Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation Services in Hillside, IL
A garbage disposal can go from a minor inconvenience to a major headache fast — especially in the middle of dinner prep or after a long day. If your unit jams, leaks, won’t power on, or sounds like it’s crunching rocks, our team can usually come out and fix it the same day.
Give us a call at 708-809-8751 and we’ll provide a straightforward diagnosis. We’ll check if it’s worth fixing or if a new disposal makes better financial sense. For example, a disposal older than a decade with a failed motor is often best replaced, but a newer model stuck on a piece of food just needs a quick clearing. We’ll be honest and give you a clear price before starting any work.
If your disposal is fine but your drain is clogged, we also offer drain cleaning services to clear out the P-trap or drain line. Thinking about an upgrade? Our kitchen remodeling and fixture installation services can handle the whole package.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
Common repairs include unjamming grinding plates (motor hums but no rotation—start with the hex wrench at the bottom; if that doesn’t work or jams persist, call us), fixing leaks around the sink flange, discharge outlet, or dishwasher connection, resolving reset button trips, and replacing worn splash guards or grinding components. We work on all major brands like InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, and KitchenAid.
Before suggesting replacement, we thoroughly diagnose the issue. Repairs are often cost-effective, but if the unit is old or severely damaged, we’ll recommend replacing it with clear pricing so you can make the best choice.
Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking from the housing, or has a burnt-out motor, replacement is usually the smarter option. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect and repair the mounting hardware if needed, and install your new disposal. We handle dishwasher connections, verify electrical wiring (hardwired or cord-and-plug), and test the unit before leaving.
Choosing the right horsepower is key: 1/2 HP suits most homes, 3/4 HP is better for frequent or heavy use and reduces jams, and 1 HP is great for larger families or busy kitchens. Higher horsepower models also tend to operate more quietly, especially models with sound insulation.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink that previously didn’t have one requires a few extra steps. We modify the sink drain to fit the mounting flange, connect the dishwasher drain if you have one, and make sure the disposal’s discharge pipe is properly routed. Electrical work like installing an outlet or switch may be necessary—we coordinate with electricians when needed. We’ll provide a full assessment and quote before starting.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Blockages
If your kitchen drain is slow or backs up when running the disposal, the problem could be further down the drainpipe, not the disposal itself. Grease, soap, and food buildup in the P-trap or drain line are common causes. We use professional drain snakes to clear blockages and inspect the connections to the dishwasher drain. If both disposal and drain issues exist, we’ll address both for a thorough fix.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but grinding blades don’t turn
- No sound or action when switched on
- Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Leaks under the disposal housing
- Water dripping from the sink flange or drain connections
- Slow draining or backed-up kitchen sink
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Persistent bad smells despite cleaning
- Disposal is more than 10 years old
What You Shouldn’t Put Down Your Disposal
- Grease, fat, and oils — they solidify and clog pipes
- Stringy or fibrous veggies — like celery, corn husks, onion skins, or artichokes
- Starchy foods in large amounts — pasta, rice, or potato peelings
- Bones and fruit pits — can damage blades and motor
- Eggshells — the membrane can wrap around moving parts
- Coffee grounds in bulk — form paste that clogs drains
- Always run cold water while using the disposal and for about 15 seconds afterward
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals
That buzzing sound usually means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is stuck. First, switch off the disposal. Use the Allen wrench (often stored on the unit’s underside) to turn the grinding plate manually and free any jammed debris. Never put your hand inside—use tongs or pliers to remove stuck items. If the problem stays or happens often, give us a call at 708-809-8751.
If your unit is under 5-6 years old and suffers from simple issues like a jam, a leak at a connection, or a faulty switch, a repair is usually the best move. On the other hand, disposals over 10 years old, those with burned-out motors, or leaks from the housing itself are better replaced. We’ll provide both options with clear prices to help you choose.
Most disposals last anywhere from 8 to 15 years, depending on how often you use them, what you put in them, and the brand quality. Models like InSinkErator and Waste King are common around here and offer different price and durability levels.
Yes, in most cases. This involves modifying the sink drain to fit the disposal flange and setting up electrical wiring if an outlet or switch isn’t already present (usually an electrician handles that). We’ll take care of the plumbing and coordinate the electrical work needed. Many homeowners choose this during kitchen renovations.