A Firestone disposal that hums, won't start or leaks usually has a jam, a tripped reset, a failed seal or a worn motor. A plumber can identify which and check the kitchen drain behind it. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Firestone.
About Firestone
Firestone is a fast-growing town in southwest Weld County along I-25, one of the Carbon Valley towns with Frederick and Dacono. Most of its homes are in newer family subdivisions, so many kitchens still have the disposal the builder installed. Those units commonly start humming, leaking or tripping their reset as they age. Sewer service comes from the St. Vrain Sanitation District, which serves Firestone, Frederick, Dacono and parts of Mead. The district says the building sewer line belongs to the property, not the district, and it staffs a 24-hour line for sewer backups at (303) 776-9570.
What to do now
- Power off. Flip off the switch, then unplug the unit or shut off the circuit breaker.
- Inspect the chamber. Use a flashlight and remove anything stuck with tongs or pliers.
- Unjam the plate. Turn the hex socket under the unit with the matching wrench until it moves freely.
- Reset the motor. Wait a few minutes, then press the reset button on the bottom.
- Test carefully. Run cold water, turn it on briefly and check underneath for drips.
- Call if needed. A constant hum, a leak from the housing or a tripping breaker means it's time for a plumber.
Symptom table
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Humming only | Jammed plate or seized bearings |
| No sound | Reset, breaker, switch or failed motor |
| Leak at the sink opening | Worn flange seal |
| Leak at the side | Loose drain or dishwasher connection |
| Leak from the base | Internal seal; usually means replacement |
| Slow drain, unit runs fine | Clog in trap, branch or building sewer |
Cost factors
- Fixing the existing unit or buying a new one
- The replacement's motor size and build
- Drain parts that need replacing
- Electrical work or a faulty switch
- Clearing a clog further down the line
Firestone's Building Division handles plumbing permits. A plumber can tell you whether a disposal swap needs one. In Barefoot Lakes, water comes from the Little Thompson Water District rather than the Town, but that doesn't change how the disposal or kitchen drain is repaired. If the slow drain turns out to be in the building sewer, St. Vrain treats that line as yours, so the plumber is still the one to clear it.
Garbage Disposals questions in Firestone
Who handles a backup that's coming from the public sewer main?
How many years should a garbage disposal last?
Is it safe to reach into the disposal to pull out a jammed object?
Why does dishwasher water come up in the kitchen sink?
More plumbing services in Firestone
Garbage Disposals nearby
Sources
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