Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation Services in Skokie, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can be frustrating — especially on a busy evening when your kitchen sink fills up with food waste and you can’t get it to drain. Whether it’s stuck, leaking underneath, won’t power on, or sounds like it’s chewing rocks, our team usually handles repairs the same day you call.
Give us a ring at 224-524-1272 and we’ll provide a straightforward evaluation: should you fix your existing disposal or swap it out? This depends on the unit’s age, what’s wrong, and repair costs versus replacement. For example, a 12-year-old motor that’s burned out is better off replaced, while a younger unit jammed on debris often just needs a quick unblock. We’ll always be upfront with you about your options and pricing before starting.
We also offer professional drain cleaning to clear out blockages in the P-trap or drain line below your disposal—sometimes the disposal works fine but the pipes clog. If you’re doing a kitchen upgrade, check out our kitchen remodeling and fixture installation services, too.
What Garbage Disposal Services We Offer
Garbage Disposal Repairs
Common fixes we tackle include clearing jammed grinding plates (motor hums but won’t turn—try the wrench tool at the base, but if it persists, call us); resetting overload trips; fixing leaks at the sink flange, discharge, or dishwasher inlet; replacing worn splash guards; and restoring grinding performance when components are worn out.
Before recommending a replacement, we diagnose the real problem. Many issues are inexpensive repairs. If repair is sensible, we’ll get it done. If the disposal is old or too damaged, we’ll discuss replacement options with pricing so you can make an informed decision. We work on all major models: InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacements
If your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking from the housing, or has a burnt motor, swapping it out is the smart choice. We’ll remove the old unit, inspect and prepare the sink drain flange, replace any rusty mounting parts, and install your new disposal. We handle dishwasher drain hookups, check electrical connections (hardwired or plug-in), and test the entire system before leaving your home.
Horsepower options: 1/2 HP suits most households fine. 3/4 HP is ideal for heavier kitchen use and reduces jams. 1 HP is best for large families or frequent use, and those models run quieter since the motor doesn’t have to work as hard. If you’re sensitive to noise, we’ll recommend quieter models with sound insulation when we’re onsite.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Installing a disposal where none existed before requires more work than a replacement. We modify the sink drain hole to fit the mounting flange, coordinate electrical outlet or switch installation (usually requires an electrician), connect the dishwasher drain if needed, and ensure the disposal discharges correctly into your drain line. We handle all plumbing aspects and clarify any electrical needs before starting.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Clogs
If your kitchen drain runs slow or backs up when using the disposal, the clog might be in the P-trap or drain line below. Grease, food scraps, and soap build up in these pipes regularly. We snake out the drain to remove blockages and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher drain while we’re there. If the disposal and drain are both causing issues, we’ll take care of the whole problem.
How to Know Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Hums without grinding (motor jammed)
- No sound or activity when flipped on
- Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling noise
- Leaking from the unit’s base or housing
- Leaks around sink flange or drain connection
- Kitchen drain slow or backing up
- Reset button trips often
- Persistent bad smells despite cleaning
- Unit older than 10 years
Items You Should Never Put Down the Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat – they solidify and clog pipes
- Stringy vegetables – celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods – pasta, rice, potato peels
- Bones and fruit pits – can damage blades
- Eggshells – the membrane can wrap around the blade shaft
- Large amounts of coffee grounds – cause sludge buildup
- Always run cold water while grinding and keep it on for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal FAQ
Not always. That humming usually means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is stuck. First, turn it off, then use the hex wrench that should be stored on the unit’s underside to manually turn the plate and free it up. Use tongs or pliers to clear anything stuck in the drain opening—never use your fingers. If this doesn't solve the problem or it keeps happening, call us at 224-524-1272.
If your disposal is less than 5-6 years old and the problem is specific and fixable (like a jam or leak at a fitting), repairing it is usually the best option. If it’s older than 10 years, has a dead motor, or is leaking from the disposal’s main body, replacing it is often more cost-effective. We’ll explain your options and pricing so you can decide what’s best.
Expect 8 to 15 years depending on how often you use it, the brand, and the type of food waste you put down it. Units that handle a lot of fibrous foods or get jammed often usually wear out quicker. InSinkErator and Waste King are popular in this area and provide reliable options across different price points.
Yes, we can add a garbage disposal to most kitchen sinks without one. This involves modifying the drain to fit the mounting system and adding a dedicated electrical outlet or switch under the sink, which may require an electrician. We handle all the plumbing and will let you know exactly what needs to be done before we begin. This is a common part of many kitchen renovation projects around here.