Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair in Lincolnshire, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can really disrupt your evening, especially after a long day with a sink full of leftovers. Whether it’s seized up, leaking underneath, refuses to start, or sounds like it’s crunching rocks, we’re often able to get it working again the same day.
When you reach out to us at 224-524-1213, we’ll evaluate whether fixing it makes sense or if a replacement is smarter. This depends on how old your unit is, what the issue is, and repair costs versus new equipment. For example, a disposal over a decade old with a burnt motor often calls for replacement. A newer unit stuck on debris might just need a quick unclogging. We’ll give you an honest opinion and a clear price before starting any work.
We also offer drain cleaning to clear blockages in the P-trap or drain pipes related to your disposal—sometimes the problem lies downstream. If you’re updating your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation services for a complete refresh.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We tackle common disposal issues like a jammed grinding plate causing a humming motor with no rotation—try the hex wrench reset first, but if it keeps sticking, we’re here to help. We fix reset switch failures, leaks at the sink flange or discharge pipe, worn splash guards, and disposals that start but don’t grind efficiently. We thoroughly diagnose the problem before suggesting repairs or replacement to save you money. Our team services all major brands including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and others.
Disposal Replacement
Units older than 10 years, those leaking through the housing, or with failed motors usually need replacement. We remove the old disposal, inspect and repair the mounting assembly if necessary, replace corroded hardware, and install your new unit. We handle dishwasher drain connections, check electrical wiring, and test the new disposal before finishing up.
When selecting horsepower, 1/2 HP suits most homes. If your household uses the disposal heavily, 3/4 HP provides extra grinding power and fewer jams. A 1 HP unit is ideal for busy families or larger homes and runs quieter due to less strain. For quieter operation, models with sound dampening are available—we’ll help you pick the right one during installation.
New Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink that never had one before involves some plumbing alterations. We modify the sink drain to fit the mounting flange, coordinate any electrical work like adding an outlet or switch, connect dishwasher drains if applicable, and ensure the discharge route is correct. Our plumbers handle the plumbing side and let you know if an electrician is needed beforehand.
Clearing Drain Clogs Related to Disposals
If your kitchen drain is slow or backs up when the disposal runs, the clog is often in the P-trap or drain line beneath the sink. Food debris, grease, and soap scum build-up are common culprits. We use drain snakes and inspection tools to clear blockages and verify dishwasher drain connections too. If both your disposal and drain line are causing trouble, we address both for a thorough fix.
How to Tell If Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Motor hums but blades don't spin (likely jam)
- No sound or movement when switched on
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds
- Leaks coming from the bottom housing
- Water dripping at the sink flange or drain connection
- Kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Lingering odors despite cleaning efforts
- Older unit, especially 10+ years
Foods and Items to Avoid Putting in Your Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat: solidifies inside pipes causing clogs
- Fibrous foods: celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Starchy foods in large amounts: pasta, rice, potato peels
- Bones and fruit pits: can damage blades and motor
- Eggshells: membrane wraps around grinding shaft
- Excessive coffee grounds: form paste that clogs drains
- Always keep cold water running while grinding and for 15 seconds after
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals
This usually means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is stuck. First, turn off the unit. Locate the hex socket on the bottom center and use an Allen wrench (often included with the disposal) to manually turn the plate back and forth. Remove any debris with tongs, never your fingers. If it still jams or keeps humming, give us a call at 224-524-1213 and we’ll take a look.
If your disposal is less than 6 years old and has a specific issue, repairs often make sense. For units 10 years or older, or with major damage like a burned-out motor or housing leaks, replacement is usually more cost-effective. We’ll present both options with prices so you can choose what suits your needs.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years depending on how much you use them and what you put down the drain. Units that see heavy use or handle fibrous and starchy foods often wear out sooner. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King are reliable choices across different price points.
Yes. Many kitchens can be upgraded to include a disposal, though it requires some plumbing work to modify the drain and electrical work to add a power source. We handle the plumbing side and coordinate any necessary electrical upgrades. It’s a popular addition during kitchen remodels.