Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair in Markham, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can turn a simple kitchen chore into a headache—especially when you’re rushing in the evening or prepping dinner during one of our chilly Illinois nights. Whether your unit is stuck, leaking from underneath, refuses to power on, or sounds like it’s chewing on gravel, our team is equipped to handle most repairs the same day you call.
Give us a ring at 708-729-6560 and we’ll assess your unit honestly. We’ll determine if it’s a straightforward fix or if replacing the entire disposal is smarter. Factors like the age of your disposal, the nature of the problem, and repair costs all play a role. For example, a disposal that’s a dozen years old with a fried motor usually isn’t worth repairing, while a jammed unit just a few years old might only need the debris cleared. We’ll lay out your options and prices clearly before we start any work.
In addition, if the issue seems to stem from clogs in your kitchen’s P-trap or drain lines rather than the disposal itself, we provide expert drain cleaning to get things flowing smoothly again. And if you’re upgrading your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and fixture installation services to complete the job.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repair
We troubleshoot common problems like a jammed grinding plate (where the motor hums but the blades don’t turn — often you can free it yourself using the hex wrench underneath, but if it’s stubborn or recurs, we’ll take care of it), faulty overload resets, leaks around the sink flange or discharge outlet, worn splash guards, and disposals that run but don’t grind efficiently because of worn parts.
We diagnose before we fix. Sometimes, repairs are inexpensive and keep your disposal running for years. If the unit is beyond saving or replacement is more cost-effective, we’ll explain the options and provide a clear comparison. Our team works on all familiar names including InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
When your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking through the body rather than a connection, or has a burned-out motor, it’s time to replace it. We carefully remove the old unit, inspect the sink drain and mounting assembly for damage or corrosion, replace any faulty hardware, and install your new disposal. We make sure the dishwasher drain line is properly connected if you have one, confirm the electrical hookup is safe, then test the entire system before leaving.
We’ll help you choose the right horsepower: 1/2 HP units cover typical household needs, 3/4 HP handles heavier use and minimizes jams, and 1 HP models suit larger families or high-use kitchens—plus they tend to run quieter, especially with sound-insulated options. We’ll review choices when we’re on site.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink that doesn’t have one yet takes some extra work. We modify the sink drain to fit the disposal mounting flange, set up an electrical outlet or switch if needed (often requiring an electrician that we coordinate with), connect the dishwasher drain line if you have one, and route the disposal’s drain properly. We handle all plumbing and will let you know beforehand if electrical upgrades are necessary.
Drain Clogs Related to Disposals
If your kitchen drain runs slowly or backs up when you turn on the disposal, the problem could be further down the line—in the P-trap or drain pipes. Grease and food debris build up over time and cause blockages. We use our drain snaking tools to clear these clogs and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher drain connection while we’re there. If both disposal and drain issues exist, we’ll tackle both to restore proper flow.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but blades don’t spin (possible jam)
- No response or power when switched on
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds
- Water leaking from the bottom housing
- Leaks at sink flange or drain connections
- Kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up
- Reset button keeps tripping
- Lingering odors despite cleaning
- Disposal is more than 10 years old
Items to Keep Out of Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fats — these harden in your pipes over time
- Fibrous vegetables — like celery stalks, corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods — such as large amounts of pasta, rice, or potato peels
- Bones and fruit pits — which can damage the grinding mechanism
- Eggshells — the membranes can clog the blades
- Coffee grounds in large quantities — these form paste that clogs drains
- Always run cold water while the disposal is on and for about 15 seconds after to flush debris
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals
A humming noise usually means the motor is running but the grinding plate is stuck. First, switch off the disposal. Locate the hex socket on the underside and use an Allen wrench to turn the plate manually back and forth. Remove any trapped objects from the drain opening with tongs or pliers—never your hand. If the problem persists or keeps coming back, call us at 708-729-6560.
If your unit is less than 5 or 6 years old and has a fixable issue like a jam or minor leak, repair often makes sense. But if it’s over 10 years old, has a burned-out motor, or is leaking from the body itself, replacement is usually a better long-term choice. We’ll review your options and pricing so you can decide what’s best for your home.
Typical lifespan runs from 8 to 15 years, depending on how often you use it, the brand, and the care it receives. Disposals used heavily or that handle a lot of fibrous or starchy scraps generally wear out sooner. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King offer models with a range of reliability and price points.
Yes, in most cases. We’ll modify your sink drain to fit the disposal flange and ensure an electrical outlet or switch is in place (usually requiring an electrician, which we coordinate with). This is a common upgrade during a kitchen remodel. We handle all the plumbing and provide a clear quote including any needed electrical work.