Small job, same standards
Because a disposal swap looks simple, it is easy to skip the usual checks. But a disposal touches the drain, the dishwasher and the electrical supply, and a careless install can leak into the cabinet for months. A few questions up front save trouble later.
In California, contractors are licensed by the Contractors State License Board. You can look up any license number at cslb.ca.gov to see whether it is active and what classification it holds.
Before you book
- Get the contractor's CSLB license number and look it up at cslb.ca.gov.
- Confirm your Fullerton address is in their service area.
- Ask how the visit is priced before anyone comes out.
- Ask whether they will install a unit you supply.
- Ask whether an employee or a subcontractor will do the work.
- Ask whether electrical work is included or handled separately.
Before work starts
- The cause of the problem has been explained in plain terms.
- Repair and replacement options are explained, if both apply.
- The price is in writing, with the unit, parts and labor listed.
- Haul-away of the old unit is included or clearly excluded.
- Any permit question has been answered, especially for electrical changes.
- You know what to do if a leak appears after they leave.
Answers that should make you pause
| You hear | Why it matters | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| No license number given | You cannot verify who is doing the work | Ask again, then look it up |
| Price only given verbally | Harder to compare or dispute later | Ask for it in writing |
| Replace without diagnosing | A working unit may be blamed for a drain clog | Ask how they know the unit is at fault |
| No test before leaving | Leaks often show only under full flow | Ask them to fill and drain the sink and run the dishwasher |
At the end of the visit
Watch the test
See the sink filled and drained, the disposal run, and the dishwasher drain.
Look under the sink
Check each joint with a flashlight and a dry paper towel.
Get the paperwork
Keep the invoice and the new unit's documents together.
Common questions
Does a disposal job need a licensed contractor?
Check the license requirements for your job at cslb.ca.gov. Hiring a licensed contractor gives you a way to verify who you are dealing with.
What does the CSLB lookup show?
It shows the license status and classification, among other details. Make sure the name matches who you are hiring.
Should I get more than one estimate?
For a replacement, comparing two written estimates is reasonable. Use the estimate worksheet to compare them line by line.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.