Garbage Disposal Repairs and Installations in Lombard, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly become a hassle, especially after a long day when the sink is full, and you can’t drain it. Whether it’s jammed, leaking underneath, fails to power on, or makes a grinding noise like rough gravel, we commonly fix these problems the same day you call.
Ring us at 331-225-4014 and we’ll diagnose the issue honestly. Sometimes it’s worth repairing; other times, replacing the whole unit is the smarter choice. A disposal nearing the end of its lifespan with a burnt motor usually calls for replacement, while a newer one jammed by debris often just needs a quick clearing. We’ll explain the best option and provide a firm price before any work begins.
We also offer drain cleaning services to clear clogs caused by grease or buildup in the trap or drain below your disposal. If you’re updating your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet & fixture installation options to complete the job.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repair
The issues we fix most often include grinding plate jams (motor hums but blades don’t move — try the hex key under the unit first, but if it keeps jamming, call us), overload resets that won’t hold, leaks at the sink flange or discharge pipe, worn splash guards, and disposals that power on but fail to grind properly because of worn parts.
Before suggesting replacement, we pinpoint the real cause. Many repairs cost less than a new unit. If a repair doesn’t make sense due to age or damage, we’ll give you the facts with pricing so you can decide. We service all major brands: InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over a decade old, leaking from the main housing, or the motor won’t turn, it’s best to replace it. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect the mounting hardware and sink opening, swap out any rusty parts, and install your new disposal. Dishwasher drain connections and electrical hookups are verified and tested before we finish.
For power, 1/2 HP fits most homes. A 3/4 HP unit handles frequent use better and cuts down on jams. 1 HP is ideal for big families or heavy use, also tends to be quieter since the motor operates under less strain. If noise matters, especially in open designs, we’ll recommend models with sound dampening. We’ll walk you through the choices on site.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal where none exists is more complex than swapping one out. It involves modifying the sink drain’s opening to fit the mounting flange, installing or upgrading electrical outlets or switches (usually requiring an electrician, but we coordinate), connecting dishwasher drain lines if applicable, and routing the discharge line correctly to avoid leaks. We’ll handle the plumbing and let you know if electrical work is needed before starting.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Clogs
Slow draining or backups during disposal use often stem from buildup in the P-trap or drain pipe below. Grease, food residue, and soap scum can clog these areas. We offer drain snaking to clear blockages and inspect the trap and dishwasher drain connections while we’re there. When both the disposal and drain line are problematic, we tackle every issue to restore proper flow.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- Motor hums but grinding blades don’t move
- No sound or power when switched on
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Leaks coming from the disposal housing underneath
- Water dripping at the sink flange or discharge pipe
- Kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up when disposal runs
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Foul smells that cleaning can’t remove
- Disposal is more than 10 years old
Items You Should Never Put Into a Garbage Disposal
- Grease, fats, and oils — they solidify and clog pipes
- Stringy vegetables — celery, corn husks, onion skins
- Large amounts of starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato peelings
- Bone fragments and fruit pits — can break blades
- Eggshells — membranes cling and cause jams
- Excessive coffee grounds — create paste that clogs drains
- Always keep cold water running during and after use for at least 15 seconds
Common Questions About Garbage Disposals
A humming noise means the motor has power, but the grinder is stuck—usually jammed. Switch off the power first. Then, at the bottom of the unit, there’s a hex socket where you can insert an Allen wrench to manually turn the grinding plate back and forth and free the jam. Use tongs or pliers to remove any objects in the opening—never your fingers. If it still won’t work or jams keep happening, call us at 331-225-4014.
If your disposal is less than 5 or 6 years old and suffering from a specific fixable problem like a jam, leak at a connection, or faulty switch, repairing is usually the better value. If it’s over 10 years old, has a dead motor, or leaks from the main housing, replacement is often more cost-effective. We’ll present both options with prices so you can make the call.
Most garbage disposals last between 8 and 15 years. Factors like brand, frequency of use, and what you put down them affect lifespan. Heavy use or frequent jams tend to shorten it. InSinkErator and Waste King (Moen) are common brands here, both offering dependable models across price levels.
Yes, for most kitchen sinks. Installing a disposal where none existed means modifying the sink drain to fit the mounting flange and adding an electrical outlet or switch if one isn’t present. That part often requires an electrician, but we handle all plumbing and coordinate needed electrical work. This upgrade is popular in kitchen remodels.