Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair in Glen Ellyn, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal might seem like a minor nuisance until you have a kitchen sink full of scraps and nowhere to put them late in the day. Whether it’s seized up, dripping underneath, silent, or making grinding noises that don’t sound right, most repairs can be done quickly, often the same day.
Give us a call at 331-267-7498, and we’ll evaluate your disposal honestly. Sometimes a simple fix will do, but if the motor is burnt out or the unit is old, replacement might be a better investment. For example, an aging disposal over a decade old with a dead motor doesn’t make sense to keep fixing. On the other hand, troubleshooting a jammed unit a few years old usually means clearing debris. We’ll quote you clearly before any work begins.
We also provide drain cleaning services to clear blockages caused by buildup under your disposal, such as within the P-trap or drain pipe. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation services too.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
Common issues we fix include a grinding plate that’s stuck (motor hums but blades don’t spin — often the hex wrench on the bottom frees it, but if it’s persistent, call us), reset buttons that won’t hold, leaks around the sink flange or discharge pipes, faulty splash guards, and disposals that run but don’t grind food properly due to worn parts.
We diagnose the exact problem before suggesting replacement. Many repairs are affordable and can extend the life of your disposal. If the unit is beyond repair or too old, we’ll be upfront about replacement costs vs. repair so you can decide. We service all popular brands like InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Replacing Your Garbage Disposal
If your disposal is more than 10 years old, leaking from the housing, or has a burnt-out motor, replacement is usually best. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect the sink mounting hardware, replace corroded parts, connect the dishwasher line if you have one, confirm wiring whether hardwired or plug-in, and test the new disposal thoroughly before finishing the job.
Choosing the right horsepower matters: 1/2 HP suits most families. 3/4 HP units handle heavier kitchens with fewer jams. 1 HP disposals are ideal for larger households or extensive use and tend to be quieter under load. If noise is a concern, especially in open-concept kitchens, we can recommend quieter models with sound insulation. We’ll explain your options when onsite.
Installing New Garbage Disposals
Adding a disposal to a kitchen that never had one involves more work than a straight replacement. We need to customize the sink drain to accept the disposal flange, arrange electrical access (usually requiring an electrician), hook up a dishwasher drain if applicable, and connect the disposal’s discharge pipe properly. We handle all plumbing details and coordinate any needed electrical work, giving you a full picture before starting.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Blockages
If your kitchen drain runs slow or backs up when you use the disposal, the clog might be in the P-trap or drain line, not the disposal itself. Food scraps, grease buildup, and soap scum often collect in these pipes below the disposal. We use drain snaking to clear these blockages and check connections including the dishwasher drain. We’ll fix the whole system if both the disposal and drain are causing trouble.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but blades don’t turn (likely jammed)
- No sound or movement when switched on
- Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Leaks dripping from the bottom housing
- Leaks around the sink flange or discharge pipe
- Kitchen sink draining slowly or backing up
- Reset button trips frequently or won’t hold
- Lingering bad odors the cleaning doesn’t fix
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Items to Avoid Putting Down Your Disposal
- Grease, fats, or oil — these solidify and clog pipes
- Fibrous veggies — celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods — pasta, rice, or potato peels that swell
- Bones and large fruit pits — can damage blades
- Eggshells — membranes can wrap around the grinding shaft
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — cause paste buildup in drains
- Always run cold water during and for 15 seconds after using the disposal
Cost varies depending on whether it’s a repair, replacement, or first-time installation; the brand and horsepower you choose; if electrical work is necessary; and whether the drain line needs cleaning. Repairs usually range from $75 to $200. Labor for replacements typically costs $150 to $350. Disposal units vary widely in price by model. We provide firm quotes before any job begins—call 331-267-7498 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals
A humming noise usually means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is stuck. First, turn off the switch. Then check underneath for the hex socket and use the Allen wrench (often taped to the unit) to wiggle the plate free. Don’t reach in with your hands—use tongs or pliers to remove any debris. If it still won’t run, or jams keep happening, give us a call at 331-267-7498.
If your disposal is under 5 or 6 years old and has a specific issue like a jam or leak, repairing it usually makes sense. For units over 10 years old, with burnt motors or housing leaks, replacement often offers better value and longevity. We’ll review your options and provide pricing to help you decide.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years depending on how often you use them, the types of food waste processed, and maintenance. Heavy use or frequent jams can shorten lifespan. InSinkErator and Waste King are the leading brands here and both have reliable products across different price points.
Yes, in many cases. Installing a new disposal requires modifying the sink drain to fit the mounting flange and ensuring you have an electrical outlet or switch nearby—usually requiring an electrician. We manage all plumbing aspects and coordinate electrical work. This is a common upgrade during kitchen renovations.