Garbage Disposal Installation in San Diego, CA
Affordable Garbage Disposal Installation, Replacement and Repair in San Diego, CA
Family-owned | Fast Service | Honest Pricing
Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair
A garbage disposal is one of the most underrated appliances in your kitchen—until it stops working. Whether you’re dealing with foul odors, strange noises, or a complete shutdown, Carini Home Services provides expert garbage disposal repair in San Diego and surrounding areas. Our licensed plumbers specialize in garbage disposal installation, replacement, and same-day emergency repairs, ensuring your system gets back to peak performance fast. If you already bought a Lowe’s garbage disposal or a Home Depot garbage disposal, we can help you install it properly and safely. We proudly install major brands like Insinkerator, Moen, American Standard and Waste King.
At Carini Home Services, we provide the best garbage disposal repair in San Diego, CA, alongside a range of other essential plumbing services, such as garbage disposal replacement and garbage disposal installation for .
Keep Your Kitchen Sink Clog-Free with Our Garbage Disposal Services
Installation
We install all major brands and models — from standard units to space-saving and quiet models. Whether it’s a continuous feed system for convenience or a batch feed unit for added safety, we’ve got you covered.
Wondering what size garbage disposal unit you need? We’ll assess your sink size, drain setup, and usage habits to recommend the best unit.
Repair
From clogs to motor failures, we offer fast, affordable garbage disposal repair in San Diego. We can fix InSinkErator, Glacier Bay, Waste King, Moen, and more.
Bought a unit from Home Depot or Lowe’s? No problem. We install Home Depot sink disposals and Lowe’s garbage disposals, too.
Replacement
If your unit is leaking, outdated, or unrepairable, we’ll remove it and replace it with a newer, more efficient model. Most garbage disposals last 8 to 12 years, but if repairs are frequent, replacement may save money long term.
How much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal? Replacement typically ranges from $200 to $500, depending on parts and labor.
Under-sink RO Filter
Causes of a Clogged Garbage Disposal
Understanding the causes of a clogged garbage disposal can prevent unnecessary damage and extend the life of your unit. It is crucial to identify these causes early on, as it can help in preventing significant damage that may lead to garbage disposal replacement. Here are some common reasons behind a clogged garbage disposal:
- Incorrect Usage: One of the leading causes of clogs is incorrect usage of the garbage disposal unit. Many people make the mistake of treating their garbage disposals like trash cans, throwing in all types of waste without considering if the disposal can handle it.
- Grease and Fat: Pouring grease or fat down the sink is a surefire way to cause a clog. These substances solidify as they cool, sticking to the walls of the drain lines and eventually causing a blockage.
- Excessive Food Waste: Disposing of large amounts of food waste, especially starchy or fibrous foods, can cause a clog. Items such as potato peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells can accumulate over time, leading to a clogged garbage disposal.
- Non-Compostable Items: Disposal units are designed for biodegradable food scraps. When non-compostable items like plastic wrappers or glass enter the unit, they can’t be ground down and can cause a clog.
- Lack of Cold Water: It might surprise you, but not using cold water during operation can lead to a clog. The cold water helps solidify any grease or oils so they can be chopped up by the disposal.
- Insufficient Water Flow: Running your disposal without enough water can also cause a clog. Water helps to flush down the food waste into the sewer system.
- Old Unit: Over time, an old disposal unit may start to have functionality issues. The blades can become dull, resulting in less effective grinding of waste and leading to potential clogs.
Signs You Need Repair or Replacement
Not sure if your disposal is on its last leg? Look out for these common signs:
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Humming sound but no blade movement
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Reset button keeps tripping
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Bad smells from the drain
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Leaking disposal unit under the sink
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Clogs in the kitchen sink drain
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Water backing up into the sink
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It won’t turn on even after resetting
🔧 How do you fix a garbage disposal that won’t spin?
Try pressing the red reset button under the unit. If that doesn’t work, it may be jammed or the motor could be failing — and it’s time to call Carini.
How Much Does Installation Cost?
Garbage disposal installation cost in San Diego typically includes labor, materials, and any plumbing/electrical work needed.
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Installation only: $250–$500+
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New unit + install: $350–$700+
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Home Depot install price: Varies by contractor; typically $150–$300+ (unit not included)
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Lowe’s install cost: Usually $150–$250+, with limitations on old unit removal
We beat big-box pricing and include warranty protection and cleanup with every install.
Food Waste That Can (and Can’t) Go Down Your Kitchen Sink
Safe to grind:
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Soft fruits & veggies
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Ice cubes
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Citrus peels
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Leftovers in small amounts
Avoid grinding:
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Grease, fats, and oils
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Eggshells, potato peels, rice, and coffee grounds
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Fibrous veggies (corn husks, celery)
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Non-food items (plastic, bones, wrappers)
Before Installation: Things to Consider
Before installing a new garbage disposal, it’s important to understand a few key factors. The right horsepower depends on your household needs. 1/3 to 1/2 HP units work well for apartments, and small homes with light usage, while 3/4 HP is a solid all-around choice. For large families or frequent cooks, a 1 HP or higher unit provides the extra power and durability needed.
