Garbage Disposals

Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair in San Diego, CA

A garbage disposal system never gets the praise it deserves. Tucked away beneath the sink, it quietly chomps through food scraps, keeps your pipes clear, and makes kitchen cleanup about a thousand times easier. Until the day it doesn’t.

Maybe it starts with a strange hum. Maybe there’s that all-too-familiar clunk of a spoon that never should’ve been down there. Or worse—there’s a weird smell that just won’t quit, no matter how many lemons or ice cubes you toss in.

When your garbage disposal gives up, clogs constantly, or you just want a better one, Mauzy is here to get you back on track. For over 50 years, we’ve been San Diego County’s trusted plumbing pros—handling installations, replacements, and repairs with care, precision, and a little good humor.

Garbage Disposal Unit.

Why Garbage Disposals Matter More Than You Think

They might seem like a luxury, but garbage disposals are one of those behind-the-scenes heroes that quietly improve your kitchen experience every single day.

They help:

  • Reduce food waste in your trash (and the stink that comes with it)
  • Keep your sink drain flowing smoothly
  • Cut down on clogs and nasty backups
  • Make cleanup quick and easy after every meal

A good garbage disposal can last up to 10-15 years if installed properly and used right. But when they’re on the fritz, they can turn your kitchen into a mess fast. That’s where we come in.

Our Garbage Disposal Services – Built to Make Life Easier

At Mauzy, we’re all about delivering services that feel less like a “home repair” and more like checking a box on your to-do list. You call, we show up, we fix the problem—and you get back to your day.

Here’s how we help:

New Garbage Disposal Installation

Building your dream kitchen or finally upgrading that 1980s unit? We’ll help you pick the right garbage disposal for your household needs, plumbing setup, and budget.

We’ll handle:

  • Helping you choose between horsepower sizes (yes, it matters!)
  • Selecting features like noise insulation or stainless steel grinding components
  • Ensuring your electrical and plumbing systems are disposal-ready
  • A clean, code-compliant installation with zero hassle

Garbage Disposal Replacement Services

If your current disposal is leaking, jamming regularly, or just sounding like a blender filled with rocks—chances are, it’s time for a swap. Our team removes your old unit and replaces it with a brand-new one that’s ready to grind on day one.

We’ll also:

  • Inspect your drain and pipes for hidden issues
  • Ensure everything’s tightly sealed and leak-free
  • Test the unit thoroughly before we pack up

Fast, Reliable Garbage Disposal Repair in San Diego

Garbage disposal acting up? Don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered. Whether your unit is making strange noises, refusing to turn on, or just not grinding like it used to, our expert plumbers at Mauzy are ready to jump in and fix the problem fast. We’ve spent over 50 years helping San Diego homeowners avoid kitchen disasters, and we know exactly how to get your disposal back in working order—without the mess or the guesswork.

Common issues like jams, clogs, leaks, and electrical malfunctions can turn your sink into a backup zone in no time. Our team will quickly diagnose the problem, explain what’s going on in plain English, and get right to work with a long-lasting repair that doesn’t cut corners. We use quality replacement parts and proven techniques to ensure your disposal runs smoothly—and stays that way.

We also offer same-day and emergency service for those “uh-oh” moments when you need help now. Because let’s face it—when your garbage disposal goes down, it throws your whole kitchen routine off.

Don’t let a faulty disposal grind your day to a halt. Call Mauzy and let us take care of it, fast.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Wondering whether you can squeeze a few more months out of your existing disposal? Keep an eye (or ear) out for these red flags:

  • Frequent clogs or jams even when you’re careful about what goes in
  • Persistent bad odors that don’t go away, no matter how much you clean
  • Leaking water under the sink near the unit
  • A humming noise with no grinding action
  • Having to hit the reset button too often
  • You hear metal-on-metal grinding or strange clanking

If your disposal is more than 10 years old and showing any of these signs, it’s probably living on borrowed time. We’ll let you know whether a repair is worth it—or if it’s time to cut your losses and upgrade.

