Garbage Disposal Repair in Kensington, MD

In Kensington, disposal trouble usually comes from a jam, a worn seal or a tired motor, and older drains behind the sink can make it worse. A plumber can repair or replace the unit and check the line it empties into. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Kensington.

Garbage disposal unit under a kitchen sink being installed, garbage disposals in Kensington, MD

Why do older Kensington kitchens clog so often?

Kensington grew from a summer retreat into a commuter suburb, and its southern core is a largely intact planned Victorian layout listed as the Kensington Historic District. The town's median home was built in 1959. Many of these houses have newer kitchens on top of older drain piping, and years of grease and fine food waste narrow those lines. A disposal grinds food well, but the pieces still have to travel through that old pipe, so slow sinks here are often a drain problem as much as a disposal problem.

When a plumber replaces a disposal in an older Kensington house, it makes sense to check the trap and the drain arm and clear the branch line if it is sluggish.

Do I need a permit from the Town or from WSSC?

WSSC Water Permit Services issues plumbing permits in the area, and the plumber pulls them when they are needed. The Town of Kensington also has its own forms for home construction projects, fences and signs, and Town Hall can be reached at 301-949-2424. A simple disposal swap is unlikely to involve the Town, but a kitchen remodel might. Keep in mind that the 20895 postal area is much larger than the town itself; addresses outside town limits deal with Montgomery County instead.

What if the backup is coming from the sewer?

WSSC Water handles both water and sewer here. If the kitchen sink backs up together with toilets or a basement floor drain, the trouble is probably in the building sewer or the public main rather than the disposal. WSSC Water's emergency line, 301-206-4002, covers water and sewer problems on the public side. Clogs in your own pipes need a plumber.

Call now to be connected with a local plumber in Kensington.

(202) 915-7612

A local note

Older Kensington homes often have the kitchen drain running down to a basement, where it joins the main line. If a basement floor drain gurgles whenever the dishwasher empties, mention it when you call; it points the plumber toward the shared line rather than the disposal. Until then, keep the unit unplugged, hold off on running the dishwasher and leave chemical openers on the shelf.

Garbage Disposals questions in Kensington

Can the drain pipes in an older house handle a disposal?

Often, but lines in a house from the late 1950s or earlier may be narrowed by buildup. A plumber can check and clear the drain while installing the disposal.

Does replacing a garbage disposal need a permit?

WSSC Water Permit Services issues plumbing permits, and the plumber can tell you if a disposal swap needs one. The Town of Kensington has its own forms for larger home construction projects.

Who do I call if sewage is coming from the public sewer?

WSSC Water's emergency line is 301-206-4002 for water and sewer problems on the public side. Backups inside your own pipes need a plumber.

Should I repair the disposal or replace it?

Repair jams, loose mounts and connection leaks. Replace units that leak from the housing, trip constantly or grind poorly after years of use.