Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation Services in Palatine, IL
Nothing disrupts your kitchen flow more than a disposal that stops working, especially when you’ve got a pile of dishes waiting. Whether your unit is jammed, leaking underneath, won’t power up, or sounds like it’s grinding gravel, we’re ready to fix it—often the same day you call.
When you reach out to us at 224-524-1319, we’ll assess whether fixing your disposal is practical or if replacing it makes more sense. We consider the unit’s age, the nature of the fault, and repair costs compared to a new disposal. For example, a burnt motor on a decade-old unit usually calls for replacement, but a young disposal stuck on debris might just need a quick clearance. We provide an honest appraisal and a firm quote before starting any work.
If your drain line is sluggish or clogged beneath the disposal, we also offer drain cleaning services. Sometimes the issue isn’t the disposal itself but the pipes it drains into. Planning to upgrade your kitchen? Check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation services to complement your new disposal.
Garbage Disposal Services We Offer
Garbage Disposal Repairs
Here are the typical issues we get called for: unit hums but blades don’t spin (often a jammed grinder—try the hex wrench underneath to free it, but if it recurs or refuses to budge, call us); reset button won’t stay engaged; leaks around the sink flange (usually worn gaskets or loose bolts); leaks near the discharge or dishwasher connection; damaged splash guards; and disposals that run but fail to break down food properly (worn internal parts).
We fully diagnose every issue before suggesting a replacement. Most repairs are pretty affordable. If it’s more cost-effective to get a new disposal, we'll explain the difference clearly with pricing so you can make an informed choice. We service all trusted brands including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and others.
Garbage Disposal Replacements
If your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking through the housing itself, or has a burnt motor, replacement is the better option. We’ll remove the old unit carefully, check the sink drain and mounting hardware, swap out any corroded parts, and install your new disposal. Dishwasher drain hookups and electrical connections (hardwired or plug-in) are inspected and connected properly. We always test the operation before we leave.
When selecting horsepower, 1/2 HP is suitable for most households. For busy kitchens or heavy food waste, 3/4 HP reduces jams and handles tougher loads. Larger families or commercial-style kitchens benefit from 1 HP units, which also run quieter since they're not strained. If noise is a concern, models with sound insulation at 3/4 or 1 HP offer noticeable quietness. We discuss all options on-site.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Installing a disposal where none exists involves a bit more work: modifying the sink drain to fit the mounting flange, adding or upgrading an electrical outlet or switch (which usually requires an electrician), connecting any dishwasher drain lines, and routing the disposal’s output properly into your plumbing. We handle all the plumbing tasks and coordinate with electricians as needed to keep your project on track.
Tackling Disposal-Related Drain Blockages
If your kitchen drain is slow or backs up when running the disposal, the clog may be down in the P-trap or drain line—not the disposal itself. Grease, soap scum, and food debris often accumulate here. We use drain snakes to clear blockages and check the P-trap and dishwasher drain connections as part of the service. If both your disposal and drain need work, we’ll fix everything to get water flowing smoothly again.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but blades don’t spin (jammed)
- No sound or motion when switched on
- Squealing, grinding, or rattling noises
- Leakage from the bottom housing
- Leaks where unit meets sink or discharge pipe
- Slow or backed-up kitchen drain
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Persistent odors despite cleaning
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Foods & Materials to Keep Out of Your Disposal
- Grease, oils, and fats — they solidify and clog pipes
- Stringy/fibrous foods — like celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Bulk starchy items — pasta, rice, potato peels can swell and clog
- Bones and large fruit pits — risk damaging blades
- Eggshells — membranes can wrap around components
- Coffee grounds in large amounts — create sludge in pipes
- Always run cold water before, during, and for 15 seconds after use
Common Questions About Garbage Disposals
Not always. A humming sound usually means the motor is powered but the grinding blades are stuck. Turn off the unit at the switch first. Locate the hex socket on the bottom center and use an Allen wrench to manually rotate the blades back and forth. Use tongs or pliers to pull out any stuck debris—never stick your hand inside. If the problem persists, call us at 224-524-1319.
If your disposal is less than 5 or 6 years old and has a fixable issue like a jam or a leak at a connection, a repair is usually cost-effective. If it’s older than 10 years, has a burnt motor, or leaks from the unit housing itself, replacement is usually the better financial decision. We’ll explain both options clearly so you can make the right call.
Typically, disposals last between 8 and 15 years. This depends on how often you use them, the type of food waste processed, and how well they’re maintained. Models from InSinkErator and Waste King are common around here and have a good reputation at various price points.
Yes, almost any kitchen sink can be fitted with a disposal. This involves modifying the sink drain to fit the mounting flange, adding a power outlet or switch under the sink (usually an electrician’s job), and connecting dishwasher drains if present. We’ll handle the plumbing and coordinate electrical work so everything fits together . It’s a popular upgrade for kitchen remodels.