Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation Services in Addison, IL
When your garbage disposal stops working, it really disrupts your kitchen flow—especially on a chilly Illinois evening when dinner prep is under way. Whether your unit is jammed, leaking at the base, won’t power on, or sounds like it's grinding rocks, we can usually sort it out the same day you call.
Give us a ring at 708-773-4149 and we’ll assess whether your disposal is worth fixing or if replacing it makes better sense. That depends on its age, the specific problem, and the cost of repair versus buying new. For example, a disposal over a decade old with a burnt motor usually isn’t worth fixing, but a jammed newer unit might just need a quick unblock. We’ll be upfront with you and quote a price before we start any work.
If the complaint is more about clogged drains than the disposal itself, we also handle drain cleaning to clear out buildup in the P-trap or drain pipes below. And if you’re upgrading your kitchen, consider bundling disposal replacement with our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation services.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repair
Typical repairs include clearing jams when the motor hums but the blades don’t turn—you can try the bottom hex wrench first, but if it keeps locking up or won’t reset, we’ll handle it; fixing leaks at the sink flange or where the discharge pipe connects; replacing worn splash guards; and resolving units that power on but fail to grind properly due to worn parts.
Before replacing your disposal, we diagnose the root cause—often a repair is a cost-effective fix. If the unit’s old or the damage is severe, we’ll be honest and provide pricing so you can choose. We service all big brands including InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, among others.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is leaking from the housing, has a burnt-out motor, or is over 10 years old, swapping it out is usually the best move. We’ll take out the old unit, check the mounting hardware and sink drain for wear, replace any corroded parts, and install the new disposal. This includes reconnecting dishwasher drains, verifying the power supply, and testing the system before we leave.
Selecting the right motor size is key: 1/2 HP is enough for most homes, 3/4 HP handles heavier kitchen traffic and reduces jams, and 1 HP is ideal for bigger families or busier kitchens with less noise thanks to less strain on the motor. We’ll help you pick the right model when we’re onsite.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink that doesn’t have one takes more work than just swapping units. We need to modify the drain opening for the disposal flange, set up the electrical outlet or switch (usually requiring an electrician we coordinate with), connect the dishwasher line if you have one, and ensure the drainage is properly routed. We handle all the plumbing steps and give you a clear quote before work starts.
Disposal-Related Drain Clogs
If your kitchen drain is slow or backs up when you run the disposal, the issue might be downstream in the drain lines, not the disposal itself. Grease, food scraps, and soap scum often build up in the P-trap and drain pipe below. We use drain snaking to clear blockages and inspect the dishwasher connection while we're there. If both disposal and drain are causing trouble, we'll fix them together.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- The unit hums but blades don’t spin (jammed)
- No sound at all when switched on
- Grinding sounds, rattling, or screeching noises
- Leaks dripping from the base housing
- Leaks near the sink flange or pipe connections
- Slow or backed-up kitchen drain
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Persistent foul odors even after cleaning
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Items to Keep Out of Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, and fats — clog pipes when cooled
- Fibrous veggies — like celery, corn husks, onion layers
- Large amounts of starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato skins
- Bones and fruit pits — can dull or break grinding parts
- Eggshells — their membrane wraps around grinder
- Excess coffee grounds — can cause drain buildup
- Always run cold water while using and for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal FAQ
Not always. A humming sound usually means the motor's energized but the grinding plate is stuck. Start by turning off the switch. Then find the hex socket on the bottom and use the Allen wrench (often taped to the unit) to turn the plate back and forth manually. Use tongs or pliers—don’t stick your hand inside—to remove any stuck material. If that doesn’t solve it or it keeps jamming, call us at 708-773-4149.
If your disposal is less than 5–6 years old and has a fixable problem like a jam or a minor leak, repairing usually makes sense. If it’s more than 10 years old, leaking from the housing, or has a burnt motor, replacement is generally a wiser investment. We’ll give you both options and prices so you can decide what works best.
On average, disposals last 8 to 15 years based on usage, brand, and maintenance. Heavily used units or those handling a lot of fibrous or starchy waste tend to wear out closer to 8 years. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King are common around here and offer solid durability across different price points.
Yes, we can install disposals in most kitchen sinks that don’t have one installed yet. It involves modifying the drain flange, adding a power source such as an outlet or wall switch (which may need an electrician), and plumbing the dishwasher drain if needed. We’ll manage all plumbing details and help coordinate electrical work, giving you a full quote up front. It’s a popular upgrade during kitchen remodels.