Choosing the Right Disposal for Your Home

Not all garbage disposals are created equal. It’s not just about plugging one in and calling it a day. We’ll help you make the right call based on:

  • Horsepower (HP): ⅓ HP for light use, up to 1 HP+ for big families or heavy-duty grinding.
  • Grinding Chamber Material: Stainless steel is the gold standard—it resists corrosion and holds up under pressure.
  • Noise Insulation: Hate that loud grinding? We’ll recommend quiet models with sound shielding.
  • Batch vs Continuous Feed: Most homes go with continuous feed (turn it on, feed as you go), but batch feed models are safer and don’t require a wall switch.
  • Your Kitchen Setup: We consider the size of your under-sink space, existing plumbing, and whether a dishwasher is connected to the drain.

No two kitchens are alike, and neither are your needs. We’ll help you make a smart, customized choice that serves your household for years.

Why San Diego Homeowners Choose Mauzy

We’ve been family-owned and operated for over three generations. That means no franchise gimmicks, no faceless subcontractors—just good, honest work from people who live and work right here in San Diego.

Our promise to you:

  • Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
  • Friendly, respectful techs who show up on time
  • Clean work, done right the first time
  • Long-term support if you need it later

We’re not in the business of quick fixes. We’re in the business of lasting comfort—and that includes keeping your kitchen running smoothly, day in and day out.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Never had a disposal installed before? Here’s how it works when you book with Mauzy:

  1. We’ll talk through your goals and budget – whether you’re upgrading or just need a fix.
  2. Our tech will inspect your sink setup to check for wiring, plumbing, and any potential red flags.
  3. We recommend a model based on your needs and walk you through the benefits.
  4. Installation or replacement gets underway, usually within 1–2 hours.
  5. We run a full test, clean up our workspace, and show you how to use it safely.

No mess. No stress. Just a fast and smooth installation from a team that takes pride in every job.

      Garbage Disposals FAQ – Let’s Answer Your Questions!

      • How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Last?

        How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Last?

        Typically, a well-maintained garbage disposal lasts between 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan depends on usage, food habits, and whether it’s properly installed. Lower-end models or overworked disposals (like grinding bones or fibrous foods daily) may need replacing sooner. If you’re constantly hitting the reset button or dealing with jams and weird smells, it’s likely nearing the end of the line. Our team can inspect your current unit and give you an honest opinion on whether it’s worth repairing or swapping out.

      • Can I Install a Garbage Disposal Myself?

        Can I Install a Garbage Disposal Myself?

        Technically, yes—if you’re handy with plumbing and electrical work, you might be able to handle a basic installation. But here’s the deal: one wrong move can result in leaks, electrical issues, or a voided warranty. Plus, every kitchen setup is a little different, and getting everything aligned properly can be trickier than it looks. At Mauzy, we’ve seen too many DIY jobs go sideways. Hiring a pro means your disposal is installed safely, up to code, and guaranteed to work without surprises.

      • What Foods Should I Avoid Putting in the Disposal?

        What Foods Should I Avoid Putting in the Disposal?

        This one’s a biggie. Garbage disposals aren’t trash compactors—they’re meant for soft food scraps in small amounts. Avoid putting these down the drain:

        • Grease, oil, or fat (they solidify in pipes)
        • Coffee grounds (they clump and clog)
        • Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or onion skins
        • Bones, fruit pits, or shells (too hard to grind)
        • Pasta and rice (they swell and cause clogs)

        When in doubt, toss it in the trash or compost instead. Your disposal—and your pipes—will thank you.

      • Why Does My Disposal Smell So Bad and How to Fix It?

        Why Does My Disposal Smell So Bad and How to Fix It?

        Funky smells usually come from food residue stuck in the grinding chamber or drain line. Over time, even small scraps can rot and stink things up. You can freshen it up by grinding citrus peels, running cold water with baking soda and vinegar, or using disposal cleaning pods. If the smell sticks around, there may be buildup or even a hidden clog that needs a pro to dislodge. Regular cleaning and smart food habits go a long way in keeping odors at bay.

      • Can You Repair a Leaky Garbage Disposal or Do I Need a New One?

        Can You Repair a Leaky Garbage Disposal or Do I Need a New One?

        It depends on where the leak is coming from. If the leak is at the top—near the sink flange or mounting assembly—it’s often a seal or gasket that we can repair or replace. If the leak is from the bottom of the unit, it usually means the internal casing has failed due to corrosion, and replacement is your best bet. Either way, we’ll inspect it thoroughly and give you honest advice on whether it’s worth fixing or swapping out. Our goal is always to save you time, money, and hassle.

