Garbage Disposal Repair in Moreno Valley, CA

Moreno Valley homes and their drains

Moreno Valley was formed in 1984 from Sunnymead, Edgemont and Moreno, and its median home dates to about 1988. Many kitchens are on their second or third disposal by now, and some still have the builder's basic model under the sink. The kitchen drain in a house of that age is usually plastic, so a disposal problem here is more often the unit itself, the trap or a dishwasher hose than a failing branch line.

Sewer service splits by area. Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) handles wastewater collection and treatment for most of the city and runs the Moreno Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility, while Edgemont Community Services District serves a western area. Water is EMWD for most addresses and Box Springs Mutual Water Company in a western section that includes Edgemont, so check your bill if you are not sure which agency is yours.

Repair or replace

Signs to watch for

• A burning or electrical smell while the motor runs
• Water collecting in the cabinet after the dishwasher drains
• Rust spots or a damp ring on the bottom of the housing
• Grinding that takes far longer than it used to
• The reset button popping out every few uses

Timing and seasonal notes

Holiday cooking is hard on disposals everywhere: potato peels, turkey fat and bones arrive all at once. Scrape plates into the trash, run cold water before, during and after grinding, and feed scraps in small amounts. If water rises in a tub or toilet while the kitchen sink drains, stop using water and call, because the clog is likely past the kitchen line. For a problem in the public sewer, EMWD lists 1-800-698-0400 or 951-928-3777 ext. 6265 for water and sewer emergencies.

Permits in the city go through the Building & Safety Division, with applications submitted online through SimpliCITY. A plumber can tell you whether a like-for-like swap calls for one.