Garbage Disposal Repairs & Installations in Lake Zurich, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly become a hassle, especially after a long day when your sink is full and you need it working. Whether it's stuck, leaking from underneath, dead on startup, or making grinding noises you don’t recognize, we’re usually able to fix it the same day you call.
Contact us at 224-262-3400 and we'll give you a clear, no-nonsense evaluation of your disposal's condition. Sometimes the best fix is a replacement, especially if the unit is older or has extensive damage. Other times, a simple repair does the trick. We’ll explain your options and pricing before we lift a wrench.
We also offer drain cleaning services to clear clogs in the pipes downstream from your disposal. If you’re updating your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation to match.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We handle common issues like a jammed grinding plate (you might hear the motor hum but the blades don’t spin—try the hex key reset first, but we’re here if it persists), reset button trips, leaks at the sink flange or discharge pipe, worn splash guards, and disposals that run but don’t grind food properly.
Before suggesting a replacement, we diagnose the real problem. Many repairs are affordable and prolong the life of your unit. If it’s time for a new disposal, we’ll give you the facts and cost comparison upfront. We work on all popular brands including InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
When you have a disposal over 10 years old, leaking from the housing, or a burnt-out motor, replacement is usually the best route. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect the sink drain and mounting hardware, replace any rusty fittings, install your new disposal, reconnect the dishwasher drain if you have one, and ensure the electrical hookup is safe and sound before we leave.
Picking the right horsepower depends on your household: 1/2 HP fits typical use, 3/4 HP is better for heavier demands and fewer jams, and 1 HP works well for large families or busy kitchens. If noise is a concern, especially in open layouts like many homes around Lake Zurich, higher horsepower models with sound insulation run more quietly. We’ll help you pick the right setup.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Installing a disposal where there wasn’t one before takes a bit more work: cutting the sink drain opening to fit the mounting flange, adding or upgrading an electrical outlet or switch (that’s usually an electrician’s job but we coordinate), hooking up the dishwasher drain line if applicable, and connecting the disposal to the drain properly. We handle the plumbing part and let you know about any electrical work needed before starting.
Clearing Drain Clogs Related to Disposals
If your kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up when running the disposal, the problem might be beyond the unit—often in the P-trap or drain pipes below. Food residue, grease, and soap scum accumulate over time causing blockages. We offer thorough drain snaking to clear your pipes and check connections to the dishwasher drain as well, ensuring everything flows freely.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- Humming motor but no grinding (likely jammed)
- Nothing happens when switched on
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Water leaking from the bottom housing
- Leaks where disposal meets sink flange or discharge
- Slow or backed up kitchen sink drain
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Persistent foul smells despite cleaning
- Unit is over 10 years old
Items to Avoid Putting in Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat — they solidify and clog pipes
- Fibrous materials — celery strings, corn husks, onion skin
- Bulk starchy foods — cooked pasta, rice, potato skins
- Bones and pits — can dull or break blades
- Eggshells — membranes can clump on the shaft
- Coffee grounds in large amounts — cause sludge buildup
- Always run cold water during and after use for at least 15 seconds
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals
Not necessarily broken. That humming usually indicates something is stuck inside the grinding chamber. First, turn off power to the unit. Locate the hex opening on the bottom center of the disposal and use an Allen wrench (often provided with the unit) to manually turn the grinding plate back and forth. Use tongs or pliers to clear debris—never stick your hand inside. If that doesn't clear the jam or it happens often, give us a call at 224-262-3400.
If your unit is less than five or six years old and the problem is something fixable like a jam or leak, repairing is usually best. For disposals over 10 years old, with burned out motors or leaks from the housing, replacement tends to be more cost-effective. We’ll provide both options and prices so you can decide what fits your needs and budget.
Depending on brand, how often it’s used, and what goes down it, most disposals last between 8 and 15 years. Units in heavy-use kitchens with a lot of fibrous or starchy waste tend to wear out sooner. InSinkErator and Waste King are common brands with solid reputations and various price points.
Yes, we can typically add a disposal to most kitchen sinks that currently lack one. This requires cutting the sink drain to fit the mounting flange and installing or upgrading an electrical outlet or switch—which usually requires an electrician. We’ll manage all plumbing connections and coordinate electrical work if needed. This upgrade is popular in kitchen remodeling projects.