Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair in Shorewood, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly turn into a headache, especially when you’ve got dinner prep underway. Whether it’s stuck, leaking, silent, or making grinding sounds like rocks inside, our team aims to fix it the same day.
Give us a call at 779-217-8531 and we’ll evaluate whether a repair makes sense or if a replacement is a smarter move. Factors like the disposal’s age and the nature of the problem guide this decision. For instance, a motor failure on a decade-old unit usually means replacement, while a jammed newer model might just need a quick unblock. We provide honest advice and upfront pricing before any work begins.
If your clog isn’t in the disposal but further down the drain—like a greasy P-trap or buildup in the drain line—we offer thorough drain cleaning to clear those blockages. Planning a full kitchen update? Check out our kitchen remodel and fixture installation services for a complete refresh.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repair
We handle common issues like a jammed plate causing a humming motor (try turning it manually with the hex wrench first, but if it isn’t freeing up or keeps jamming, call us), reset buttons that won’t stay on, leaks at the mounting flange or discharge, worn splash guards, and units that run but don’t grind properly due to wear.
Before suggesting a replacement, we diagnose the root cause. Many repairs are cost-effective and get your unit running again quickly. We service all major brands, including InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and others.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over a decade old, leaking from the body itself, or has a burnt-out motor, swapping it out usually makes more sense. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect and replace any corroded mounting parts, connect the dishwasher drain line if there is one, verify the electrical connections, and test the new disposal before we finish up.
When selecting a new disposal’s horsepower, 1/2 HP is fine for typical use, 3/4 HP suits heavier kitchens and cuts down jams, and 1 HP models handle large families or high-volume kitchens quietly. We’ll discuss options and sound levels during your appointment.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink that doesn’t have one means modifying the drain to install a mounting flange, coordinating electrical outlet or switch installation (usually an electrician’s job), hooking up the dishwasher drain if needed, and routing the discharge pipe correctly. We manage all plumbing work and let you know about any electrical requirements ahead of time.
Drain Clogs Related to Disposals
If your kitchen drain slows or backs up when you run the disposal, the issue might be in the P-trap or drain pipe downstream. Grease, food scraps, and soap scum can build up over time. We use drain snaking to clear these blockages and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher line while we’re there. If both disposal and drain issues exist, we take care of both.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Humming noise without grinding (likely jammed)
- No sound or movement when switched on
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds
- Leaks from the unit’s base or housing
- Drips around sink flange or discharge pipe
- Slow or backed-up kitchen sink drain
- Reset button constantly trips off
- Lingering smells even after cleaning
- Unit older than 10 years
Items You Should Never Put Down the Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat — clogs pipes when cooled
- Fibrous vegetables — celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato skins
- Bones and large fruit pits — harm grinding parts
- Eggshells — shell membranes can wrap and tangle
- Excessive coffee grounds — form dense sludge in drains
- Always run cold water when using and for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal FAQs
Usually, that means the grinding plate is stuck. Turn off the power and use the hex wrench that fits into the hole below the unit to spin the plate manually. Remove any debris from the drain opening with tongs—not your fingers. If that doesn’t fix it or the problem keeps happening, call us at 779-217-8531.
If it’s less than 5 or 6 years old and the issue is repairable—like a jam or minor leak—it usually makes sense to fix it. But if it’s over 10 years, has a burnt motor, or leaks from the unit itself, replacement is often the smarter investment. We’ll explain your options and costs clearly so you can decide.
Between 8 and 15 years, depending on how often it’s used and what you put down it. Models from InSinkErator and Waste King are common around Shorewood and generally reliable. Heavy use or persistent jams usually shorten the lifespan.
Yes, most sinks can be fitted with a disposal. Installation requires changing the drain to fit a mounting flange and installing a powered switch or outlet nearby, which usually involves an electrician. We take care of all the plumbing and coordinate electrical work, giving you a complete plan and estimate upfront. It’s a common upgrade during kitchen renovations.