Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation Services in Burbank, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly turn into a headache, especially after a long day when your kitchen's full of food waste and you can’t drain the sink. Whether it’s stuck, leaking from the base, dead on arrival, or making odd grinding sounds, our team can usually sort it out the same day you call.
Give us a ring at 708-847-4987 and we’ll give you a straightforward diagnosis: should we fix it, or is replacement the smarter choice? It depends on how old your unit is, the type of problem, and what the repair will cost compared to a fresh disposal. For example, a disposal that’s over a decade old with a fried motor is better off swapped out. A jam on a newer unit likely just needs a quick unblock. Expect clear advice and a no-surprise quote before we start.
We also offer drain cleaning to tackle clogs caused by grease or debris below the disposal—sometimes the disposal itself is fine, but the drain line is the real issue. Replacing your disposal as part of a kitchen update? Check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation services too.
What We Offer for Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
Common repairs we tackle include grinding plates jammed with debris (you might try the hex wrench on the unit’s underside first, but if that doesn’t clear it or jams keep happening, call us), reset button issues, leaks at the sink flange from worn gaskets or loose mounts, leaks at the outlet or dishwasher connection, worn splash guards, and grinders that turn but don’t process food well due to worn parts.
Before suggesting a replacement, we carefully determine the root cause. Many issues can be fixed affordably. If repair isn’t worthwhile due to age or damage, we’ll explain that clearly and present replacement costs so you can choose. Our team services all major brands like InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), KitchenAid, GE, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
When your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking from the main unit body, or has a burnt-out motor, it’s time for a new one. We’ll remove the old disposal, inspect the mounting hardware and sink drain, swap out corroded parts, and install your new unit. We also handle dishwasher drain connections, confirm electrical wiring (hardwired or plug-in), and test everything before leaving.
Picking the right motor size: 1/2 horsepower fits most homes fine. 3/4 horsepower is better for heavier use or to minimize jams. 1 horsepower suits large households or those who use the disposal a lot; plus, bigger motors tend to be quieter since they operate under less strain. Noise-sensitive kitchens (open layouts especially) benefit from models with sound dampening. We’ll help you decide on the best fit during service.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink that never had one is a bit more complex than swapping an old unit. We’ll need to alter the sink drain to fit a mounting flange, make sure there’s an electrical outlet or switch nearby (usually requiring an electrician, but we coordinate), attach the dishwasher drain if you have one, and connect the disposal discharge properly to the plumbing. We handle all plumbing work and will let you know what electrical upgrades might be necessary before we get started.
Drain Clogs Related to Disposals
If your kitchen drain slows down or backs up when you use the disposal, the trouble might be in the drainpipe below. Grease buildup, food scraps, and soap scum often clog the P-trap or drain line downstream from the disposal. We perform thorough snaking and clearing of these lines and inspect dishwasher drain connections during the visit. If both your disposal and drain line are causing trouble, we handle it all to get things flowing smoothly again.
When Your Disposal Needs a Look
- It hums but fails to grind (likely jammed)
- No noise or movement when switched on
- Loud grinding or rattling sounds
- Leak forming at the base housing
- Drips at sink flange or discharge pipe joints
- Slow drain or backup in kitchen sink
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Persistent bad smell despite cleaning
- Unit is aging past 10 years
Things to Avoid Putting in the Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat — solidifies and clogs pipes
- Stringy or fibrous foods — celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato peels
- Hard items — bones and fruit pits that harm blades
- Eggshells — membranes stick to the shaft causing jams
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — create paste build-up
- Always run cold water during grinding and keep it running for 15 seconds afterward
Garbage Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. Usually, that humming means the motor is running but the blades are stuck. First, switch off power. Locate the hex wrench hole on the bottom of the unit and try turning the grinding plate back and forth to free it. Avoid using your fingers; tongs or pliers are safer to pull out the jammed item. If this doesn’t work or the issue keeps coming back, give us a call at 708-847-4987.
If your disposal is less than 5-6 years old and the problem is something fixable like a clog, a leaking fitting, or a faulty switch, repairing is usually cost-effective. On the other hand, a disposal older than 10 years, with burnt-out motors or leaking from the unit body, is generally best replaced. We’ll walk you through your options with clear pricing so you can make the right call.
Most disposals last from 8 to 15 years, depending on how often you use them and what you throw in. Frequent jams, fibrous foods, or hard materials can shorten life. Popular brands like InSinkErator and Waste King offer models that range from budget-friendly to premium, but all generally fall within this lifespan.
Yes, that’s something we do regularly. New installations usually mean modifying the sink drain hole to fit the mounting flange and ensuring there’s a dedicated electrical outlet or switch nearby. We handle all plumbing connections and coordinate any necessary electrical work. This is a common upgrade, especially during kitchen remodels.