Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation — Tolleson Plumber
Your garbage disposal handles a lot — maybe too much. From citrus season overloads to hard water corrosion, Arizona disposals take a beating. Whether yours is jammed, leaking, or just not grinding anymore, we repair and replace all brands and sizes.
Disposals and Arizona Citrus Season
Every winter, Arizona homeowners harvest oranges, lemons, and grapefruits by the bagful. And every January through March, we see a spike in garbage disposal calls. Citrus peels, while they smell great, are fibrous and tough on disposal blades. Large quantities can wrap around the grinding plate, jam the motor, and overwhelm the drain line.
The fix isn't to avoid your disposal — it's to use it wisely. Feed citrus peels in small amounts with plenty of cold water. Never stuff a whole orange worth of rind down at once. And if your disposal is a lower-powered 1/3 HP model, it may simply lack the torque for heavy citrus grinding. A 3/4 HP upgrade handles it easily.
Disposal Size: 1/3 HP vs. 3/4 HP
1/3 HP (Builder Grade)
- Handles light food scraps
- Struggles with fibrous vegetables and citrus peel
- Prone to jamming under heavy use
- Shorter lifespan (3–5 years typical)
- Usually included by home builders
3/4 HP (Recommended Upgrade)
- Grinds all common food waste including citrus
- Multi-stage grinding reduces clogs
- Faster processing, less water waste
- 8–12 year lifespan
- Quieter operation with insulated housing
Garbage Disposal Do's and Don'ts
DO run cold water before, during, and after grinding
DON'T pour grease or oil into the disposal
DO grind small amounts at a time, not huge loads
DON'T put bones, shellfish shells, or corn husks in
DO use ice cubes periodically to clean the blades
DON'T put expandable foods like rice or pasta in large quantities
Why Choose Us for Garbage Disposal
All major brands repaired and installed
Right-sized units for your household
Proper electrical and plumbing connections
Disposal and drain line optimization
Serving the West Valley
We provide garbage disposal services in Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Phoenix, and surrounding areas.
Request Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common plumbing questions from our expert team