Most disposals take about 1 to 2 hours to install, depending on whether your kitchen already has the necessary electrical and plumbing connections. Standard plumbing typically requires a 1.5 to 2-inch drain line, and our team will always verify compatibility before we begin.
While some homeowners attempt DIY installation, hiring a licensed plumber ensures a safe, leak-free setup with full warranty protection and peace of mind that the job is done right.
Garbage Disposal Types & Brands
Garbage disposals come in two main types: continuous feed and batch feed. Continuous feed models are the most common — they operate as long as the power switch is on, allowing you to dispose of food waste quickly and conveniently. They’re ideal for busy households that need to clean up in real time but should always be used with running water for safety and effectiveness.
Batch feed disposals, on the other hand, only activate when a specially designed stopper is securely placed in the drain. This design makes them a safer option for homes with children or for anyone who prefers an added layer of protection against accidental operation. They’re slightly less convenient but offer peace of mind and are often quieter than continuous feed models.
At Carini, we install and service all major garbage disposal brands, including InSinkErator (such as the Evolution Series and Badger models), Moen, Waste King, Glacier Bay, American Standard, GE, and more. No matter where you purchased your unit — whether from Home Depot, Lowe’s, or a specialty supplier — our team can install or repair it with expert precision.
Choose Carini Home Services
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Licensed, bonded, and insured
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Same-day emergency service available
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100% satisfaction guarantee
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Honest pricing without high-pressure sales
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Family-owned since 2006
Garbage Disposal Near Me
We serve residential and commercial clients throughout:
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Central: Mission Hills, North Park, Hillcrest
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Coastal: Del Mar, La Jolla, Point Loma
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South: Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City
Carini Home Services Reviews
“I appreciate Adan’s courtesy and help with our garbage disposal and plumbing around the kitchen sink. He found our problem, walked me through the issue, and resolved it with professionalism. Thank you!”
-Robbie M.
“I highly recommend AJ, he helped me fixed my sink disposal within minutes and showed me what was wrong with it.”
-F. F.
Additional Plumbing Services
Issues with your garbage disposal can often signal bigger problems in your plumbing system — like clogged drains, buildup in your sewer line, or damaged pipes. In addition to garbage disposal installation and repair, Carini offers a full range of plumbing services to keep your kitchen and drain lines running smoothly:
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Drain Repair for slow or blocked drains
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Drain Cleaning to clear food buildup, grease, and debris
- Faucet Repair and Installation – For both Kitchen and Bathroom
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Hydro Jetting for high-pressure removal of stubborn clogs
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Pipe Lining to restore damaged pipes without digging
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Pipe Repair for leaks, corrosion, or broken lines
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Sewer Repair to fix backups or broken sewer pipes
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Water Filtration Systems to improve water quality and extend the life of your plumbing fixtures
If your garbage disposal issues are recurring or accompanied by other plumbing symptoms, our team can perform a full plumbing inspections and recommend the best long-term solution.
Get a Quote Today
Whether you’re upgrading to a more powerful unit or fixing your jammed disposal, Carini is your trusted garbage disposal plumber in San Diego. We handle everything from kitchen sink disposal installation to clogged or leaking garbage disposal repair, with fast, professional service you can count on. If you’re looking for garbage disposal installation near you or need help troubleshooting unusual noises, odors, or drain issues, our experienced team is ready to help get your kitchen back in working order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset a garbage disposal?
Most garbage disposals have a red reset button on the bottom of the unit. If your disposal stops working, turn off the power, press the reset button, and try again. If it still doesn’t work, it may be jammed or need repair.
How do I unclog my garbage disposal?
Start by turning off the power. Use a hex key to manually rotate the blades and dislodge debris, then flush with cold water. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage the disposal and pipes.
Do I need to have a garbage disposal in my kitchen?
No — garbage disposals are optional. Some homeowners prefer to compost food scraps instead. However, disposals offer convenience, reduce food waste in trash bins, and help prevent drain clogs when used properly.
How do I clean my garbage disposal and eliminate odors?
You can clean it by grinding up ice cubes and citrus peels, then flushing with cold water. Baking soda and vinegar can also help remove residue and freshen the drain.
What’s the difference between a clogged disposal and a broken one?
A clog often causes slow draining or humming noises, while a broken disposal may not turn on at all, trip the reset button frequently, or leak from the bottom. We can diagnose and fix both issues quickly.
Can a garbage disposal damage my plumbing system?
If misused or installed incorrectly, yes. Grinding fibrous foods, grease, or hard items like bones can clog pipes or cause wear on the unit. Our professional installation ensures safe, long-lasting performance.
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