Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation Services in Deerfield, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly turn into a headache, especially when you're stuck with a sink full of scraps after dinner in an older Deerfield home. Whether it’s jammed, dripping underneath, won’t power on, or sounds like it’s grinding rocks, our crew can often repair it the same day you call.
Give us a ring at 224-300-7452 and we’ll evaluate the problem honestly. Sometimes a repair makes sense, other times replacement is a smarter investment—like when the motor’s burned out on an older unit. We’ll explain the fix, the costs, and whether an upgrade fits your needs. No guessing, just clear, transparent service.
We also tackle drain clogs under and beyond the disposal that can cause slow drains or backups—because sometimes the trouble isn’t the disposal itself but the pipes it drains into. Planning a kitchen upgrade? Ask about our kitchen remodeling and fixture installation options, too.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We fix all sorts of common issues: stuck grinding plates (you may hear a hum but no grinding—try the hex wrench on the bottom first, but if the jam keeps coming back or won’t budge, call us), reset button problems, leaks at the sink flange or discharge points, worn splash guards, and disposals that power on but don’t grind food properly.
Before suggesting a replacement, we carefully diagnose the fault. Many problems are straightforward to fix without breaking the bank. If your disposal is old or beyond repair, we'll be upfront about replacement costs and help you choose the right unit. We service brands like InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is leaking from the housing, has a dead motor, or just aged beyond 10 years, swapping it out is the way to go. We remove the old unit, inspect and repair the sink drain and mounting hardware as needed, reconnect the dishwasher drain if you have one, and check the electrical setup before installing the new disposal. We test everything to make sure it’s running smooth before we leave.
Choosing the horsepower for your new disposal depends on your household's use. A 1/2 HP unit typically covers most needs, 3/4 HP handles busier kitchens and cuts down on jams, and 1 HP is built for heavy-duty use or larger families. If noise is a concern—especially in open kitchens—models with sound insulation are worth considering. We’ll guide you through your options during the appointment.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink without one takes more work than just swapping out an old unit. We need to modify the drain opening to fit the mounting flange, ensure proper plumbing connections, and coordinate electrical wiring or switches (usually needing an electrician). If you have a dishwasher, we’ll connect its drain line correctly, too. We handle the plumbing end and explain any electrical needs upfront.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Blockages
If your kitchen sink drains sluggishly or backs up when running the disposal, the issue might be clogged pipes downstream rather than the disposal itself. Grease, buildup from food, and soap scum tend to collect in the P-trap and drainpipe. We clear these blockages with drain snaking and inspect the dishwasher drain connection while we’re at it. If both disposal and drain contribute, we take care of both problems.
Is Your Garbage Disposal Due for Service?
- Humming noise but no grinding (possible jam)
- No sound or movement when switched on
- Strange grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds
- Water leaking from the bottom or housing
- Leaks near the sink flange or discharge pipe
- Slow draining or backups in the kitchen sink
- Reset button trips often
- Persistent foul odors despite cleaning
- Unit is 10 years old or older
Items to Avoid Putting in Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, or animal fat – solidifies and clogs pipes
- Stringy or fibrous vegetables like celery stalks, corn husks, onion skins, or artichokes
- Large amounts of starchy foods such as pasta, rice, or potato peels
- Hard materials like bones and fruit pits that damage blades
- Eggshells – the membrane can wrap around the grinder shaft
- Excess coffee grounds – can build up in the drainpipes
- Always run cold water during grinding and keep it running 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
A humming sound often means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is stuck. First, turn off the disposal. Using the hex wrench inserted into the socket at the unit’s base, try rotating the grinding plate to clear the jam. Never use your hands; tongs or pliers work best to pull out any stuck debris. If it keeps humming or won’t free up, give us a call at 224-300-7452.
If your disposal is less than 5 or 6 years old and can be fixed by clearing jams, fixing leaks, or replacing switches, repairing is often more cost-effective. For units over 10 years old, especially those with motor failure or leaks from the housing itself, replacement usually makes better sense. We’ll explain your options clearly with pricing so you can choose what’s best.
On average, disposals last from 8 to 15 years depending on how often and what you put through them. Heavy use, frequent jams, or grinding tough fibrous or starchy foods can shorten their lifespan. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King are common around here and both offer reliable models at various price points.
Yes, we can add a disposal to most kitchen sinks, even if one wasn’t there before. This involves adapting the drain opening, installing the mounting ring, and handling the plumbing. You’ll also need an electrical outlet or switch under the sink—usually an electrician’s job. We coordinate all parts of the job and provide a full quote before starting. This upgrade is common in local kitchen remodels.