Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation Services in Cicero, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly become a real headache, especially on a busy evening when your kitchen sink is full and you need it working. Whether your disposal is stuck, leaking, dead on startup, or sounds like rocks tumbling inside, our team usually can diagnose and fix it that same day.
When you get in touch at 708-726-5506, we’ll assess your disposal’s condition honestly. Sometimes repairing makes sense depending on age, damage, and repair cost. Other times, like a 12-year-old unit with a fried motor, a new disposal is a smarter investment. We explain all options clearly and provide firm pricing before any work begins.
We also tackle drain cleaning for any blockages in the P-trap or drain pipes under your disposal that can cause backups. If your kitchen update includes replacing the disposal, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation offerings as well.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We fix the most frequent disposal issues: grinding plates jammed (motor humming but impeller stuck—try the bottom hex wrench first, but if it persists, call us), reset buttons that won’t hold, leaks at the sink flange or discharge outlets, worn splash guards, and disposals that run but don’t grind well due to worn parts.
Before suggesting replacement, we pinpoint the exact cause. Many issues are budget-friendly fixes. If repair is feasible, we handle it efficiently. For older or badly damaged disposals where replacement makes financial sense, we’ll lay out the facts and give you transparent pricing. We work with all popular brands like InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, and KitchenAid.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over a decade old, leaking from its housing, or has a burnt motor, swapping it out is the best move. We remove the old unit, check the sink drain flange and mounting components, replace rusty parts, then install the new disposal. We hook up the dishwasher drain line if needed, verify wiring (hardwired or corded), and thoroughly test before finishing.
Regarding power: 1/2 HP is sufficient for most homes. 3/4 HP works better for heavier loads and reduces jams, while 1 HP is ideal for large families or high-use kitchens and tends to operate more quietly. If noise is a concern—especially in open kitchens—we can recommend models with sound insulation when we’re there.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal where none exists requires more work than a replacement. It involves modifying the sink drain opening to fit the mounting flange, installing an electrical outlet or switch (we coordinate with electricians), connecting dishwasher drains if applicable, and routing the disposal’s discharge correctly into your drains. We take care of all the plumbing and clearly outline electrical needs in our estimate.
Drain Clog Issues Related to the Disposal
If your kitchen drain is running slow or backing up when the disposal is on, the clog may be in the P-trap or drain pipe below the unit rather than the disposal itself. Grease buildup, food scraps, and soap scum often clog those pipes. We use professional snaking equipment to clear kitchen drain lines and inspect fittings like the P-trap and dishwasher drain while we work. If both the disposal and drain are causing trouble, we fix both.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- It hums but fails to grind (likely jammed)
- No sound or function when switched on
- Unusual grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds
- Leakage from the disposal’s base (the housing)
- Drips at the sink flange or discharge pipe
- Slow or backed-up kitchen sink drains
- Overload reset button trips often
- Lingering odors even after cleaning
- Unit over 10 years old
What to Avoid Putting Into Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, fats, and oils — they solidify and clog drains
- Stringy or fibrous items — celery stalks, corn husks, artichokes, onion skins
- Large amounts of starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato peels
- Hard materials — bones, fruit pits, shells
- Eggshells — membrane can wrap around components
- Excessive coffee grounds — creates sludge in pipes
- Always run cold water while grinding and for 15 seconds afterward
Garbage Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. A humming noise usually means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is stuck. Turn off the unit, then use the hex wrench on the bottom to manually free up the plate. Remove any debris with tongs—not your fingers. If the problem persists, give us a call at 708-726-5506.
If your disposal is less than 5 or 6 years old and the issue is something fixable like a jam or minor leak, repairing usually makes sense. For units over 10 years old, or those with motor failure or housing leaks, replacement offers better value. We’ll explain both routes with pricing so you can decide.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years, depending on how often and harshly they’re used and what goes through them. Heavy use or frequent jams from tough food scraps can shorten lifespan. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King are common choices with a range of reliability and price.
Yes, we can add a disposal to most kitchen sinks. This involves modifying the drain to fit the disposal mount and installing or upgrading an electrical outlet or switch under the sink. We handle the plumbing and coordinate any electrical work needed. This is a popular upgrade for kitchen remodeling projects.