An El Mirage disposal that will not grind is usually jammed or has tripped its overload, and one that leaks usually has a loose mount or a failed internal seal. A plumber can fix the repairable problems and replace the unit when it is worn out. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in El Mirage.
El Mirage sits on the west bank of the Agua Fria River and runs its own water and wastewater systems. The city's Water Services Division supplies El Mirage and the Original Town Site of Surprise, and its Wastewater Services treat sewage at a city reclamation facility. The water is softer than in much of the Valley: the city's report lists 4 to 9 grains per gallon, averaging 7. That means less of the heavy white crust seen elsewhere, so a leaking El Mirage disposal is more often about wear, a loose mount or a jam than about scale.
What to do now
- Turn the disposal off and remove power at the plug or breaker panel.
- Look into the chamber with a flashlight and pull out hard objects with tongs.
- Press the reset button on the bottom of the housing until it clicks.
- If it was humming, fit a hex key into the bottom socket and work it back and forth.
- Restore power, run cold water and test briefly. If it trips or hums again, leave it off.
- If water is leaking, catch it with a bowl and do not run the dishwasher yet.
Symptoms and what they usually mean
| Symptom | Usual cause |
|---|---|
| Buzz with no spin | A bone, pit or utensil wedged against the grinding ring |
| No response at all | Overload tripped, outlet dead or wall switch failed |
| Leak at the drain opening | Mounting assembly loose or plumber's putty dried out |
| Leak at the dishwasher hose | Clamp loosened or hose cracked |
| Leak from the base | Internal seal failed; replace the unit |
| Water rising in the other basin | Clog in the shared trap or branch line |
What affects cost
- Clearing a jam versus installing a new unit
- The size and build of the replacement
- Replacing an old trap, tailpiece or slip nuts
- Electrical setup, plug-in or hardwired
- Clearing a slow kitchen line if the sink was sluggish before the unit failed
Permits in El Mirage go through Development Services, Building Safety, which says permits are needed for some repair work. The plumber can tell you whether yours is one of them. If a backup turns out to be coming from the public sewer, that is for the City of El Mirage Wastewater Services rather than a plumber.
Garbage Disposals questions in El Mirage
Does hard water affect a garbage disposal?
Nothing happens when I hit the switch. What should I check first?
What about cooking oil and bacon grease?
Is a higher-horsepower disposal worth it?
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