In Kennesaw, a disposal that hums, makes no sound or leaks usually has a jam, a tripped overload, a worn gasket or a failed motor. A few safe checks may get it running; if not, a plumber can repair or replace it. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Kennesaw.
Kennesaw at a glance
Kennesaw's housing is mostly from the 1990s and 2000s. Census survey figures give a median build year of 1998, with about 11% of homes built before 1980. That usually means modern drain lines and a builder-grade disposal that has reached the end of its life. The city doesn't run its own water system; Cobb County Water System serves Kennesaw, and its emergency line, 770-419-6201, takes reports of sewer backups on the public side. Kennesaw Building Services enforces the 2024 International Plumbing Code with Georgia amendments, and all permits are applied for online through iWorQ (770-429-4554). Ask your plumber whether a disposal job needs one.
Safe things to try first
- Cut the power. Turn off the wall switch, then unplug the unit or switch off its breaker.
- Keep your hands out. Use a flashlight to look in, and tongs to lift out anything you can see.
- Free the plate from below. The wrench that came with the unit fits the center socket underneath; rock it back and forth.
- Press reset. Push the red button underneath, restore power and start it with cold water running.
- Leave the drain opener on the shelf. It won't free a jam and makes the plumber's job riskier.
- Trace any leak. A paper towel wiped around the flange, hose and housing shows where water is getting out.
- Note the house's age. In Kennesaw's 1990s and 2000s homes, the original unit is usually the culprit.
- Stop if it hums again. Repeated humming can burn out the motor; leave it off and call.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Sink drains slowly | Packed trap or a narrowed kitchen branch line |
| Water from the bottom | Internal seal failure; the unit usually needs replacing |
| Dishwasher water in the sink | Clogged disposal inlet or trap, or a knockout plug left in |
| Buzzing with the plate locked | A bone, pit or utensil jammed in the chamber |
| Rattle or clatter | Loose object in the chamber or a worn mount |
| No sound at all | Tripped reset, breaker, switch or failed motor |
What affects the cost
- Repair or replacement, the biggest single factor.
- Disposal grade: entry, mid-size or heavy-duty motor.
- Condition of the trap and tailpiece, especially in older kitchens.
- Electrical hookup, cord-and-plug or hardwired.
- Any permit the job requires, and its inspection.
Garbage Disposals questions in Kennesaw
Who handles the permit if a disposal job needs one here?
When does replacing the disposal make more sense than repairing it?
Why does my dishwasher leave dirty water sitting in the sink?
What should I tell the plumber when I call about a disposal?
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