Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair in San Diego, CA

A garbage disposal system never gets the praise it deserves. Tucked away beneath the sink, it quietly chomps through food scraps, keeps your pipes clear, and makes kitchen cleanup about a thousand times easier. Until the day it doesn’t.

Maybe it starts with a strange hum. Maybe there’s that all-too-familiar clunk of a spoon that never should’ve been down there. Or worse—there’s a weird smell that just won’t quit, no matter how many lemons or ice cubes you toss in.

When your garbage disposal gives up, clogs constantly, or you just want a better one, Mauzy is here to get you back on track. For over 50 years, we’ve been San Diego County’s trusted plumbing pros—handling installations, replacements, and repairs with care, precision, and a little good humor.

Book Now (619) 273-5851

Why Garbage Disposals Matter More Than You Think

They might seem like a luxury, but garbage disposals are one of those behind-the-scenes heroes that quietly improve your kitchen experience every single day.

They help:

• Reduce food waste in your trash (and the stink that comes with it)
• Keep your sink drain flowing smoothly
• Cut down on clogs and nasty backups
• Make cleanup quick and easy after every meal

A good garbage disposal can last up to 10-15 years if installed properly and used right. But when they’re on the fritz, they can turn your kitchen into a mess fast. That’s where we come in.

Our Garbage Disposal Services – Built to Make Life Easier

At Mauzy, we’re all about delivering services that feel less like a “home repair” and more like checking a box on your to-do list. You call, we show up, we fix the problem—and you get back to your day.

Here’s how we help:

New Garbage Disposal Installation

Building your dream kitchen or finally upgrading that 1980s unit? We’ll help you pick the right garbage disposal for your household needs, plumbing setup, and budget.

We’ll handle:

• Helping you choose between horsepower sizes (yes, it matters!)
• Selecting features like noise insulation or stainless steel grinding components
• Ensuring your electrical and plumbing systems are disposal-ready
• A clean, code-compliant installation with zero hassle

Garbage Disposal Replacement Services

If your current disposal is leaking, jamming regularly, or just sounding like a blender filled with rocks—chances are, it’s time for a swap. Our team removes your old unit and replaces it with a brand-new one that’s ready to grind on day one.

We’ll also:

• Inspect your drain and pipes for hidden issues
• Ensure everything’s tightly sealed and leak-free
• Test the unit thoroughly before we pack up

Fast, Reliable Garbage Disposal Repair in San Diego

Garbage disposal acting up? Don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered. Whether your unit is making strange noises, refusing to turn on, or just not grinding like it used to, our expert plumbers at Mauzy are ready to jump in and fix the problem fast. We’ve spent over 50 years helping San Diego homeowners avoid kitchen disasters, and we know exactly how to get your disposal back in working order—without the mess or the guesswork.

Common issues like jams, clogs, leaks, and electrical malfunctions can turn your sink into a backup zone in no time. Our team will quickly diagnose the problem, explain what’s going on in plain English, and get right to work with a long-lasting repair that doesn’t cut corners. We use quality replacement parts and proven techniques to ensure your disposal runs smoothly—and stays that way.

We also offer same-day and emergency service for those “uh-oh” moments when you need help now. Because let’s face it—when your garbage disposal goes down, it throws your whole kitchen routine off.

Don’t let a faulty disposal grind your day to a halt. Call Mauzy and let us take care of it, fast.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Wondering whether you can squeeze a few more months out of your existing disposal? Keep an eye (or ear) out for these red flags:

• Frequent clogs or jams even when you’re careful about what goes in
• Persistent bad odors that don’t go away, no matter how much you clean
• Leaking water under the sink near the unit
• A humming noise with no grinding action
• Having to hit the reset button too often
• You hear metal-on-metal grinding or strange clanking
  

If your disposal is more than 10 years old and showing any of these signs, it’s probably living on borrowed time. We’ll let you know whether a repair is worth it—or if it’s time to cut your losses and upgrade.

Choosing the Right Disposal for Your Home

Not all garbage disposals are created equal. It’s not just about plugging one in and calling it a day. We’ll help you make the right call based on:

• Horsepower (HP): ⅓ HP for light use, up to 1 HP+ for big families or heavy-duty grinding.
• Grinding Chamber Material: Stainless steel is the gold standard—it resists corrosion and holds up under pressure.
• Noise Insulation: Hate that loud grinding? We’ll recommend quiet models with sound shielding.
• Batch vs Continuous Feed: Most homes go with continuous feed (turn it on, feed as you go), but batch feed models are safer and don’t require a wall switch.
• Your Kitchen Setup: We consider the size of your under-sink space, existing plumbing, and whether a dishwasher is connected to the drain.

No two kitchens are alike, and neither are your needs. We’ll help you make a smart, customized choice that serves your household for years.

Why San Diego Homeowners Choose Mauzy

We’ve been family-owned and operated for over three generations. That means no franchise gimmicks, no faceless subcontractors—just good, honest work from people who live and work right here in San Diego.

