Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair in New Lenox, IL
Nothing’s more frustrating than a disposal that stops working just before dinner prep or right after a big family meal. Whether your unit is jammed, dripping from underneath, completely dead, or making grinding noises that don’t sound quite right, our team usually gets it working again the same day.
When you reach out to us at 779-217-8632, we’ll evaluate whether a repair is feasible or if a replacement makes more sense. Factors like the disposal’s age, the problem type, and repair cost all matter. For example, a disposal that’s over a decade old with a burned-out motor is better off replaced. But a newer unit stuck on debris might just need a quick fix. We’ll be upfront with you and provide a clear price before any work starts.
If your kitchen drain seems blocked even when the disposal looks fine, we offer drain cleaning to clear clogs in the P-trap or drain pipes. Plus, if you’re updating your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet & fixture installation services to complete the job.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repair
Common issues we fix include a jammed grinding plate where the motor hums but the blades don’t spin (try the hex wrench at the bottom, but if it persists, call us), a reset button that won’t hold, leaks at the sink connection or the discharge pipe, worn splash guards, and disposals that turn on but fail to grind food well due to worn parts.
We always diagnose the problem thoroughly before suggesting replacement. Many faults are simple and cost-effective to repair. If your unit is old or badly damaged, we’ll lay out replacement options with honest pricing so you can decide. We service all leading brands: InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking from the body, or the motor has burnt out, replacing it makes more sense. We carefully remove the old unit, inspect and clean the mounting area, swap out any corroded parts, install your new disposal, and reconnect the dishwasher drain if present. We also check the electrical setup, whether it’s hardwired or plug-in, then test everything before leaving.
When picking horsepower, 1/2 HP is fine for common use, 3/4 HP handles busier kitchens with fewer jams, and 1 HP suits large households or heavy users while running quieter. We’ll go over these options with you during service.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Installing a disposal where none existed requires more work. The sink drain has to be modified to fit the mounting flange, a dedicated outlet or switch may need to be added (this usually calls for an electrician), and the dishwasher drain must be properly connected if applicable. We manage all plumbing tasks and coordinate any electrical needs before we begin.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Clogs
If your kitchen drain is slow or backs up when the disposal runs, the issue might be downstream in the P-trap or drain pipe. Grease, food scraps, and soap scum often build up there. We use professional drain snakes to clear blockages and check the P-trap and dishwasher drains while on site. When both the disposal and drain are involved, we fix both problems for long-lasting results.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- The motor hums but the blades don’t move
- Nothing happens when you flip the switch
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds
- Leaks dripping from the bottom casing
- Water leaking around the sink flange or discharge pipe
- Kitchen drain backs up or drains very slowly
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Persistent bad smells that don’t clear with cleaning
- Disposal is more than 10 years old
Items to Avoid Putting in Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, fats, or oils — they solidify and clog pipes
- Stringy or fibrous vegetables — celery, corn husks, onion skins
- Large amounts of starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato peelings
- Bones and fruit pits — can damage grinding mechanisms
- Eggshells — their membranes can wrap around parts
- Excessive coffee grounds — cause paste-like buildup in drains
- Always run cold water while the disposal operates and for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal FAQ
Not always. A humming sound usually means the motor is powered but the blades are stuck. Start by turning off the unit. Then, use the hex wrench (often taped to the bottom) to manually back and forth rotate the grinding plate. Use tongs or pliers — never your fingers — to remove any stuck debris. If it stays jammed or won’t reset, call us at 779-217-8632 and we’ll take a look.
If your disposal is under 5 or 6 years and has a fixable problem like a stuck piece or a minor leak, repairing is often best. However, disposals older than 10 years, with burnt-out motors or leaking housings, usually save you money long-term by replacing. We’ll explain your options and pricing so you can choose.
On average, they last between 8 and 15 years. This depends on how often you use it, how careful you are about what goes down it, and the make and model. InSinkErator and Waste King are common brands in this area, with various models built to last longer or handle heavier use.
Yes, most kitchens can get a disposal installed. The sink drain has to be modified for the mounting, and you’ll need an electrical outlet or switch under the sink (an electrician can help with that). We take care of the plumbing and will let you know if extra electrical work is needed. Adding a disposal is a popular upgrade for kitchen remodel projects.