Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair in Palos Heights, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly become a headache, especially on a busy evening when your kitchen sink is full of scraps and won’t drain. Whether it’s stuck, leaking at the base, dead, or making grinding noises like metal on stone, our team can typically fix it the same day you call.
Reach out to us at 708-726-8793 and we’ll give you a straightforward diagnosis: is the problem fixable, or is it smarter to swap it out? Factors like the disposal’s age, type of fault, and repair costs versus replacement all come into play. For example, a disposal over a decade old with a burnt motor is usually better replaced, while a newer unit jammed by debris probably just needs a quick cleanout. We’ll explain your options and provide a firm estimate before starting work.
If your disposal is fine but the kitchen drain is clogged, we can also help with drain clearing to get everything flowing smoothly again. Thinking about a bigger kitchen upgrade? Check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture replacement services to complement your new disposal.
What We Offer for Garbage Disposals
Garbage Disposal Repairs
The most frequent fixes we handle include clearing jammed grinders (you might hear a hum but no blades turning — try using the supplied hex wrench on the bottom, and if that fails or jams keep happening, give us a call); reset switches that won’t stay engaged; leaks around the sink flange or the disposal’s discharge pipe; worn splash guards; plus disposals that power on but can’t grind properly due to dulled internal parts.
We thoroughly inspect each issue before suggesting replacement. Many problems are small and cost-effective to fix. If replacing makes more sense financially — especially with older units — we’ll lay out the price comparison so you can decide confidently. We service all well-known brands like InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is leaking from the body, has a burnt-out motor, or is over 10 years old, swapping it out is often the best move. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect and clean the sink drain and mounting hardware, replace any corroded parts, then install your new disposal. We also ensure the dishwasher drain and electrical hookups are correctly connected and test everything before we leave.
About horsepower: ½ HP units suit most homes fine. ¾ HP models handle heavier daily use and reduce jams. 1 HP disposals are ideal for large families or frequent cooks—they generally run quieter too, which helps in open kitchens. We’ll review options with you at the time of service to find what fits your needs.
Installing New Garbage Disposals
Adding a disposal to a sink without one is a bit more involved than replacing an old unit. We need to modify the sink drain opening to fit the mounting flange, install or coordinate electrical wiring (usually an electrician’s job), connect dishwasher drain lines if needed, and properly route the disposal drain. We handle all plumbing and will advise on any electrical work required before we begin.
Drain Clogs Linked to Disposals
If your kitchen drain slows or backs up when running the disposal, the problem might be downstream from the unit. Grease, food buildup, and soap scum often clog the P-trap or drain pipes below. We use drain snakes to clear these blockages, inspect the P-trap and dishwasher drain line, and fix any issues we find. If both disposal and drain are at fault, we tackle each one to restore proper flow.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Humming noise but no grinding (usually jammed)
- No noise or movement when switched on
- Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds
- Leaks dripping from the bottom of the unit
- Water leaking at the sink flange or discharge pipe
- Slow draining or backups in the kitchen sink
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Lingering odors that cleaning doesn’t fix
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Items to Keep Out of Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oils, or fats — harden inside pipes causing clogs
- Fibrous vegetables — like celery stalks, corn husks, onion skins
- Bulk starchy foods — such as pasta, rice, or potato peels
- Bones and fruit pits — risk damaging grinding parts
- Egg shells — membranes can wrap around the grinding shaft
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — lead to paste buildup in drains
- Always run cold water while the disposal runs and for at least 15 seconds afterward
Costs vary depending on whether you're repairing, replacing, or installing new, plus the brand and horsepower of the unit, and if any electrical or drain work is necessary. Repairs usually range between $75 and $200. Replacement labor typically falls between $150 and $350. The price of the disposal unit depends on the model chosen. These figures are estimates—call us at 708-726-8793 for a precise quote before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals
That usually means the motor’s energized but the grinding part is jammed. First, turn off the switch. Then find the hex socket on the bottom center of the unit and use the Allen wrench (often taped to the side) to turn the grinding plate gently back and forth. Use tongs or pliers—not your hand—to clear any stuck debris from the drain opening. If that doesn’t clear the jam or it keeps happening, give us a call at 708-726-8793.
If your disposal is less than 5 or 6 years old and the issue is something fixable—like a jam, leak at a joint, or faulty switch—repair usually makes the most sense. For disposals over 10 years old, or units with severe motor damage or body leaks, replacement is often the better value. We’ll provide clear options and pricing so you can make an informed decision.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years, depending on frequency of use, brand quality, and the types of food waste processed. Units that get heavy use or frequently grind fibrous, starchy, or hard materials tend to wear out sooner. The two most common brands here are InSinkErator and Waste King, both offering dependable models.
Yes, in most cases. Adding a disposal where none existed requires modifying the sink’s drain opening so the mounting flange fits properly. You’ll also need an electrical outlet or switch under the sink, which usually requires an electrician. We handle all the plumbing connections and will let you know what electrical work is necessary before we get started. This upgrade is common during kitchen remodels.