Our promise to you:

• Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
• Friendly, respectful techs who show up on time
• Clean work, done right the first time
• Long-term support if you need it later

We’re not in the business of quick fixes. We’re in the business of lasting comfort—and that includes keeping your kitchen running smoothly, day in and day out.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Never had a disposal installed before? Here’s how it works when you book with Mauzy:

1. We’ll talk through your goals and budget – whether you’re upgrading or just need a fix.
2. Our tech will inspect your sink setup to check for wiring, plumbing, and any potential red flags.
3. We recommend a model based on your needs and walk you through the benefits.
4. Installation or replacement gets underway, usually within 1–2 hours.
5. We run a full test, clean up our workspace, and show you how to use it safely.

No mess. No stress. Just a fast and smooth installation from a team that takes pride in every job.

Garbage Disposals FAQ – Let’s Answer Your Questions!

• How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Last?

  How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Last?

  Typically, a well-maintained garbage disposal lasts between 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan depends on usage, food habits, and whether it’s properly installed. Lower-end models or overworked disposals (like grinding bones or fibrous foods daily) may need replacing sooner. If you’re constantly hitting the reset button or dealing with jams and weird smells, it’s likely nearing the end of the line. Our team can inspect your current unit and give you an honest opinion on whether it’s worth repairing or swapping out.

• Can I Install a Garbage Disposal Myself?

  Can I Install a Garbage Disposal Myself?

  Technically, yes—if you’re handy with plumbing and electrical work, you might be able to handle a basic installation. But here’s the deal: one wrong move can result in leaks, electrical issues, or a voided warranty. Plus, every kitchen setup is a little different, and getting everything aligned properly can be trickier than it looks. At Mauzy, we’ve seen too many DIY jobs go sideways. Hiring a pro means your disposal is installed safely, up to code, and guaranteed to work without surprises.

• What Foods Should I Avoid Putting in the Disposal?

  What Foods Should I Avoid Putting in the Disposal?

  This one’s a biggie. Garbage disposals aren’t trash compactors—they’re meant for soft food scraps in small amounts. Avoid putting these down the drain:

  • Grease, oil, or fat (they solidify in pipes)
  • Coffee grounds (they clump and clog)
  • Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or onion skins
  • Bones, fruit pits, or shells (too hard to grind)
  • Pasta and rice (they swell and cause clogs)

  When in doubt, toss it in the trash or compost instead. Your disposal—and your pipes—will thank you.

• Why Does My Disposal Smell So Bad and How to Fix It?

  Why Does My Disposal Smell So Bad and How to Fix It?

  Funky smells usually come from food residue stuck in the grinding chamber or drain line. Over time, even small scraps can rot and stink things up. You can freshen it up by grinding citrus peels, running cold water with baking soda and vinegar, or using disposal cleaning pods. If the smell sticks around, there may be buildup or even a hidden clog that needs a pro to dislodge. Regular cleaning and smart food habits go a long way in keeping odors at bay.

• Can You Repair a Leaky Garbage Disposal or Do I Need a New One?

  Can You Repair a Leaky Garbage Disposal or Do I Need a New One?

  It depends on where the leak is coming from. If the leak is at the top—near the sink flange or mounting assembly—it’s often a seal or gasket that we can repair or replace. If the leak is from the bottom of the unit, it usually means the internal casing has failed due to corrosion, and replacement is your best bet. Either way, we’ll inspect it thoroughly and give you honest advice on whether it’s worth fixing or swapping out. Our goal is always to save you time, money, and hassle.

• My Garbage Disposal Hums But Won’t Spin… What Can I Do About It?

  My Garbage Disposal Hums But Won’t Spin… What Can I Do About It?

  A humming sound usually means the disposal’s motor is running but the internal flywheel is jammed. This often happens when something hard—like a bone or piece of silverware—gets stuck in the grinding chamber. Turn off the power at the breaker and avoid sticking your hand inside. You can try using an Allen wrench in the hex hole under the unit to manually free the jam. Still stuck? That’s your cue to call Mauzy. We’ll safely dislodge the object and check for motor damage to make sure you’re not facing a bigger issue down the line.

• What Happens If My Disposal Clogs or Stops Working?

  What Happens If My Disposal Clogs or Stops Working?

  First, turn it off—both at the switch and the breaker if needed. Never stick your hand inside (seriously!). Check for visible obstructions with tongs or a wooden spoon. Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit and try again. If it still doesn’t work, it’s time to call us. It could be a jammed impeller, a burnt-out motor, or an internal fault. We’ll diagnose the issue fast and recommend the most cost-effective fix.

When You’re Ready to Replace That Noisy, Funky, or Broken Disposal…

Mauzy is just a phone call away. Whether your disposal’s totally dead, leaking like a sieve, or you’re ready to upgrade to something quieter and more powerful—we’ve got your back.

Let our family take care of yours. With three generations of plumbing expertise in San Diego County, we’ve seen it all (and probably fixed worse). We’ll help you choose the perfect disposal and make sure it’s installed safely, smoothly, and affordably.

Call us today at (619) 273-5851 to schedule an appointment!