Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair in Malta, IL
When your garbage disposal fails, it quickly becomes urgent—especially when you have a kitchen full of scraps and no way to clear the sink. Whether it’s jammed, leaking from the bottom, won’t power on, or sounds like it’s grinding gravel, we typically get these issues sorted the same day.
Call us at 779-217-8424 and we’ll evaluate the problem honestly. Sometimes repair is worth it; other times a replacement makes more sense — especially with older units. For example, if your disposal is over a decade old with a burnt motor, swapping it out is usually the best option. If it’s a newer model stuck on debris, we’ll clear the jam and get it running again. We always provide a firm quote before any work.
We also offer drain cleaning to clear any clogs in the P-trap or drain line below your disposal, which can sometimes cause backups even if the unit itself is fine. And if you’re updating your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation services.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We tackle the usual trouble spots: grinding plate jams that cause the motor to hum without spinning (try manually rotating it with the hex wrench on the base, but call us if it persists); resets that trip constantly; leaks at sink flanges due to faulty gaskets or loose mounts; leaks at discharge points or dishwasher connections; damaged splash guards; and disposals that run but don’t grind properly due to worn parts.
Before suggesting a replacement, we thoroughly diagnose the issue. Some repairs are quick and affordable. If your unit is old or severely damaged, we’ll explain why switching it out might save you money in the long run. We service all major brands, including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
After 10 years or so, or if there’s a leak through the unit’s housing or a burnt motor, replacement is usually the best path. We’ll remove your old disposal, inspect the sink drain and mounting hardware, replace any corroded parts, and install the new unit. We also reconnect dishwasher drains, check electrical hookups (whether hardwired or plugged in), and test thoroughly before leaving.
Picking the right power level is key: 1/2 HP suits most homes; 3/4 HP handles heavier cooking and cuts down on jams; and 1 HP is great for large families or frequent use, plus it runs quieter. If noise is a concern—especially with open-plan kitchens—we can recommend models with sound insulation.
New Garbage Disposal Installations
Adding a disposal to a sink that never had one means cutting the drain opening to fit the mounting flange, installing electrical connections or switches (we coordinate with electricians as needed), hooking up dishwasher drains, and routing the discharge properly. We manage all the plumbing work and clearly communicate any electrical needs before starting.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Blockages
If your kitchen drain runs slow or backs up when the disposal is on, the clog might be down in the trap or drain pipes, not the disposal. Grease buildup, soap scum, and food debris accumulate in the pipes below the sink frequently. We use professional drain snaking to clear blockages, inspect the P-trap and dishwasher drain while we’re there, and fix any issues we find.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but doesn’t grind (likely jammed)
- No sound or movement when switched on
- Grinding sounds that screech or rattle
- Leaking from the bottom housing
- Leaks near sink flange or discharge pipe
- Slow or backed-up kitchen drain
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Lingering bad odors despite cleaning
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Items to Keep Out of Your Garbage Disposal
- Grease, fats, and oils – they congeal inside pipes
- Fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, or artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods such as rice, pasta, or potato peels
- Bones and hard pits – can damage internals
- Eggshells – their membrane can wrap around the shaft
- Large amounts of coffee grounds – cause paste buildup
- Always run cold water while grinding and for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. That humming usually means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is stuck. First, switch it off. Then find the hex wrench hole on the base and use the provided Allen wrench (often taped nearby) to turn the plate back and forth. Use tongs—not your hands—to remove anything blocking the grinding chamber. If it still won’t work, or keeps jamming, give us a call at 779-217-8424.
If your disposal is younger than 5 or 6 years and has a minor issue like a jam or leak, repair is usually best. If it’s older than 10 years, has a burnt-out motor, or leaks through the unit body, replacement is often more cost-effective. We’ll review your options with pricing so you can choose what makes the most sense.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years depending on brand, how often they’re used, and what they grind. Heavy use and frequent jams wear them out faster. InSinkErator and Waste King are common brands around Malta and both make reliable models at different price points.
Yes, in many kitchens. It requires reshaping the drain opening to fit the disposal mounting ring, and usually adding an electrical outlet or switch under the sink (typically done by an electrician). We handle all related plumbing and tell you upfront what electrical work may be necessary. It’s a popular upgrade for kitchen remodels.