Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation Specialists Serving Fort Sheridan, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly turn your kitchen sink into a mess, especially after a long day. Whether your disposal is stuck, leaking underneath, refuses to power on, or sounds like it’s chewing on gravel, our team is usually able to fix it the same day you call.
Contact us at 708-742-7107, and we’ll give you a candid evaluation about whether to repair your current unit or replace it. Factors like the unit's age, the issue severity, and costs affect this decision. For example, a disposal with a burnt-out motor after a decade is often better replaced, while a recent unit jammed by debris might just need clearing. We provide straightforward pricing before any work begins.
In addition, we offer drain cleaning to handle clogs caused by buildup in the P-trap or drain lines related to the disposal. If you’re updating your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation services for a comprehensive refresh.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repair
Common issues we tackle include grinding plates that are jammed (motor hums but nothing turns—try the hex wrench under the unit first; if that fails or jams happen frequently, call us), circuit overloads that trip and don’t reset, leaks around the sink flange or discharge outlet, faulty dishwasher drain connections, worn splash guards, and disposals that run but don’t grind properly due to worn parts.
Our approach is to diagnose carefully before recommending replacement. Many problems have cost-effective fixes. If replacing makes more sense, especially for older units or those with major damage, we’ll explain your options clearly with pricing. We repair all major models, including InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and others.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
Disposals older than 10 years, those leaking from the casing, or units with burnt-out motors typically need replacing. We remove the old disposal, inspect and update the sink drain and mounting hardware if corroded, install your new unit, reconnect the dishwasher line if present, verify electrical hookups, and fully test before we leave your home.
For power, 1/2 horsepower units suit most households. If your kitchen sees heavy use or you frequently experience jams, a 3/4 HP model provides more strength. Large families or high-use situations benefit from 1 HP units, which often run quieter too. We’ll help pick the right size and model during service.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Installing a disposal in a sink without one involves cutting or modifying the drain opening to fit the mounting flange, adding or verifying an electrical outlet or switch (usually requiring an electrician), connecting the dishwasher drain if needed, and ensuring proper disposal discharge plumbing. We handle all plumbing tasks and coordinate any electrical work before starting installation.
Drain Clogs Related to Garbage Disposals
If your kitchen drain backs up or slows down when the disposal runs, the clog might be in the P-trap or drain pipe rather than the disposal itself. Grease, food particles, and soap scum build up over time and block flow. We use professional drain snaking to clear these blockages and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher line. If both disposal and drain issues exist, we tackle them together for a complete fix.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- It hums but won’t grind (motor may be jammed)
- No response or power when flipped on
- Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds
- Leaks dripping from the bottom or around connections
- Slow or backed-up kitchen sink drainage
- Reset button frequently trips
- Persistent bad smell even after cleaning
- The unit is more than 10 years old
Items You Should Never Put Down Your Disposal
- Grease, oils, and fats — they can solidify and clog pipes
- Stringy or fibrous veggies — celery, corn husks, onion skins
- Large amounts of starchy foods — pasta, rice, and potato peels
- Hard objects — bones or fruit pits that can damage blades
- Eggshells — membranes can wrap around the motor shaft
- Excess coffee grounds — can form sludge in drains
- Always run cold water when grinding and for at least 15 seconds afterward
Costs vary depending on whether you need a repair, replacement, or first-time installation; the specific brand and horsepower of the unit; whether electrical work is necessary; and if the drain line requires clearing. Repairs generally run $75 to $200, while replacement labor typically ranges from $150 to $350. Unit prices vary by model. Call us at 708-742-7107 for an accurate, no-surprise quote before we start any work.
Garbage Disposal FAQ
Not always. A humming sound typically means the motor’s powered but the grinding plate is stuck. First, turn off the disposal at the switch. Locate the hex socket on the bottom of the unit and use an Allen wrench—often taped to the side—to rotate the plate back and forth manually. Never put your hand down the drain; use tongs or pliers to remove any debris. If the problem continues, call us at 708-742-7107.
If your disposal is under 5 or 6 years old and the issue is something fixable like a jam, minor leak, or switch problem, repair is usually the way to go. For units over 10 years, or with major damage like a burnt motor or housing leaks, replacement often makes better long-term sense. We’ll present both options with pricing so you can make an informed choice.
Generally, disposals last between 8 and 15 years depending on brand, how hard it’s worked, and maintenance. Units that handle lots of stringy or starchy scraps, or get jammed frequently, tend to wear out sooner. InSinkErator and Waste King are among the most common brands in the area, and both offer reliable models at different prices.
Yes. Adding a disposal where there wasn’t one before requires modifying the sink drain for the mounting flange and having an electrical outlet or switch nearby (usually an electrician’s task). We take care of all plumbing aspects and let you know if electrical work is needed during our assessment. This is a popular upgrade during kitchen renovations.