Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation Services in Highland Park, IL
Garbage disposals tend to break down just when you need them most — like on a cold winter evening after a big dinner prep. Whether it’s jammed, dripping beneath the sink, refusing to power on, or making grinding noises that sound like rocks, we usually fix these problems the same day you call.
When you reach out to us at 224-524-1178, we’ll give you a clear diagnosis: should you repair the disposal or invest in a replacement? Factors include the unit’s age, the nature of its problem, and whether fixing it is worth the expense. For instance, if your disposal is over a decade old and has a burnt motor, swapping it out makes more sense than repairing. But a newer unit jammed with debris may just need a quick clearing. We’ll be upfront with pricing before any work begins.
On top of repairs, we also perform drain cleaning to tackle obstructions in the P-trap or drain pipe downstream of the disposal. Sometimes the unit is fine, but the drains are clogged. If you’re upgrading your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodel and fixture installation services too.
Our Garbage Disposal Services Include
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We handle common disposal issues like jammed grinding plates where the motor hums but blades won’t spin — you can try the hex key on the bottom yourself, but if it won’t budge or jams keep happening, call us. We fix reset switches that won’t hold, leaks around the sink flange or discharge, worn splash guards, and disposals that run but grind poorly due to worn parts.
Before suggesting replacement, we pinpoint the problem. Many repairs cost less than replacing the entire unit. If it’s better to upgrade, we’ll provide a side-by-side cost comparison. We service all well-known brands including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), KitchenAid, GE, and others.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking from the actual housing, or has a burnt-out motor, a new unit will save you headaches. We remove the old disposal, inspect the sink flange and mounting hardware, replace any rusty parts, and install the new model. We also connect the dishwasher drain if your setup has one, verify the electrical connection is safe, and test the disposal’s operation before we leave.
Horsepower options: 1/2 HP suits most homes; 3/4 HP helps prevent jams in busier kitchens; and 1 HP is great for larger families or heavy use. The higher HP models often run quieter, which is a plus in open-concept kitchens. We’ll walk you through the options during your service call.
New Garbage Disposal Installations
Adding a disposal where none existed before involves more work than a simple replacement. The drain opening must be adapted to fit the mounting flange, an electrical outlet or switch often needs installation (usually handled by an electrician), dishwasher connection may be required, and the discharge line must be routed correctly. We handle all the plumbing and coordinate other trades as needed, giving you a detailed estimate upfront.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Blockages
If your kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up when using the disposal, the clog may be in the drain pipe or P-trap, not the disposal itself. Grease and food debris build up downhill of the unit regularly. We snake the drain line to clear obstructions and inspect the trap and dishwasher drain port. If both disposal and drain issues are present, we fix them together for a reliable kitchen drain.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- Hums but won’t grind (possible jam)
- No sound or response when switched on
- Loud grinding, squealing, or rattling
- Leak dripping from the unit’s base
- Leaks near the sink flange or drain pipe connection
- Kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Persistent bad smells even after cleaning
- Unit is older than 10 years
What You Shouldn’t Put in Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fats — these solidify in pipes causing blockages
- Fibrous items — celery strings, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes can tangle blades
- Large amounts of starches — pasta, rice, potato skins can swell and clog
- Bones and pits — hard fragments damage grinding parts
- Eggshells — membranes can wrap around shredders causing jams
- Coffee grounds in bulk — create sludge that clogs drains
- Always run cold water during and after grinding for 15 seconds
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals
Not always. A humming noise usually means the motor has power but the grinding plate is stuck. First, turn off the disposal at the switch. Locate the hex socket at the bottom of the unit and use the supplied Allen wrench to manually rotate the plate back and forth. Use tongs or pliers to remove any stuck debris—never your hand. If it still won’t work or jams keep recurring, give us a call at 224-524-1178.
If your disposal is less than 5 or 6 years old and has a fixable problem like a jam or leak at a connection, repairing it usually makes sense. But if it’s over 10 years old, leaking from the housing itself, or has a burnt motor, replacement will save you trouble long-term. We’ll break down the options and costs so you can choose what’s best.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years, depending on the brand, how often it’s used, and what you run through it. Heavy use with tough or fibrous food scraps tends to wear them out sooner. InSinkErator and Waste King are the most common brands around here and both are reliable at various price points.
Yes, in most kitchen sinks. The drain opening under the sink will need adapting to fit the disposal flange. You’ll also need an electrical outlet or switch under the sink, which an electrician usually installs. We handle the plumbing side and coordinate the electrical work if needed, giving you a full estimate. It’s a popular upgrade during kitchen renovations.