Garbage Disposal Repair Solutions

Common repair issues we address include:

  • Jammed blades: Removal of stuck food, bones, or utensils
  • Leaking units: Fixing seals, housings, or drain connections
  • Loud operation: Eliminating debris and aligning motors
  • Electrical failures: Diagnosing wiring, reset buttons, or motor replacements
  • Slow drains: Clearing grease, food buildup, or blockages
  • Humming without spinning: Unjamming impellers safely

We use high-quality replacement parts to ensure durability. Most repairs restore full functionality at a fraction of the replacement cost.

Garbage Disposal Installation & Replacement

When repairs are no longer cost-effective, we provide professional installation of:

  • Standard disposals
  • Continuous feed units
  • High-horsepower models

Our installation process ensures:

  • Leak-free plumbing connections
  • Proper electrical wiring
  • Secure mounting for quiet operation

We test each system thoroughly and leave your kitchen clean and ready for daily use.

How Garbage Disposals Work

Disposals sit under the sink and use rotating impellers to grind food into particles small enough to pass safely through drains. Proper use, routine maintenance, and prompt repair prevent clogs, leaks, and motor failures.

Common Garbage Disposal Problems

Problem Causes Solution
Jammed blades Food scraps, bones, utensils Remove obstruction, inspect blades
Leaks Worn seals, loose connections Replace components, tighten fittings
Loud noises Metal debris or misaligned motor Clear debris, adjust alignment
Not turning on Electrical issues, burned motor Diagnose power, replace motor
Slow drain Grease, buildup Clear drains, flush unit
Humming without spinning Jammed impeller Unjam impeller, check motor

Repair vs Replacement

Repair:

  • Minor jams or leaks
  • Easily accessible unit
  • Functional motor and electrical components

Replace:

  • Cracked disposal body
  • Major leaks from the bottom
  • Burned-out motor or corroded grinding chamber
  • Unit older than 8–12 years

Replacement provides long-term reliability, prevents frequent failures, and improves grinding performance.

Causes of Garbage Disposal Failure

  • Overloading the unit with food waste
  • Improper disposal of fibrous foods, grease, or bones
  • Wear and tear on blades and motor
  • Loose plumbing connections causing leaks
  • Corrosion of the grinding chamber
  • Electrical issues such as worn switches or faulty wiring
  • Cold weather thickening grease and straining motors

Maintenance Tips

  • Avoid fibrous, starchy, or greasy foods
  • Grind ice cubes occasionally to sharpen blades
  • Use citrus peels to reduce odors
  • Flush unit with hot water after use
  • Schedule routine inspections to catch early issues

Why Hillsboro Residents Choose M.T. Dunn Plumbing

  • Trusted Local Experience: Over 35 years of plumbing expertise, handling all major disposal brands and kitchen plumbing layouts.
  • Licensed & Insured: Oregon CCB-certified plumbers using professional-grade tools and materials.
  • 24/7 Emergency Service: Immediate response prevents backups and water damage.
  • Transparent Pricing: Clear explanations with no hidden fees, often completing repairs in a single visit.

Service Areas

We serve Hillsboro and surrounding neighborhoods, including:

  • Downtown Hillsboro
  • South Hillsboro
  • Reedville
  • Aloha
  • Banks
  • Gaston
  • Sherwood
  • Nearby Washington County communities

FAQs

What size disposal is best for a Hillsboro home?

Most homes use 1/2–3/4 HP units. Smaller households can use 1/3 HP; larger families or frequent cooks may need 3/4–1 HP.

How long does repair take?

Minor jams: 30–60 minutes. Motor replacement or hidden issues: 1–3 hours.

Continuous feed vs batch feed?

Continuous feed runs while the switch is on; batch feed only operates when the stopper is engaged. Batch feed is safer for homes with children.

Can I fix my disposal myself?

Simple reset or debris removal is possible, but motor, wiring, and seal issues require a licensed plumber.

Does professional installation prevent leaks?

Yes. Correct alignment, secure mounting, and proper seals prevent leaks and protect cabinets and flooring.

Can M.T. Dunn Plumbing recommend the right unit?

Yes. We evaluate kitchen layout, household size, and plumbing setup to recommend a durable, quiet, and efficient disposal.

Do you offer same-day service?

Yes. Our Hillsboro team provides fast, professional same-day repairs for jams, leaks, and motor failures.

When your garbage disposal malfunctions, it can disrupt kitchen activities and cause damage. M.T. Dunn Plumbing delivers reliable, professional garbage disposal repair and installation in Hillsboro. 

Call today to restore smooth operation and prevent future issues.