Garbage Disposal Installation and Repairs in Orland Park, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly turn into a major annoyance — especially on a chilly Illinois evening when you’re trying to clean up after dinner. Whether your unit is jammed, leaking, completely dead, or making grinding noises that don’t sound right, we typically offer same-day fixes.
When you get in touch with us at 708-734-6731, we’ll provide a straightforward evaluation: can your current disposal be repaired, or is replacement more practical? This depends on its age, the nature of the problem, and repair costs compared to a new unit. For example, a disposal over a decade old with a failed motor is usually better swapped out, while a newer unit with a simple jam might only need a quick fix. We’ll be upfront about costs before any work begins.
We also offer drain clearing services when the clog isn’t in the disposal but in the drain pipes below it, like a clogged P-trap. If you’re updating your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation options to match your new disposal.
Garbage Disposal Services We Offer
Garbage Disposal Repair Services
Common issues we fix include jammed grinders (motor hums but blades won’t turn — try the hex wrench on the bottom first, but if that doesn’t clear it or it happens repeatedly, give us a call), reset buttons that won’t stay on, leaks around the sink flange or discharge, worn splash guards, and units that power on but fail to grind properly. We diagnose thoroughly before recommending replacement, as many repairs are affordable and extend the disposal’s life. If replacement is more cost-effective, we’ll explain why. We work on all major brands like InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is leaking from the housing, has a burnt-out motor, or is over ten years old, replacing it may be the best option. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect and clean the mounting ring and drain opening, swap out any corroded parts, and install your new disposal. We’ll reconnect dishwasher drains if needed, check the electrical setup (whether corded or hardwired), and test the entire system before leaving your home.
When selecting horsepower, a 1/2 HP unit suits most averages homes. For heavier use or to minimize jams, a 3/4 HP is a better choice. If you have a large family or frequently run the disposal, a 1 HP model runs more quietly and handles bigger loads with ease. We’ll help you pick what fits your kitchen best at the time of installation.
New Garbage Disposal Installations
Adding a garbage disposal to a sink without one is a bit more complex than a swap-out. We need to modify the drain opening to fit the mounting flange, ensure there’s an appropriate electrical outlet or switch (usually requiring an electrician), connect the dishwasher drain if present, and correctly route the disposal’s drain line. Our team handles all the plumbing details and coordinates with electricians as needed, providing a clear estimate before we begin.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Blockages
If your kitchen drain runs slowly or backs up when the disposal is on, the trouble might be downstream in the drainpipe rather than the disposal unit. Grease, food scraps, and soap residues often build up inside the P-trap or drain lines. We use professional drain snakes to clear out these blockages and inspect dishwasher drain connections. If both the disposal and drain are causing issues, we’ll take care of both to get your kitchen flowing freely again.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- Motor hums but blades don’t spin (likely jammed)
- Nothing happens when you flip the switch
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Water leaking from the bottom of the unit
- Leaks around the sink flange or drain pipe connections
- Kitchen sink drainage slows or backs up
- Reset button keeps tripping
- Persistent bad smells that don’t go away after cleaning
- Unit older than 10 years
Items You Should Never Put Down the Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fats — these thicken and clog pipes
- Fibrous vegetables — like celery, corn husks, onion skins
- Large amounts of starches — pasta, rice, potato skins
- Bones and fruit pits — can damage the grinding mechanism
- Eggshells — membranes can bind around blades
- Coffee grounds in large quantities — can create sludge
- Always use cold water while the disposal runs and for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
That usually means the motor’s running but something’s stuck in the grinding chamber. Flip off the power at the switch, then locate the hex-shaped hole on the bottom of the disposal. Use the Allen wrench (often taped nearby) to turn the grinding plate back and forth a few times. Remove any debris with tongs — never your hands. If it still stays jammed or jams regularly, give us a call at 708-734-6731.
If it’s relatively new (under 5 or 6 years) and the problem is something like a jam or small leak, repairing usually makes sense. But if the unit is older than 10 years, has a burnt-out motor, or leaks from the main housing, replacing it is often the smarter choice. We’ll lay out options with pricing to help you pick the best route.
Generally between 8 and 15 years, depending on brand, how often you use it, and what you put through it. Disposals in homes with frequent fibrous or starchy food waste tend to wear out faster. InSinkErator and Waste King are popular brands known for reliability across different price levels.
We sure can, in most kitchen sinks. It involves adjusting the drain opening to fit the disposal flange and having a proper power source installed (usually requiring an electrician). We handle all the plumbing and coordinate electric work as part of the project. This upgrade is common with kitchen renovations.