Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation Services in Harwood Heights, IL
When your garbage disposal stops working, it quickly becomes a hassle—especially after a long day when the kitchen sink is full and there’s no way to clear it. Whether it’s stuck, leaking underneath, won’t power on, or sounds like it’s grinding rocks, we can usually get you back up and running the same day.
Give us a call at 708-773-7616 and I’ll give you a straightforward evaluation—does your disposal simply need a repair, or is it time for a replacement? We consider the unit’s age, the nature of the problem, and repair costs vs. buying new. For example, a disposal over 10 years old with motor failure is better replaced; a newer one with a jam just needs clearing out. I’ll be upfront with pricing before we start any work.
Sometimes the disposal itself isn’t the root cause of slow drains. We also offer expert drain cleaning to clear blockages in the trap and drain pipes below. If you’re updating your kitchen, we provide kitchen remodeling and fixture installation to complete the job.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
The most frequent issues we fix include jammed grinding plates (when you hear a hum but no grinding—try the hex wrench on the bottom first, but if it persists, call us), overload switch trips that don’t reset, leaks at the sink flange or discharge outlet, worn splash guards, and disposals that turn on but fail to grind food properly due to worn parts.
We diagnose thoroughly before suggesting replacement. Many common disposal faults can be fixed affordably. If your unit is old or damaged beyond repair, we’ll explain options honestly and provide clear pricing. We service all major brands like InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over a decade old, leaking through its housing, or has a burnt-out motor, a replacement is the best solution. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect and clean the drain opening and mounting hardware, replace any corroded parts, and install your new disposal. We also handle the dishwasher drain connection and confirm all electrical hookups are safe before testing the new unit.
When selecting horsepower, 1/2 HP suits most homes, 3/4 HP is better for frequent use and fewer jams, and 1 HP fits larger families or heavier workloads, plus it runs quieter. We’ll walk you through your options and recommend what fits your kitchen’s needs.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal where there wasn’t one previously involves adapting the sink drain to fit the mounting flange, installing an electrical outlet or switch (typically by an electrician), connecting the dishwasher drain if present, and properly routing the disposal’s drain line. We take care of all the plumbing tasks and clearly outline any electrical work needed before we start.
Tackling Disposal-Related Drain Clogs
If your kitchen drain runs slowly or backs up when the disposal runs, the problem might be in the drain pipes, not the disposal itself. Grease, food scraps, and soap scum often build up in the P-trap or drain line downstream. We can snake your drain to remove those blockages and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher connection at the same time. If both the disposal and drain are contributing, we address both for long-term flow.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Humming noise without grinding (jammed)
- No sound or movement when switched on
- Loud grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds
- Leaks coming from the bottom housing
- Water leaking at sink flange or discharge fitting
- Slow or backed-up kitchen sink drain
- Reset button frequently trips
- Lingering odors despite cleaning
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Foods and Materials to Keep Out of Your Disposal
- Grease, oils, and fats — they solidify and cause clogs
- Stringy or fibrous items — celery, corn husks, onion skins
- Bulk starchy foods — rice, pasta, potato peels, which swell
- Bones and fruit pits — can break or jam the blades
- Eggshells — membranes wrap around the motor shaft
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — form pastes that clog drains
- Always run cold water before, during, and at least 15 seconds after grinding
Garbage Disposal FAQs
Not always. That humming usually means the motor has power but the grinding plate is stuck. Flip the switch off, then use the hex wrench located on the bottom of the unit to manually rock the plate back and forth to free it. Never put your hand inside—use tongs or pliers to clear debris. If it keeps humming or won’t clear, call us at 708-773-7616.
If your disposal is less than 5 or 6 years old and the problem is fixable (like a jam or small leak), repair is usually the best move. But if it’s over 10 years old, has a burned motor, or is leaking from the unit’s casing, replacement often saves money in the long run. We’ll give you both choices with clear pricing and let you decide.
They typically last between 8 and 15 years, depending on how much you use them and what you put in them. Units handling a lot of fibrous or starchy foods or those frequently jammed will wear out sooner. InSinkErator and Waste King are common brands that offer solid reliability across various price points.
Yes, we can install disposals in most kitchens without one now. It requires modifying the drain hole and adding an electrical outlet or switch under the sink—usually an electrician handles the wiring. We manage the plumbing and make sure everything fits and works smoothly. It’s a popular upgrade during kitchen remodels.