Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation in Homer Glen, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly turn into a hassle, especially when the Illinois weather keeps you indoors and your kitchen sink can’t drain properly. Whether your unit is jammed, leaking underneath, dead on startup, or rattling like it’s chewing on gravel, our team is equipped to handle the repair the same day in most cases.
When you reach out to us at 708-726-3053, we’ll give you straightforward advice: should we fix it, or replace it altogether? This depends on how old your disposal is, the nature of the issue, and whether repairs cost more than a new unit. For instance, a disposal over a decade old with a fried motor is better swapped out, while a recent model stuck on a piece of food just needs a good clearing. We provide clear pricing before any work begins.
We also offer drain cleaning services to tackle blockages caused by buildup in the P-trap or drain pipes linked to your disposal. If you’re upgrading your kitchen and replacing fixtures, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet & fixture installation options to get everything working smoothly.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
Most disposal troubles we fix include: grinding plate jams (motor hums but blades don’t spin—it’s worth trying the hex wrench reset first, but we handle stubborn jams), overloaded reset buttons that won’t stay engaged, leaks at the sink flange or discharge point, damaged splash guards, and disposals that power on but don’t grind effectively due to worn parts.
Before suggesting a replacement, we thoroughly diagnose the root cause. Many repair jobs are affordable and quick. If your unit is too old or beyond economical repair, we’ll be upfront and provide a cost comparison to a new disposal. We service all popular brands including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacements
If your disposal has been running for over 10 years, leaks directly from the housing, or has a burnt motor, installing a new unit is usually the best route. We’ll remove the old disposal, inspect and clean the sink drain assembly, replace corroded mounting hardware, and install your new disposal with all connections tight. We also handle dishwasher drain hookups and verify electrical wiring before leaving.
For power options: a 1/2 HP unit suits typical households; 3/4 HP works well for busier kitchens and helps prevent clogs; and 1 HP disposals are ideal for larger families or high-usage situations, often running quieter thanks to less strain on the motor. We’ll guide you through these choices during service.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Putting in a disposal where none existed is more complex than replacement. We need to alter the sink drain to fit the mounting flange, arrange for a nearby electrical outlet or switch (often requiring an electrician’s help), connect dishwasher drains if applicable, and ensure proper drainage routing. We handle all the plumbing parts and advise on electrical requirements before starting.
Drain Clogs Related to Disposal
Not every drainage problem is the disposal’s fault. Slow or backed-up kitchen drains often happen because of grease and food buildup in the P-trap or further down the drain line. We use snaking tools to clear these clogs and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher line during the process. If your disposal and drain are both causing issues, we’ll take care of both to get things flowing smoothly again.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but blades don’t spin (likely jammed)
- No sound or power when switched on
- Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Leaks from the disposal’s housing underneath
- Water dripping at sink flange or drain connections
- Kitchen sink drains very slowly or backs up
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Persistent bad odors even after cleaning
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Items to Keep Out of Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, and fats — they harden and clog pipes
- Fibrous vegetables — like celery, corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes
- Starchy foods in bulk — pasta, rice, potato peels that expand with water
- Bones and fruit pits — can break or jam the grinding parts
- Eggshells — the membrane can wrap around the shaft
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — can form thick paste in drains
- Always run cold water while running your disposal and for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal FAQ
This usually means the motor is getting power but something’s jammed in the grinding chamber. First, switch it off completely. Locate the hex-shaped hole on the bottom center of the unit and use the Allen wrench (usually taped on the side) to manually rotate the grinding plate. Then, using tongs or pliers—not your fingers—clear out any stuck food or foreign objects from the drain. If that doesn’t do the trick or jams keep happening, call us at 708-726-3053.
If your disposal is relatively new—under 5 or 6 years—and has a specific fixable issue like a jam or leak, repairing is usually cost-effective. But if it’s over 10 years old, has a burnt-out motor, or leaks from the unit housing, a replacement will likely save you money and hassle long-term. We’ll walk you through both options, including pricing, so you can decide.
Typically, disposals last from 8 up to 15 years. Factors like how heavily it’s used, the food waste type, and brand quality matter. Units that frequently handle tough fibrous foods or get jammed often wear out sooner. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King are popular here in Illinois and provide good durability across price levels.
Yes, we can usually install a disposal in kitchens without one. This involves modifying the sink drain to fit the disposal flange, adding an electrical outlet or switch if needed (usually an electrician’s job), and hooking up dishwasher drains if present. We handle all plumbing work and will let you know upfront about any electrical needs. This is a popular upgrade for kitchen renovation projects.