Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation Services in Palos Hills, IL
When your garbage disposal stops working, it’s more than just a minor inconvenience — especially after a long day when your kitchen sink fills up with scraps and water won’t drain. Whether it’s stuck, leaking underneath, silent when switched on, or making unsettling noises, in most cases we can fix the problem the same day you call.
Give us a call at 708-729-6343 and we’ll provide a straightforward evaluation. Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to repair, other times replacing the unit is the smarter choice. Factors like the disposal’s age, type of damage, and repair cost all come into play. For instance, a decade-old disposal with a fried motor probably needs swapping out, but a recent model jammed with debris might just need clearing. We’ll walk you through your options with a clear price upfront before any work begins.
We also offer drain cleaning services for clogs in the P-trap or drain pipes below the disposal, because sometimes the disposal checks out fine, but the drains are the real issue. Upgrading your kitchen? Check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation offerings to complete your project smoothly.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We troubleshoot and fix the common trouble spots: a stuck grinding plate causing a humming motor with no movement (try the hex wrench under the unit, but if it persists, call us); reset buttons that won’t hold; leaks around the sink flange, discharge outlet, or dishwasher connection; worn splash guards; and disposals that power on but fail to grind efficiently due to worn parts.
Before suggesting a replacement, we carefully diagnose the problem. Many repairs are budget-friendly and quick. If the unit is beyond repair or not cost-effective to fix, we’ll be honest with you and show you the price difference so you can make the call. We service all major manufacturers including InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking from the actual housing, or has a burnt-out motor, it’s time for a new unit. We’ll remove the old disposal, check the sink’s drain fit and mounting hardware, replace any corroded parts, and install a new model. We take care of the dishwasher drain hook-up when there is one, verify electrical connections whether cord or hardwired, and fully test the system before we leave.
Choosing the right horsepower is key: ½ HP works well for most homes, ¾ HP is better for frequent use or tougher waste, and 1 HP suits larger families or heavy-use kitchens — plus it tends to run quieter. If noise is a concern, especially in open kitchens common in Palos Hills homes, we can recommend models with sound insulation. We'll help you select the best fit during your service.
New Disposal Installation
Adding a garbage disposal to a kitchen without one involves more than just swapping units. We need to modify the drain opening for the mounting flange, install or upgrade an electrical outlet or switch (usually done by an electrician, but we coordinate), hook up the dishwasher drain if you have one, and ensure the discharge pipe is properly connected. We handle all plumbing and guide you through what else is needed.
Drain Clogs Related to Your Disposal
If your kitchen drain is slow or backs up when running the disposal, the problem might be further down the drain line, not the unit itself. Grease, food scraps, and soap scum build up in the P-trap and drain pipes all the time. We use drain snakes to clear blockages and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher drain line while we’re at it. If both the disposal and drain lines are causing trouble, we handle the whole system for you.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- Motor hums but blades don’t turn (likely jammed)
- No sound or action when switched on
- Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Leaks dripping from the unit’s housing
- Leaks around the sink flange or drain outlet
- Slow or backed-up kitchen drain
- Reset button frequently trips
- Lingering foul smells even after cleaning
- Unit age over 10 years
Items to Keep Away from Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oils, and fats — they solidify and clog pipes
- Stringy or fibrous foods — like celery stalks, corn husks, onion skins, or artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods — such as pasta, rice, or thick potato peels
- Bones and hard pits — can damage blades
- Eggshells — their membrane can wrap around the shaft causing jams
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — which may build up paste inside drains
- Always run cold water during and 15 seconds after grinding
Costs vary depending on whether you need a repair, replacement, or a first-time installation, plus the brand and horsepower of the unit chosen. Additional fees may apply for electrical work or drain line cleaning. Repairs generally range from $75 to $200, while replacement labor typically falls between $150 and $350. Unit prices vary widely. Call 708-729-6343 for a clear, no-surprise price before we start work.
Garbage Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
That humming usually means the motor has power but the grinding plate is stuck. First, turn the disposal off at the switch. Then locate the hex hole at the bottom center and use the Allen wrench provided to manually turn the grinder back and forth. Never stick your hand inside — use tongs or pliers for any debris removal. If clearing the jam doesn’t work or keeps happening, call us at 708-729-6343.
If your unit is less than 5 or 6 years old and has fixable issues like jams, leaks, or switch problems, repairing it is often the best choice. But for disposals over 10 years old with burned motors or leaks from the housing, replacement is usually more cost-effective. We’ll explain both options and provide pricing so you can decide.
Most disposals last 8 to 15 years, influenced by how often you use them, the type of food waste, and maintenance. Frequent jamming or handling fibrous and starchy items can shorten their life. InSinkErator and Waste King are popular, reliable brands in this price range.
Yes, we can. Installing a disposal where none existed before means adjusting the sink drain to fit the mounting flange and ensuring electrical supply via an outlet or switch (usually requiring an electrician). We take care of all plumbing connections and will include any electrical coordination in our quote. Many Palos Hills homeowners add disposals as part of kitchen upgrades.