

In Des Moines, garbage disposal repair is often needed when a system that normally makes kitchen cleanup easier suddenly stops working. Your home’s garbage disposal is a helpful alternative for those who aren’t able to compost, providing a fast, clean way to handle food waste. A garbage disposal works by grinding scraps into small pieces so they can flow safely through the plumbing system instead of ending up in a landfill. So what happens when your garbage disposal is not working and needs repairs? Don’t worry, Bell Brothers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help.
Our team provides more than heating and cooling services, we also offer professional plumbing services, including garbage disposal repair in Des Moines. Bell Brothers helps homeowners recognize the signs of disposal trouble so problems can be addressed early. With the right care and timely repairs, you can protect your disposal and know exactly who to call when service is needed.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair
While a garbage disposal can be loud while it’s running, the unit itself is hidden under the sink, making problems harder to spot. That’s why it isn’t always obvious when something is wrong. However, if any of the following signs appear, it may be time for garbage disposal repair.
Noises
One of the most common signs your garbage disposal is not working properly is unusual noise. Sounds like humming, whirring, rattling, loud grinding, or squealing often indicate the need to fix a garbage disposal before the problem worsens.
Humming or whirring typically points to jammed impellers or a malfunctioning flywheel. Rattling or loud grinding may mean a foreign object is stuck inside the unit or that an impeller has come loose. When a garbage disposal squeals, it can signal motor failure and the need for unit repair.
Resetting
If your garbage disposal keeps tripping the reset button, the system may be overworked or failing internally. When resetting the unit doesn’t restore normal operation, it’s a strong sign that sink disposal repair is needed.
Clogs

Frequent clogs are another indicator that garbage disposal repair may be necessary. Clogs often occur when:
- Incorrect food is put in the disposal
- Too much food is put in the disposal at once
- Non-food objects are put down the disposal
If the garbage disposal works, but the water does not drain, you probably have a clog. Clogs in your pipes can cause pipe bursts, so make sure you call a plumber before the issue worsens.
Odors
Have you noticed a foul smell coming from your garbage disposal? That smell usually indicates the presence of rotting or decaying food stuck near the blades or in the drainpipes. There are common DIY fixes to eliminate this issue, but those solutions aren’t guaranteed to work. Turn to Bell Brothers when issues like this arise.
Leaks
Has a leak sprung up underneath where your garbage disposal is located? Leaks can be caused by a range of issues, including the following:
- Worn or damaged seals
- Cracked housing
- Loose or improperly installed connections
- Corrosion
- Impeller or blade damage
If you find water under your sink, then the connections between the pipes and your garbage disposal may be loose. If the pipes aren’t loose, you might need a new gasket. All of these call for garbage disposal repair; trust Bell Brothers to provide the most effective solution.
Schedule OnlineFoods That Can Ruin Your Garbage Disposal
Having the luxury of a garbage disposal at your home isn’t all flowers and sunshine, it comes with a certain responsibility. Keep your garbage disposal working its best and avoid putting these foods down it:
Bones
Never put bones down your garbage disposal. Bones are particularly difficult to ground, and even if they are, they can still sit at the bottom of pipes and cause blockages. Bones can also damage the blades.
Celery
Celery should never go down a garbage disposal due to its stringy nature. When ground up, celery can wrap around the disposal’s blades and cause damage. This, of course, leads to repairs.
Banana and Potato Peels
Peels from bananas and potatoes are extremely hard to grind. Since banana and potato peels are so difficult to grind, they often cause blockages.
Pasta and Rice
Starchy foods like pasta and rice are also a grouping of foods that shouldn’t be put down a garbage disposal. Scraps of pasta and rice commonly cause blockages and clogging.
Why Choose Bell Brothers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
When your garbage disposal isn’t working, you need a plumbing team you can trust to diagnose the issue correctly and fix it the right way. Bell Brothers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a trusted choice for garbage disposal repair in Des Moines because we focus on quality workmanship, clear communication, and dependable results.
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Licensed, experienced plumbers trained to handle garbage disposal and sink disposal repairs safely
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Accurate diagnosis to identify whether your disposal needs repair or replacement
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Upfront pricing with no surprises before work begins
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Clean, professional service that respects your home and kitchen space
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Reliable repairs backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
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Local service you can count on throughout Des Moines and Central Iowa
From minor issues to full garbage disposal unit repairs, our team is committed to restoring your kitchen’s functionality quickly and correctly.
Schedule Your Garbage Disposal Repair Service Today
Is your home’s garbage disposal in need of repair? Bell Brothers provides expert garbage disposal repair services to restore proper operation quickly and safely. Contact Bell Brothers today for reliable garbage disposal repair and professional plumbing services you can trust.
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