Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair Services in Mokena, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can throw a wrench in your kitchen routine—especially after a long day when you just want to clear the sink. Whether it’s stuck, leaking beneath, won’t power up, or sounds like it’s grinding rocks, chances are we can have it working again before the day’s out.
Give us a ring at 708-734-5878, and we’ll give you straight talk: is your disposal worth fixing or better off replaced? Factors like the unit’s age, symptoms, and repair cost guide the advice. For example, a 12-year-old disposal with a burnt motor usually means replacement, while a newer model jammed by a stray bone can be fixed quickly. We provide firm quotes before any work begins.
We also clear out clogged drains caused by buildup beneath the disposal with professional drain cleaning. If you’re upgrading your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and fixture installation services to complete your project.
Our Garbage Disposal Service Options
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We tackle the common headaches: grinding plate jams causing humming without turning (try resetting with the hex wrench on the bottom first — if not, call us), reset button trips, leaks at the flange or drain connections, worn splash guards, and weak grinding performance. Diagnosing the root cause first helps us decide if fixing the unit is cost-effective or replacement makes more sense. We service all popular brands including InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, and KitchenAid.
Our approach is honest—if a repair suffices, we’ll do it efficiently. If replacement is your best option, we’ll lay out the costs so you can make the right call.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
When disposals reach 10+ years, leak from the shell, or have burned-out motors, it’s time to swap them out. We remove the old unit, inspect mounts and sink openings, replace old or rusted hardware, reinstall the new disposal, reconnect dishwasher drains if needed, verify electrical supply, and fully test the system.
Selecting horsepower depends on your household’s needs: 1/2 HP suits typical daily use, 3/4 HP handles busier kitchens with fewer jams, and 1 HP models are ideal for heavy use or bigger families. If noise bothers you—especially in open-concept kitchens—higher horsepower units with sound insulation help keep things quiet. We’ll guide you through choices during the service visit.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal where none existed requires more than just swapping parts. The sink’s drain opening must be adapted for the mounting flange, electrical wiring or outlets need to be installed (usually by an electrician, but we coordinate), and dishwasher drains connected properly. We take care of the plumbing work and walk you through any necessary electrical requirements upfront.
Drain Cleaning for Disposal-Related Blockages
If your kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up when running the disposal, the clog could be down in the P-trap or drainpipe below. Food scraps, grease, and soap scum often build up beyond the disposal unit. We use drain snakes and other tools to clear those blockages, check the P-trap and dishwasher connections, and make sure everything flows smoothly. If both the disposal and drain are involved, we tackle both to get your sink draining right.
Warning Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but blades don’t turn (likely jammed)
- No noise or power when switched on
- Unusual grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds
- Leaks dripping from bottom housing
- Leaks around sink flange or discharge pipe
- Sink drains slowly or backups occur
- Frequent tripping of reset button
- Lingering odors despite cleaning
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Items You Should Never Throw Into Your Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat – causes buildup and clogs in pipes
- Stringy or fibrous foods – celery stalks, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Large quantities of starchy foods – pasta, rice, potato peels can swell
- Bones and fruit pits – risk damaging blades
- Eggshells – sharp membranes can wrap around components
- Excess coffee grounds – form thick paste in drains
- Always run cold water during and 15 seconds after grinding to flush debris
Garbage Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
Usually that means the motor is powered but the blades are stuck. First, turn off the disposal. Locate the hex hole at the bottom center and use the proper Allen wrench (often taped to the side) to gently turn the grinding plate back and forth and free any jam. Use tongs or pliers to remove debris—never your fingers. If it still won’t work or jams again, call us at 708-734-5878 for help.
If your disposal is under 5 or 6 years old and has a fixable issue like a jam or minor leak, repairing is usually the best option. For units over 10 years, burned motors, or leaking housing, replacement generally offers better long-term value. We’ll present your options clearly with pricing so you can decide.
Expect about 8 to 15 years, based on how often it’s used, brand quality, and what types of waste it handles. Heavy use, fibrous or starchy foods, and frequent jams can shorten the lifespan. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King are widely used and provide reliable performance across their models.
Yes, most sinks can be upgraded to include a disposal. Installation involves adjusting the drain hole for the mounting flange, running electrical power which usually requires an electrician, and connecting dishwasher drains if applicable. We handle all the plumbing and coordinate with electricians as needed. It’s a popular addition during kitchen renovation projects.