Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation in Des Plaines, IL
When your garbage disposal fails, it can quickly turn into a frustrating evening with a kitchen full of food waste and nowhere to send it. Whether it’s stuck, leaking underneath, won’t power on, or grinding as if it’s swallowing gravel, our team usually fixes these problems the same day we arrive.
Just give us a call at 224-257-7145 and we’ll evaluate the issue honestly. Some situations call for a simple repair, others mean it’s smarter to replace the unit. For example, a disposal that’s over a decade old with a fried motor should be replaced, while a newer one that’s jammed just needs clearing. We’ll explain your options and provide an exact price before any work begins.
Besides fixing the disposal itself, we also clear blockages in the P-trap and drain pipes below with professional drain cleaning. And if you’re upgrading your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and fixture installation services to tackle the whole project.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
Common repair issues we handle include jammed grinding plates (if the motor hums but nothing turns, try the hex wrench on the underside; if that fails or jams keep returning, call us), reset button problems, leaks from sink flange gaskets or discharge outlets, worn splash guards, and disposals that run but don’t grind efficiently due to worn parts.
We thoroughly diagnose problems before suggesting replacement. Many repairs are affordable and effective. If your unit is too old or badly damaged, we’ll be upfront about replacement costs and options. We service all brands like InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is leaking directly from the housing, has a burnt-out motor, or is more than 10 years old, swapping it out is often the best move. We remove the old disposal, inspect and replace any corroded mounting parts, install the new unit, reconnect dishwasher drains if present, and check electrical connections. Before leaving, we test the entire setup to make sure everything works smoothly.
We guide you on horsepower choices: 1/2 HP is enough for typical homes; 3/4 HP suits busier kitchens and reduces jams; 1 HP works well for large families or heavy use and runs quieter. Noise-sensitive kitchens will benefit from sound-insulated 3/4 or 1 HP models. We’ll help you pick the right model when we’re there.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink without one requires more prep. The drain opening must be altered to fit the mounting flange, an electrical outlet or switch often needs installation (usually done by an electrician, but we coordinate), dishwasher lines connected if applicable, and the disposal routed correctly to the drain. We handle the plumbing and explain any electrical work needed before starting.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Clogs
Is your kitchen sink draining slowly or backing up when you run the disposal? Sometimes the disposal isn’t the culprit—it’s buildup of grease, food scraps, and soap in the P-trap or drain pipes below. We use drain snakes to clear blockages and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher drain lines. If both disposal and drains cause trouble, we tackle each issue for a lasting fix.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- Motor hums but blades don’t spin (jammed)
- No sound or movement when switched on
- Loud grinding, rattling, or screeching noises
- Leaking water under the disposal housing
- Water leaking at sink flange or outlet connections
- Slow draining or backups in the kitchen sink
- Reset button trips often
- Persistent bad smells despite cleaning
- Unit older than 10 years
Items You Should Never Put in Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat: Hardens and blocks pipes
- Fibrous foods: Celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Large quantities of starchy foods: Pasta, rice, potato skins
- Bones and fruit pits: Can damage blades
- Eggshells: Membrane can wrap around the shaft
- Excessive coffee grounds: Can create a paste that clogs drains
- Always run cold water while grinding and continue for 15 seconds afterward
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals
Not necessarily. A humming sound means the motor is powered but the blades are stuck, often due to a jam. First, switch off the disposal. Find the hex wrench slot underneath the unit and use the Allen wrench (usually taped on the side) to manually turn the plate back and forth. Use tongs—not your fingers—to remove whatever is stuck. If that doesn't clear it or this happens repeatedly, call us at 224-257-7145.
If your disposal is relatively new (under 5-6 years) and has a specific fixable issue like a jam or leak at a connection, repairing is usually best. But if it’s over 10 years old, has a burnt-out motor, or leaks from its housing, replacing it tends to be better long-term value. We’ll provide options and prices so you can make an informed decision.
Most disposals last from 8 to 15 years, depending largely on usage, brand, and what you put through them. Frequent heavy use, fibrous food scraps, or continual jamming can shorten lifespan. InSinkErator and Waste King are the most popular brands here, known for reliable performance at various price levels.
Yes, in most sinks it’s possible. Installing a disposal where none exists involves modifying the drain opening to fit the unit’s flange and adding an electrical outlet or switch under the sink, which usually requires an electrician’s help. We take care of all the plumbing and will tell you exactly what electrical work is necessary before we start. It’s a common upgrade during kitchen remodeling projects.