Loading page…
Skip to content
City of TorontoMetro master licence15791Request service

Garburator and garbage disposal repair

A garburator that hums, leaks or stops dead usually has a clear cause. We find it, then tell you whether a repair, a new unit or taking it out makes the most sense. In Toronto, we also check whether your home's sewer allows one.

Call (416) 489-0000Request service
City of TorontoLicensed & insuredMetro master plumbing licence15791
1212 The Queensway, Etobicoke

Does this sound familiar?

  • It hums but does not spin
  • It does nothing at all when you flip the switch
  • Water is dripping under the sink
  • The sink drains slowly or backs up when it runs
  • You are thinking about installing or removing one
Properly installed kitchen-sink drain and trap beneath the sink.

Read this before you buy one

Toronto's sewer by-law does not allow household garbage grinders whose waste ends up in a storm or combined sewer, directly or indirectly. So whether you can install or run one depends on the sewer your home drains to, and that is worth finding out before you spend money on a unit.

Other cities have their own rules. If your home is outside Toronto, check with your municipality. If your home is on a septic system, ask about the effect on the system too.

Before you call

  • Turn it off first. Switch off the power at the wall switch and at the breaker before you look inside.
  • Never put your hand in the unit. Not even with the power off, if something else can do the job.
  • Try the reset. Many units have a small reset button on the bottom. If it trips again right away, stop and call.
  • Do not pour drain chemicals into it. They can damage the unit and are dangerous for whoever opens it next.

What usually goes wrong

  • Jams. Bones, fibres and hard scraps can stop the plates from turning.
  • Leaks. These can come from the sink flange, the dishwasher connection, the drain pipe or the body of the unit. A leak from the body usually means replacement.
  • Clogged drains. Grinding does not make waste disappear. It still has to travel down your pipes. See clogged sink and tub drains.
  • Worn-out units. When the motor or the body has failed, a new unit or removal usually makes more sense than a repair.

Replacing or removing one

If the unit is done, you have two choices. Replace it, if your home's sewer allows one, or remove it and fit a regular sink drain. Removing it is a simple job, and it can fix a slow sink at the same time.

If you are changing the sink as well, see sink repair and installation.

What not to put down it

Keep out grease, oil and fat, along with bones and fibrous or starchy scraps like celery and potato peels. Run cold water while it grinds and for a little while after. Toronto has a list of what should stay out of your drains, and it is worth a read.

This page covers garbage disposal installation and garbage disposal repair.

We serve homes in Etobicoke, Mississauga, North York and nearby Toronto communities.

In their words

Hear from homeowners

Homeowners talk about Waterworks

Questions people ask

Who does the work

Michael from Waterworks in a finished shower

Waterworks is owned and run by Michael Yuffa, Owner and Chief Plumber, who has 46+ years of experience with Toronto homes, longer than most of the city's condos have been standing. About our team

  • Metro master plumbing licence 15791
  • WSIB Ontario workplace safety and insurance
  • Insured by Desjardins Insurance
  • Rated 4.8 from 551 Google reviews and 4.9 from 2,273 HomeStars reviews (October 2026)

Written from Waterworks’ service information and the sources named on this page. Last updated November 3, 2026.

Request service

Tell us what is happening and we will call you back to book. For leaks and backups, calling is faster.

(416) 489-0000
Evenings and weekends
Phones answered. Overnight calls booked first thing in the morning.
Office
1212 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 1R8

For example M8Z 1R8 or Mimico

How urgent is it?

We only use this to reply about your job. See our privacy page.

Plumbing help for your home.(416) 489-0000Request

Residential plumbing & drains

Let’s get your home sorted.

Tell us what’s happening. We’ll call you to arrange a visit.

For example M8Z 1R8 or Mimico

How urgent is it?

We only use this to reply about your job. See our privacy page.