Garbage Disposal Installation and Repairs in La Grange, IL
When your garbage disposal fails, it often hits you at the worst possible time—like after dinner when your sink is packed with waste. Whether it's stuck, leaking, silent, or grinding like rocks, we’re usually able to get it running again the same day.
Give us a call at 708-809-8796, and I’ll provide a straightforward evaluation: is it better to fix your current disposal or swap it out for a new one? This depends on the disposal’s age, the issue itself, and how the cost of repair stacks up against replacement. For instance, a 12-year-old unit with a fried motor generally isn’t worth repairing. But a newer unit stuck from debris may just need a quick clear-out. We’ll explain your options and provide firm pricing up front.
If the blockage lies beyond the disposal, we also offer drain cleaning services to clear out food buildup in the P-trap or drain pipes. Planning a full upgrade? Check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation solutions.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We fix common disposal issues like jammed grinding plates (motor hums but doesn’t spin—often you can try using the hex wrench underneath, but if that doesn’t solve it or jams keep happening, call us), reset button trips, leaks at the sink flange or discharge, worn splash guards, and disposals that run but don’t grind properly.
Before suggesting a replacement, we carefully diagnose the problem. Many problems can be fixed inexpensively. If repair is the way to go, that’s what we’ll do. If your unit is beyond repair or outdated, we’ll explain the replacement option and cost so you can make an informed choice. We work on all major brands including InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Replacing Your Garbage Disposal
If your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking from the body itself, or has a burnt-out motor, replacement is usually the best move. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect and refurbish the sink drain and mounting hardware as needed, and install the new disposal. We take care of the dishwasher drain hookup, verify electrical connections—whether hardwired or plug-in—and test the new unit thoroughly before we leave.
Choosing the right horsepower: 1/2 HP suits most homes. 3/4 HP handles bigger families or heavier use with fewer jams. 1 HP is great for busy kitchens and runs quieter due to less strain. For open-concept kitchens where noise is a concern, 3/4 or 1 HP disposals with noise insulation make a difference. We’ll help you pick the right model during the appointment.
Installing a New Garbage Disposal
Adding a disposal to a sink that never had one requires more work than a simple replacement. We often need to adjust the drain opening to fit the mounting flange, install or modify electrical outlets or switches (usually an electrician’s job, but we coordinate everything), connect the dishwasher drain line if there is one, and ensure the disposal’s drain line is correctly routed. We handle all plumbing tasks and clearly explain if electrical work is needed before starting.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Clogs
If your kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up when you run the disposal, the clog might be in the P-trap or downstream drain pipe rather than the disposal itself. Grease, soap scum, and food residue often collect in those pipes. We use professional drain snaking techniques to clear out blockages and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher drain while we’re at it. If both the disposal and drain pipes need attention, we tackle both.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- It hums but won’t grind — likely jammed
- No sound or movement when switched on
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Leaks dripping from the bottom of the unit
- Leaks around the sink flange or outlet pipe
- Slow draining or backups in the kitchen sink
- Reset button keeps tripping off
- Persistent foul smells that don’t go away with cleaning
- Unit is over a decade old
Items You Should Never Put in Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat — they harden and block pipes
- Stringy or fibrous foods — celery, corn husks, onion skins
- Large amounts of starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato skins
- Hard objects like bones or fruit pits — risk of blade damage
- Eggshells — shells can gum up the shaft
- Coffee grounds in bulk — form clumps and clog drains
- Always run cold water while operating and for at least 15 seconds after
Common Questions About Garbage Disposals
Not always. A humming sound usually means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is stuck. First, switch off the disposal. Locate the hex socket underneath and use the Allen wrench (usually taped to the unit) to manually turn the plate back and forth. Remove any stuck debris with tongs—never put your hand in there. If you can’t clear the jam or it keeps happening, contact us at 708-809-8796.
If the disposal is less than 5 or 6 years old and has a fixable issue like a jam or minor leak, repairing is usually cost-effective. If the unit is more than 10 years old, has a burnt motor, or leaks from the main housing, replacement often makes more sense. We’ll walk you through both options and their costs so you can choose.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years, depending on brand, usage frequency, and what’s put down them. Units that get heavy use or process a lot of fibrous and starchy food waste tend to wear out sooner. InSinkErator and Waste King are popular brands known for their reliability at different price points.
Yes, we can install disposals in most kitchens without one. The sink drain will need modification to accept the mounting flange, and you’ll need an electrical outlet or switch installed nearby (usually an electrician’s job). We handle the plumbing components and coordinate electrical work as needed. This is a common upgrade during kitchen remodels.