Classify the symptom. Ask what happens at the switch, where water appears, whether the sink drains with the unit off, whether the dishwasher is affected, whether an object entered the unit, and whether there is heat, smoke, sparking, or active water near power.
Set a safe boundary. Tell visitors to keep hands and tools out of the grinding chamber and avoid repeated resets or electrical work. For smoke, sparking, burning odor, damaged wiring, or water at an electrical connection, direct them to stop use and follow qualified professional or emergency guidance.
Locate the actual fault. Explain inspection of the appliance, sink mounting, drain and dishwasher connections, trap and downstream flow, and the accessible power connection. Distinguish a disposal jam from a branch-drain blockage and a failed unit body from a loose fitting.
Quote comparable options. If both repair and replacement are viable, show the full installed cost, included parts and connections, exclusions, unit specifications, warranty, permit or trade boundary if relevant, scheduling, and disposal of the old unit.
Confirm product and sink fit. Identify feed type, electrical supply, mounting compatibility, cabinet clearance, drain alignment, dishwasher connection, noise or feature choices, and any sink, countertop, drain, switch, or air-gap work outside the standard installation.
Test the completed job. Name the checks for secure mounting, vibration, switch or control function, normal operation, sink drainage, dishwasher connection where present, and leaks at the flange, unit, drain joints, and trap. State what the customer receives in writing.