Garbage disposal repair and installation in Greenville and the Upstate
Garbage disposal repair for humming, jammed or leaking units. We fix the disposal you have, or install a new one the right size for your kitchen.
A licensed Master Plumber on every job
4.8from 594 Google reviews
Why is my garbage disposal humming but not working?
A humming disposal is usually jammed by something hard caught between the plate and the ring, or the motor has overheated and tripped its reset button. If clearing the jam and pressing reset does not work, the motor may be failing. Ethical Plumbing repairs or replaces it with a written price. Call 864-438-0525.
- Jams and clogs
- Leaks under the sink
- New disposal installs
- Most replacements on the first visit
Repair or replace?
Many disposal problems are quick fixes: a jam, a tripped reset button, a loose drain connection or a clogged dishwasher hose. Leaks from the body of the disposal itself, a motor that will not run, or a unit more than about ten years old usually mean replacement is the better value.
We carry common sizes, so most replacements happen on the same visit. We match the horsepower to how you cook, connect the dishwasher drain properly, and check the sink drain below it, since a disposal problem is sometimes really a clogged kitchen drain.
Signs your disposal needs attention
Call when you notice:
- Humming with no grinding
- The disposal will not turn on
- Water leaking under the sink
- Slow draining or water backing up
- Grinding or rattling noises
- A smell that cleaning will not fix

What we do
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Jam and reset
Clear the jam safely and get the motor running again.
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Leak repair
Sink flange, drain and dishwasher connections resealed.
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Clog clearing
Clear the drain line below the disposal, not just the unit.
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New installation
Right-sized disposal, new mounting and connections, tested.
Disposals and Upstate plumbing
If your home is on a septic system, which is common outside Upstate city limits, a disposal adds solids to the tank. It can still work, but the tank may need pumping more often, and we can recommend a septic-rated model.
Grease, fibrous peels, coffee grounds and eggshells are the usual cause of disposal drain clogs. They pass through the disposal but settle in the pipe. If your kitchen sink clogs often, the drain line may need cleaning.
What affects the price of garbage disposal repair
You get a written price before work starts. It depends on:
- Repair or replacement
- Disposal size and horsepower
- Any electrical work needed, handled by an electrician
- Dishwasher and drain connections
- Clearing a clogged drain line
How a visit works
You book a time
Online or by phone. We confirm your arrival window and call when the plumber is on the way, or text or email if we cannot reach you.
We find the cause
A licensed Master Plumber diagnoses the problem and explains it in plain terms.
You choose, in writing
You get your options side by side with written prices. Nothing starts until you approve.
We fix it and walk you through it
Clean work area, tested result, and a walkthrough before we leave.
Why homeowners call Ethical Plumbing for garbage disposals
Every job starts with a diagnosis from a licensed Master Plumber, not a sales pitch. We explain what we found in plain terms, show you the options side by side, and put the prices in writing before anything starts. If a repair makes more sense than a replacement, we say so.
We treat your home like a job site that people live in: shoe covers on, work area protected, cleaned up before we leave, and a walkthrough of what we did. Ethical Plumbing has served the Upstate for 16+ years, and our team brings 100+ years of combined plumbing experience. You can meet our plumbers or read what customers say.
What customers say
Every review here is from a real customer. Names are shortened for privacy.
Ethical Plumbing gets my highest rating. I’ve used their services several times and will never call anyone else. This time my disposal was leaking. Mitchell and Ivan came out to look at it. They explained and fixed the problem, and were courteous and professional throughout. I highly recommend this company.
I received a call from Ethical Plumbing, informing me of a complimentary inspection they were offering, and asking if I’d like to schedule one. Typically, these calls are a way for a company to get an ‘in’ for an opportunity at more business. I agreed, though, since my wife has had nothing but…
We've used Ethical Plumbing for years and have always had an excellent experience. They are honest and helpful. We've had them repair a broken pipe, replace our toilets and this time, replace the garbage disposal. Everytime they come, they ask if there is anything else they can look at for us…
Garbage disposal repair across the Upstate
We repair and install garbage disposals in 6 counties across the Upstate and western North Carolina. Towns with a local page are linked.
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Greenville County, SC
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Spartanburg County, SC
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Pickens County, SC
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Anderson County, SC
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Henderson County, NC
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Polk County, NC
- Tryon
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Also serving
- Seneca, SC
- Gray Court, SC
Garbage disposal repair FAQs
How long does a garbage disposal last?
Most last 8 to 15 years, depending on the model and how it is used.
Where is the reset button?
On the bottom of the disposal under the sink, usually a small red button. Turn the switch off before pressing it.
Can I put my hand in the disposal to clear a jam?
No. Turn off the power at the switch and breaker and use the hex key on the bottom of the unit, or call us.
What should not go in a garbage disposal?
Grease, oil, bones, fibrous peels like celery and corn husks, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta and rice.
Can you install a disposal where there was none?
Usually, yes. The sink needs a power outlet underneath and room for the unit. We check both first.
Is a disposal okay with a septic tank?
Yes, with a septic-rated model and more frequent tank pumping.
Why does my disposal leak?
Leaks come from the sink flange at the top, the drain connections on the side, or the body of the unit. A leaking body means replacement.
Do you install the disposal I bought?
Yes. We can install a disposal you purchased, or supply one.
Ready when you are
Tell us what's going on.
A Master Plumber will find the cause, explain it in plain terms, and put your options in writing before any work starts.
- A licensed Master Plumber on every job
- Serving the Upstate for 16+ years
- Written prices, every job