      • My Garbage Disposal Hums But Won’t Spin… What Can I Do About It?

        My Garbage Disposal Hums But Won’t Spin… What Can I Do About It?

        A humming sound usually means the disposal’s motor is running but the internal flywheel is jammed. This often happens when something hard—like a bone or piece of silverware—gets stuck in the grinding chamber. Turn off the power at the breaker and avoid sticking your hand inside. You can try using an Allen wrench in the hex hole under the unit to manually free the jam. Still stuck? That’s your cue to call Mauzy. We’ll safely dislodge the object and check for motor damage to make sure you’re not facing a bigger issue down the line.

      • What Happens If My Disposal Clogs or Stops Working?

        What Happens If My Disposal Clogs or Stops Working?

        First, turn it off—both at the switch and the breaker if needed. Never stick your hand inside (seriously!). Check for visible obstructions with tongs or a wooden spoon. Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit and try again. If it still doesn’t work, it’s time to call us. It could be a jammed impeller, a burnt-out motor, or an internal fault. We’ll diagnose the issue fast and recommend the most cost-effective fix.


      When You’re Ready to Replace That Noisy, Funky, or Broken Disposal…

      Mauzy is just a phone call away. Whether your disposal’s totally dead, leaking like a sieve, or you’re ready to upgrade to something quieter and more powerful—we’ve got your back.

      Let our family take care of yours. With three generations of plumbing expertise in San Diego County, we’ve seen it all (and probably fixed worse). We’ll help you choose the perfect disposal and make sure it’s installed safely, smoothly, and affordably.

      Call us today at (619) 273-5851 to schedule an appointment!


      Reviews

      Here’s What Others Are Saying About Us

      5

      Evan Gaines professionalism and cooperative manner carried the day during his inspection effort. Highly knowledgeable and willing to educate as he debriefed his work, he made the overall plumbing inspection highly palatable. Kudos to Mauzy for housing a superb staff!

      5

      Jake was polite and nice. He worked in pouring rain and got it done quickly. I appreciate his worth ethic and the fact that it was running well before he left. I would definitely recommend Mauzy to others

      5

      Robert was polite, answered my questions. He went over some options for repairs.

      5

      This Five Star review is only for Mauzy technician, Nathan Benge, who did the diagnostic on my Lenox combo system of heat pump and gas furnace on December 30, 2025.

      I had a combo system of a heat pump and a furnace, Signature Collection, which were installed last year by Mauzy. For those of you don’t know much about Lennox models, Signature Collection is the top-of-the-line of the Lennox brand and yes, they are expensive and did have few issues right after the installation!

      Last cold Sunday morning, 12/28/2025, my Lennox thermostat S40 stopped working. There was no power to the unit! I contacted Mauzy on Monday and got an appointment with a technician named Nathan Benge on Tuesday morning to visit my home and to diagnose the problem. I’d like to mention the following positive notes from the time the Nathan on the way to my home to the time the he finished the job:

      1/ It’s very helpful to me receiving the status update when the Nathan was on the way and tracking information (including the estimate time of the arrival) of Nathan’s vehicle.

      2/ After listening to me about the past and current problems of the installed Lenox unit, Nathan verified no power to the Lenox thermostat S40. He, then, went up into the attic of my home, unplugged the unit main power cord from the outlet, and started checking on the connection of the electrical wires inside the unit. He found one of the wires being loosen from the undersized winged wire connectors (past workmanship?). Nathan reconnected the wires with a larger size winged wire connector (see the attached photo with red arrows) and plugged the unit main power cord back to the outlet. The unit was powered on and the thermostat S-40 was also back on!

      3/ At my request, Nathan also did the following works:

      (a) Re-checked the internal wiring to the circuit board in the blower unit (there were 4 exposed stripped copper wires at the connection to the board). He confirmed they’re O.K.

      (b) Did a visual check on the flame in the furnace.

      (c) Found a temporary solution to reduce the vibration noise from the heat pump by using the electrical wire jacket to separate the plastic component from the metal frame of the heat pump (see the attached photo with red circles).

