A Winston disposal that hums, won't start or leaks usually has a jam, a tripped reset, a worn seal or a failed motor. Because some homes in this part of Douglas County may not be on sewer, a plumber can also advise how much a disposal should be used. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Winston.
Winston's situation
Winston is a small unincorporated community in western Douglas County along I-20, a former town whose charter was repealed in 1995. The Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority (WSA) supplies water from its Dog River Reservoir, but sewer availability in Winston isn't confirmed, and WSA requires homes on private onsite wastewater systems in the Dog River basin to keep them properly maintained as a condition of water service. If your home is on one, a disposal adds solids to the tank, so use it lightly or not at all. Homeowners own the lines from the WSA meter to the house. Permits come from Douglas County Building Permits & Inspections (770-920-7201).
What to do right now
- Cut the power. Turn off the wall switch, then unplug the unit or switch off its breaker.
- Don't reach inside. Fish out visible objects with pliers or tongs only.
- Try the hex socket. Fit the small wrench into the socket on the bottom and work it both ways until the plate turns.
- Press reset. Push the red button underneath, restore power and start it with cold water running.
- Hold off on dishes. A dishwasher that empties through the disposal will flood the sink until it's fixed.
- Know whether you're on sewer. Many Winston-area homes may use private onsite systems.
- Look for water. Put a towel down and note where the moisture collects.
- Stop if it hums again. Repeated humming can burn out the motor; leave it off and call.
Symptom guide
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Persistent odor | Food film under the splash guard or a drain holding water |
| Water from the bottom | Internal seal failure; the unit usually needs replacing |
| Drip at the side | Worn dishwasher hose, clamp or discharge tube gasket |
| Hums, won't turn | Something wedged between the plate and the grinding ring |
| No sound at all | Tripped reset, breaker, switch or failed motor |
| Sink drains slowly | Packed trap or a narrowed kitchen branch line |
What affects the cost
- What's wrong: a reset or freed jam takes less time than a replacement.
- The new unit: motor size, grinding stages and insulation set its price.
- Fittings: worn hoses, traps or mounting rings add parts.
- Power: hardwired units take longer than plug-in models.
- The drain: clearing a packed line is separate work.
Garbage Disposals questions in Winston
Can I keep a disposal if my home is not on municipal sewer?
Who handles the permit if a disposal job needs one here?
Should I pour a drain opener into a sink that has a disposal?
Nothing happens when I flip the disposal switch. Where should I look?
More plumbing services in Winston
Garbage Disposals nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
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