Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation Services in Homewood, IL
When your garbage disposal stops working, it can throw a wrench in your evening—especially in homes around Homewood where older plumbing setups are common. If your disposal jams, leaks under the unit, refuses to start, or grinds like there’s gravel inside, we’re usually able to get it running again the same day.
Give us a call at 708-332-1773 and we’ll evaluate whether it’s better to repair or replace. That decision depends on the age of your disposal, the issue, and repair costs compared to buying new. For example, a disposal over a decade old with a burnt-out motor is more practical to swap out, whereas a newer unit jammed on a simple clog can be fixed quickly. Expect a straightforward explanation and a fixed price before we begin any work.
We also clear drain clogs below disposals through professional drain cleaning—since sometimes the problem isn’t the disposal but the pipes beneath. If you’re upgrading your kitchen, consider pairing your disposal work with our kitchen remodeling or faucet and fixture installation services to refresh your space.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
The common disposal troubles we fix include: stuck grinding plate causing the motor to hum without spinning (if it jams, try the hex wrench on the bottom; if that fails or it happens often, call us); reset buttons that won’t hold; leaks at the sink flange or discharge ports; dishwasher connection leaks; worn splash guards; and disposals that power on but grind poorly because of worn parts.
We always pinpoint the exact issue before recommending replacement. Many repairs are affordable and quick. If the unit is too old or damaged, we’ll be honest about it and provide you with replacement options and clear pricing. We service all popular brands like InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, and KitchenAid.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is leaking from the housing, more than 10 years old, or has a burnt motor, replacing it is usually the best choice. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect and repair the mounting hardware if corroded, install your new disposal, and reconnect the dishwasher hose if present. We verify the electrical setup—whether hardwired or plug-in—and test everything before finishing the job.
Regarding power: 1/2 horsepower fits most typical homes. Opt for 3/4 HP if you want fewer jams or have higher demand. A 1 HP model suits larger families or heavy kitchen use and tends to run quieter since it works less hard. Noise concerns in open kitchens? We can recommend insulated models. We'll help you select the right unit when we arrive.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal where there wasn’t one before involves more work than a replacement. We need to cut or modify the sink drain flange to fit the disposal mount, install an electrical outlet or switch if one isn’t there (usually handled by a licensed electrician, which we can coordinate), connect the dishwasher drain if applicable, and run the discharge line properly. Our plumbers handle all the plumbing aspects and will let you know if electrical upgrades are necessary before work begins.
Drain Clogs Related to Disposals
If your kitchen drain runs slow or backs up when the disposal is on, the blockage is often in the trap or drainpipe beyond the disposal—not the disposal itself. Grease buildup, food debris, and soap scum accumulate in these pipes regularly. We use drain snakes to clear out the blockages and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher drain connections. When both disposal and drain cause issues, we tackle both for full resolution.
Warning Signs That Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but the grinding stops (usually jammed)
- No sound or movement when switched on
- Unusual noises like screeching or rattling
- Water dripping from the bottom housing
- Leaks at the sink flange or discharge pipe
- Slow or backed-up kitchen drain
- Reset button trips often
- Persistent bad smell despite cleaning
- Disposal is over a decade old
Items You Should Never Put in Your Disposal
- Grease, fats, or oils — these harden and clog pipes
- Fibrous vegetables — like celery, corn husks, onion skins, or artichokes
- Large amounts of starchy foods — pasta, rice, or potato peels tend to swell and clog
- Bones and fruit pits — they can chip or break grinding parts
- Eggshells — their membranes can jam moving parts
- Coffee grounds in bulk — create gritty sludge in drains
- Always use cold water when running the disposal and keep it running for 15 seconds after grinding
Garbage Disposal FAQs
Usually, a humming disposal means the motor’s powered but the grinding plate is jammed. First, switch it off. Locate the hex wrench tool (often taped under the unit), insert it into the bottom hex hole, and manually turn the grinding plate back and forth to free it. Remove any debris from the opening with tongs—never use your hands. If it still won’t work or jams repeatedly, call us at 708-332-1773.
If your disposal is under 5 or 6 years old and the issue is something fixable like a jam or minor leak, a repair is probably best. For units over 10 years old, with burnt motors or leaks from the housing, a replacement tends to be the smarter financial choice. We provide honest advice and price comparisons to help you decide.
Garbage disposals typically last between 8 and 15 years. Frequent use of tough, fibrous, or starchy foods can shorten their lifespan. InSinkErator and Waste King are the most common brands here in Homewood, both known for reliable units at different price points.
Yes, we can install disposals in most kitchen sinks that don’t have them. The sink drain needs to be adapted for the mounting ring, and you’ll require an electrical outlet or switch nearby—typically installed by an electrician, which we can coordinate. It’s a popular upgrade for kitchen remodels.