Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation in Flossmoor, IL
When your garbage disposal fails during dinner prep or after a long day, it can quickly become a major hassle. Whether it’s stuck, leaking at the base, won’t power up, or making grinding sounds like gravel in the blades, we often get it operational the same day.
Give us a ring at 708-991-8640 and we’ll evaluate whether a repair or a replacement makes the most sense based on your disposal’s condition, age, and the cost to fix versus replace. A disposal that’s over a decade old with a burnt motor is usually better off swapped for a new one, but a younger unit with a simple jam can usually be freed without much fuss. We’ll be upfront about pricing before starting any work.
If your kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up when using the disposal, we also offer thorough drain cleaning to clear out P-traps and drain lines clogged with food debris and grease. Remodeling your kitchen? Check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet installation services to refresh your whole setup.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repair
We tackle common issues like stuck grinders (motor hums but blades won’t spin—try turning the hex wrench underneath before calling us), reset buttons that won’t hold, leaks under the sink flange or at the discharge, worn splash guards, and disposals that run but won’t shred food effectively. We carefully diagnose problems and repair what we can. If a replacement is smarter financially, we’ll provide a detailed comparison so you can decide.
Brands we service include InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
Older disposals (10+ years) leaking from the unit housing, or with burnt-out motors, usually need replacing. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect mounting hardware for corrosion, replace as needed, and install a new disposal. We also reattach dishwasher lines when applicable, check the electrical connection (hardwired or plug-in), and test everything before leaving.
We help you pick the right horsepower: 1/2 HP fits most families, 3/4 HP handles heavier use with fewer jams, and 1 HP suits large households or open kitchens—where quieter operation is a bonus. We’ll review options on site and answer your questions.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal where none exists requires cutting the sink drain opening for the mounting flange, installing an outlet or switch (our plumber coordinates with electricians as needed), connecting to the dishwasher drain line, and routing the discharge properly. We handle all plumbing work and will let you know if electrical upgrades are part of the job before we start.
Drain Clogs Linked to Garbage Disposals
If your kitchen drain runs slow or backs up when you use the disposal, the P-trap or drain line may be clogged with grease, food, or soap scum. We use drain snakes to clear blockages and inspect dishwasher drain connections while we’re at it. Sometimes the issue is both the disposal and the drain, and we’ll fix both so your sink flows freely again.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but blades don’t spin (likely jammed)
- No reaction at all when switched on
- Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds
- Leakage from the bottom housing
- Water dripping at sink flange or drain outlet
- Slow draining or backups in your kitchen sink
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Lingering foul odors despite cleaning
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Items to Never Grind in Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, and fat — solidify and clog pipes
- Stringy vegetables — celery stalks, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Large amounts of starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato peels
- Bones and fruit pits — risk damaging blades
- Egg shells — membranes can wrap and jam the motor
- Excessive coffee grounds — create paste that clogs drains
- Always run cold water while grinding and for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal FAQ
If your disposal hums, it usually means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is stuck. Turn off the unit, then use the hex wrench in the socket on the bottom to manually rotate the blades back and forth. Never reach inside with your hands—use tongs or pliers to clear any debris. If it remains jammed or jams often, call us at 708-991-8640.
If your disposal is less than 5 or 6 years old and has a fixable issue like a jam or a minor leak, repair is usually worth it. For units over 10 years, especially with motor failure or housing leaks, replacement is often more cost-effective. We’ll explain your options with pricing so you can make an informed choice.
Typical lifespans range from 8 to 15 years depending on brand, how often it’s used, and what goes through it. Heavy use and grinding fibrous or starchy foods shorten its life. Popular models from InSinkErator and Waste King are reliable and cover various budgets.
Yes, we install disposals in most existing kitchen sinks that currently lack them. You’ll likely need a modified drain opening, plus a power outlet or switch. We handle the plumbing and coordinate any electrical work needed. This is a common upgrade, especially when remodeling your kitchen here.