      (d) Researched and explained the message “Ambient Lockout”, which showed under the “Status” tab of the Lennox app. He explained how the heat pump and the furnace operate when the “Ambient Lockout” message showing up in the app. Noted that I had asked the same questions to previous 5 Mauzy technicians, managers, local Lennox sale representative, and calling Lennox Customer Support. No one was able to answer or explain to me the meaning of the message “Ambient Lockout”! Even worse, all I got back from Lennox Customer Support were two case numbers and no follow-up from Lennox Technical Support. I was also told last March (2025) that Lennox Technician covering southern California region (from Bakersfield to the border) would visit my home, checked out the installed unit, and addressed some of the issues that I had with this top-of-the-line Signature Collection unit, but they’ve never came!

      In conclusion, Nathan Benge did a great job!

      5

      Carter is very knowledgeable, he is certainly an asset when it comes to customer service!

      5

      Joshua from Mauzy Plumbing came in to fix our plumbing issue. He was very detailed explaining the repair and cost associated with repairs. He did an excellent job with fixing the issue and checking everything and cleaning after him self. I really appreciated his professionalism and attention to detail. Although the service is not cheap, knowing that everything is done properly is very comforting. I would recommend him and his services to anyone who is looking for reliable plumbing experience.

      5

      Robert was wonderful ! He is so very trustworthy. He calmly explained what was wrong and all the options open to me. He didn’t hard sell anything but worked with me. He is very neat. When he was finished he patiently explained what he did and how the system worked.

      5

      Did a great job cleaning the drain of my bathtub. Abraham was very nice and took care of everything and explained everything very well. A good service to use in the future.

      5

      Working with Mauzy has been a breeze. Had some issues with our system and they sent a technician out as soon as they could. Wound up working with Mr. William Carter who was very knowledgeable and did a fantastic job. I couldn’t be more pleased with the service he provided.

      5

      Christian rewired furnace and enabled my new thermostat to work perfectly. Great customer service.

      5

      Your service representative was very polite and professional while dealing with me. Thank you for good servjce.

      5

      Informative and detailed analysis of our HVAC system by technician Mike Mitman

      5

      Christain was amazing. Efficient and honest.

      5

      Excellent service. Joe answered all our questions and he was professional and knowledgeable.

      5

      I had a new heater system installed in my house about two weeks ago And since that time I was experiencing A noise that sounded like a bass Or subwoofer playing. It happened every time the heater came on. A technician came out and his name was Mr. William Carter. I have to commend him on his knowledge of the heater systems because he knew exactly what I was talking about. He called it a “Whoomp whoomp“ sound. And I replied, “Yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like“. He ran some tests, Made some adjustments with the gas flow, Explained to me exactly what was going on, Corrected the issue and ran more test until the “Whoomp whoomp“ Sound no longer came on. I cannot explain how thankful I am for the time that he took to explain everything to me. He provided great customer service because he showed me he cared by displaying patience with my questions. He went above and beyond by explaining to me how the thermostat worked and I am so grateful he was the one that came To fix the issue. Thank you, Mr. William Carter.

      5

      I highly recommend Mike Ward at Mauzy! Mike took time out of his busy schedule to assist us with a clogged drain. He was very friendly, efficient, knowledgeable and even cleaned up after himself. We will definitely call on Mike at Mauzy again for any and all heating, plumbing and electrical needs!

      5

      Christian was awesome. Professional, knowledgeable, technically skilled, he did a great job.

      5

      Jushua was the best!!so knowledgeable and friendly .. an asset to your company!!!

      5

      Nathan inspected my old wall heater. All is well. Technician was polite and respectful. Great rep for Mauzy.

      5

      knowledgeable, thorough; reassuring; no sales pressure

      appreciated his efforts

      5

      Alex and Chris from Mauzy did a fantastic job installing my new HVAC. They were both polite and efficient working together as a team. Thank you for the positive experience. Big shout out to Edwin in making it happen. Cheers, Vince Sanchez

      5

      Was provided amazing and excellent customer service. Was notified of anything that needed to be cleaned or maintained.Kylin Was very professional

      5

      Great service.

      5

      Just had Evan G from Mauzy do an evaluation on the plumbing on my home. The evaluation could not have been more complete.
      Every bit of the plumbing was checked. Yes everything was good to go but if there was an issue Evan with his knowledge would not have missed a thing. At least 2 hours to go through all the plumbing. I recommend every home owner to get the same service. It will save on the long run and if there are minor issues you will be made aware. Evan G was terrific.

