Garbage Disposal Service & Installation in Hanover Park, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal may seem minor—until you’re stuck with a sink full of scraps in the evening. Whether the unit is jammed, leaking underneath, won’t power on, or makes a strange rattling sound, our team usually can fix it the same day you call.
When you reach out at 331-200-5142, we’ll give straight advice on whether your disposal can be repaired or if replacement makes more sense. It comes down to the age of your unit, the issue at hand, and repair costs compared to a new disposal. For instance, if the motor’s burnt out on a decade-old disposal, replacing it is usually the smarter choice. If it’s a jam or minor glitch on a newer unit, we’ll clear the problem and get it running again. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins.
We also offer drain cleaning services for issues linked to clogs below the disposal, such as in the P-trap or drain pipes—sometimes the disposal is fine but the pipes need attention. If you’re updating your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation options as well.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
The most frequent issues include disposals that hum but don’t grind (usually from a jam—start with the hex wrench on the bottom to free it; if that fails or jams recur, call us), overload switches that trip and won’t reset, leaks at the sink flange or discharge pipe, worn splash guards, and disposals that run but don’t grind well due to worn parts.
Before recommending replacement, we carefully diagnose the problem. Many repairs are cost-effective and straightforward. If your unit is too old or heavily damaged, we’ll let you know and give you price options for replacement versus repair. We service all popular brands including 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 10 years old, replacing it is often best. We remove the old unit, check and clean the sink drain opening, replace rusty mounting hardware, and install your new disposal. We connect dishwasher drains if needed, verify electrical connections whether hardwired or plugged in, and test the new unit thoroughly before we leave.
When selecting horsepower, 1/2 HP suits most households fine. A 3/4 HP model handles busier kitchens with fewer jams, and 1 HP is ideal for larger families or high-volume use. The stronger motors usually run quieter because they aren’t strained as much. We’ll walk you through your options when we’re on-site.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink that never had one involves cutting the drain to fit the mounting flange, installing or arranging for electrical wiring and switch outlets, connecting dishwasher drains where applicable, and making sure the disposal outlet routes correctly to the drain system. We handle all the plumbing and coordinate electrical needs so the installation goes smoothly.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Blockages
If your kitchen drain is slow or backs up when running the disposal, the clog may be in the pipes below rather than the disposal unit itself. Grease, food debris, and soap scum build up inside the P-trap and drain lines all the time. We use professional drain snakes to clear the blockage and inspect the dishwasher drain connection while we’re on site. If both the disposal and drain contribute to the problem, we’ll fix each.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- The disposal hums but doesn’t grind (likely jammed)
- No sound or activity when switched on
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Leaks dripping from the base housing
- Leaks near the sink flange or discharge pipe
- Slow or backed-up kitchen sink drain
- Reset button frequently trips
- Persistent bad odors despite cleaning efforts
- Unit is over 10 years old
Items to Avoid Putting Down Your Disposal
- Grease, oils, or fats — they harden and clog pipes
- Fibrous vegetables — like celery, corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods — such as pasta, rice, and potato peels
- Bones and fruit pits — can damage the grinding mechanism
- Eggshells — shells and membranes can wrap around the blades
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — cause buildup and blockages
- Always run cold water while grinding and for 15-20 seconds afterward to flush debris
Frequently Asked Questions about Garbage Disposals
Not always. A humming sound usually means the motor is getting power but the grinding plate is stuck. First, turn off the disposal at the switch. Locate the hex socket on the bottom center of the unit and use the Allen wrench (often taped to the side) to turn the plate back and forth. Use tongs or pliers — never your hand — to clear any stuck debris in the drain opening. If it keeps humming or jams again, give us a call at 331-200-5142.
If your disposal is less than 5 or 6 years old and has a fixable issue like a jam, leak at a connection, or faulty switch, repairing it is usually the best choice. But if it’s more than 10 years old, has a burnt-out motor, or leaks from the housing itself, replacing it often makes more sense. We’ll give you options and estimates to help you decide.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years, although heavy use or frequent jams can shorten that span. InSinkErator and Waste King are the leading brands here in our area, both offering dependable units across different price points.
Yes, we can. Setting one up where there wasn’t one before means modifying the sink drain to fit the disposal flange and ensuring there’s an electrical outlet or switch nearby—usually an electrician’s job. We’ll handle all plumbing and let you know if electrical work is needed. Adding a disposal is a common upgrade when doing a kitchen remodel.