Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair in Lostant, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal at dinner prep time is a headache nobody wants—whether it’s stuck, leaking from below, silent, or making grinding noises like gravel. We often fix these issues the same day you call.
Dial us at 779-217-8378 and I’ll give it to you straight: can this disposal be repaired, or should it be swapped out? The decision depends on the unit’s age, the malfunction type, and repair cost compared to a replacement. For example, a disposal over a decade old with a burnt out motor usually means replace. A newer model jammed on debris likely just needs a quick fix. We explain everything clearly and quote you before touching your system.
If your disposal is fine but your kitchen sink drains slowly, our drain cleaning service helps clear clogs in the P-trap and drain lines. Upgrading your disposal during a bigger kitchen makeover? Check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation offerings.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repair
Common issues we tackle include a jammed grinding plate (motor hums but blades don’t spin — try the hex wrench on the bottom first; if that fails or jams recur, we step in); reset button that won’t hold; leaks around the sink flange caused by worn gaskets or mounting hardware; leaks at the discharge or dishwasher connections; torn splash guards; and disposals that run but don’t grind well (worn parts). We diagnose problems thoroughly before recommending repair or replacement.
Repairs are often affordable and extend the life of your unit. If replacement is more economical due to age or damage, we’ll show you the numbers so you can make an informed call. We service all popular brands including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
Disposals more than 10 years old, leaking from the body itself (not just connections), or with burnt motors typically need to be replaced. Our team removes the old unit, checks and upgrades sink drain fittings and mounting hardware as needed, and installs the new disposal. We also reconnect dishwasher drains, verify electrical supply whether hardwired or corded, and do a full function test before leaving.
Regarding motor power: a 1/2 HP disposal is suitable for most homes. The 3/4 HP models handle heavier kitchen tasks and cut down jams. For large families or high-use kitchens, the 1 HP option offers quieter operation and more torque. We’ll explain your choices and recommend based on your cooking habits and noise preferences.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a kitchen sink without one takes extra work: modifying the drain opening to accept the mounting flange, installing an electrical outlet or switch (usually an electrician’s job, but we coordinate), connecting the dishwasher drain if present, and properly routing the disposal’s discharge line. We handle all plumbing tasks and advise if electrical upgrades are necessary before starting.
Drain Clogs Related to Disposal
If your kitchen drain runs slow or backs up when running the disposal, the issue might be in the P-trap or drain pipe, not the disposal itself. Grease, food scraps, and soap scum build up in these pipes especially in older suburban homes around Lostant. Our drain cleaning service clears these blockages using a drain snake and we inspect the P-trap and dishwasher connection for problems. We'll fix any issues in both the disposal and drain system to get your sink flowing smoothly again.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- Humming noise but no grinding (likely stuck)
- No sound or function when switched on
- Grinding, rattling, or screeching sounds
- Leaks from the bottom housing of the unit
- Leaks at the sink flange or discharge connections
- Kitchen drain slows down or backs up frequently
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Lingering odors that cleaning won’t eliminate
- Unit is older than 10 years
Items to Keep Out of Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, fats, or oils — congeal and clog pipes
- Stringy foods — celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato skins
- Bones and pits — damage blades and motor
- Eggshells — membranes wrap around the grinder shaft
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — cause sludge buildup
- Always run cold water while grinding and for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal FAQ
Usually humming means the motor has power but the grinding plate is stuck on something. Switch off power first. Then locate the hex wrench socket on the unit’s bottom and use the wrench to manually rotate the grinding plate back and forth to free it. Remove any trapped debris carefully with tongs—never your fingers. If it keeps humming without grinding, give us a call at 779-217-8378.
If the disposal is under 5 or 6 years old and has a fixable issue like a jam or leak at a fitting, repair is generally a better deal. But if it’s over 10 years, has a burnt motor, or is leaking through the housing, replacement usually makes more sense. We’ll explain your options and pricing so you can choose.
Typically 8 to 15 years, depending on how much it’s used, the brand, and what you grind through it. Units that get heavy use or handle tough fibrous or starchy foods tend to wear out sooner. InSinkErator and Waste King are common brands known for reliable models across different price points.
Yes, we can add a disposal to most kitchen sinks that don’t already have one. This involves modifying the drain opening to accept the mounting flange and installing an electrical outlet or switch under the sink—usually handled by an electrician, but we’ll coordinate the work. This is a popular upgrade when remodeling kitchens. Check out our kitchen remodeling service for more.