      5

      Kory was great and very thorough , thank you

      5

      Mouzy is hands above any other plumbing/electrical A/C, firm I’ve used in the past, and since I am 80 years old, I’ve used a heck of a lot of them. They are fair, polite, and knowledgeable. I have no idea what More can think of to describe them.
      You’ll be happy with them!

      5

      James Logsdon was our Tech. He is very professional and lets you know what he will be doing. He kept me informed of everything. He was amazing and I trust him. Best Tech ever.

      5

      Darren was very through in completing the service maintenance for my heating system. He took numerous photos and explained everything in detail. Thank You Darren!

      5

      Brandon was our technician, and was great about communicating prior to his arrival with an estimated time to be at our home. He was very pleasant, and explained what services he would be providing. During his visit, he was respectful of our property and kept us informed on progress of the work provided. He left things in order and provided a final update on his analysis of our plumbing. Very impressive service.

      5

      James is an excellent technician! He sourced the problem and handled the follow up in a professional manner. He clearly explained the issues with our heater. We appreciate his knowledge and courtesy!!! Our heater still under warranty for the part that had failed so no payment was due at this time.

      5

      Joe Annello was extremely thorough and explained his findings and answered all my questions. He was very professional and on time.

      5

      Both Darren and Joshua were kind?respectful, informative and gave many options to choose from!

      5

      Christian is knowledgeable of the job and very professional

      5

      Joshua was professional and courteous. His detailed description of filtration systems, along with inspection and recommendations for correction of my failed in line water filter were a sell point for the filter I subsequently purchased from Mauzy plumbing. He provided above and beyond service, tightening fixtures and replacing piping and components at no extra charge. He demonstrated how water quality reflected filter performance, which turned out to be what he predicted it would. I was more than satisfied with Joshua’s informed and thorough
      service. Thank you.

      5

      Kory was professional, proactive, courteous, and answered all of our questions regarding heating and air conditioning maintenance.

      5

      Prompt and well informed. Thank you.

      5

      Excellent service. Was able to get same day service. The technician, Kory went above and beyond to get my heater repaired in a timely manner. He was very personable and took the time to explain the details of the problem and the repair.

      5

      Got great service today from Evan G. Yearly inspection on our water heater and routine check on pluming in the house. Fast reliable service and recommendations on future and preventive maintenance. Thank you Evan and Mauzy for great service.

      5

      Kory was very professional and answered all our questions.

      5

      Excellent service!

      5

      I should’ve called Mauzy first! Prior to the call to Mauzy I had 2 companies come out to help me with a plumbing issue I had. Let’s just say it got worse rather than better. Finally, Wilber, an exceptional young man to say the least, came to the rescue! Knowledgeable, efficient, and walked me through every step of the process. Pinpointed the problem and had my plumbing issue resolved. Thank you Mauzy for having exceptional employees that know what they are doing! Will continue my services with Mauzy.

      5

      Tommy and Alex were totally awesome.

      5

      Technician Michael Mitman was very professional and helpful. More importantly, he got the job done in an expeditious manner.

      5

      Mauzy was very professional and did a great job. Especially appreciated Chris and Alejandro’s work.

      5

      On Time, very friendly and efficient. James is very easy to deal with

      5

      Thanks Robert for your great service.

      5

      Just got my new furnace installed. My technicians Chris and Alejandro were quick with removing the old one and installing the new one. Both were very helpful to help me with my thermostats and explain every part of the process with the new furnace. Im completely satisfied with their service.

      5

      James was very knowledgeable. He fixed the issue 3 others couldn’t

      5

      Darren Murphy is a super star and a great Ambassador. Keeps the customer informed as to what’s happening. Rates T least 11 stars

      5

      I highly recommend Mauzy! Their technician Wilber did an amazing job! He was professional from the moment he arrived. He was respectful, knowledgeable and very thorough. He quickly identified the issue and took the time to explain my options clearly. He made sure everything was cleaned up and working perfectly before leaving which made the whole process smooth and stress-free. Definitely recommend this company and highly suggest you request Wilber!

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