Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation Services in Shabbona, IL
When your garbage disposal quits working, it can feel like a big hassle—especially after a long day and a pile-up of kitchen scraps. Whether the unit is stuck, dripping from the bottom, silent, or grinding like it's chewing on rocks, our team can usually get it running again on the same day you call.
Give us a ring at 779-382-2438 and we'll assess whether it’s better to fix your current disposal or swap it for a new one. We consider the machine’s age, the issue at hand, and repair costs compared to replacement prices. For instance, a decade-old disposal with a burnt motor is often better replaced, while a young unit jammed by debris might only need a quick unblock. We'll explain everything clearly and provide a firm price before any work starts.
We also offer drain cleaning to clear out clogs in the P-trap or drain lines that can mimic disposal problems. If you’re updating your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation services to complete your project.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We tackle common disposal issues like jammed grinding plates (motor hums but blades don’t spin—try the hex wrench under the unit, but if it won’t budge or jams keep coming back, call us); reset buttons that trip often; leaks under the sink flange or at the dishwasher inlet; worn splash guards; and disposals that turn on but don’t grind properly due to dull parts.
Before suggesting a replacement, we fully diagnose the cause. Many problems can be fixed affordably. If repairs aren’t cost-effective or the unit’s too old, we'll give you a straightforward price comparison so you can choose. We service all major brands including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking from the housing rather than a connection, or has a burnt-out motor, replacing it is usually the best choice. We remove the old unit, inspect your sink drain and mounting hardware for corrosion or damage, replace any worn parts, then install your new disposal. We handle dishwasher drain hookups and verify the electrical connection whether it's hardwired or plugged in, testing thoroughly before we finish.
Choosing the right horsepower matters: a 1/2 HP unit works well for most families, 3/4 HP is better for heavier use and fewer jams, and 1 HP suits larger households or open-plan kitchens where quieter operation is a priority. We’ll go over options with you when we’re at your home.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink without one involves cutting the drain outlet to fit the mounting flange, installing or modifying electrical wiring or outlets (usually handled by an electrician we coordinate with), connecting the dishwasher drain line if you have one, and routing the disposal drain properly. We manage the plumbing side and give you a clear picture of electrical needs before we start work.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Clogs
If your kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up when you run the disposal, the issue might be in the P-trap or drain pipe rather than the disposal itself. Food scraps, grease, and soap buildup can clog these pipes. We use drain snakes to clear blockages and inspect the P-trap and dishwasher drain connection while we're at it. If needed, we fix the disposal and the drain to get everything flowing properly.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but doesn’t grind (likely jammed)
- No sound or movement when switched on
- Grinding, squealing, or rattling noises
- Leakage from the bottom housing
- Leaks around sink flange or discharge pipes
- Slow or backed-up kitchen drain
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Foul smells that cleaning won’t clear
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Items to Avoid Putting Down Your Disposal
- Grease, fats, or cooking oils — they solidify and clog pipes
- Fibrous vegetables — celery stalks, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Starchy foods in large quantities — pasta, rice, potato peels
- Bones and fruit pits — can damage blades
- Eggshells — membranes can wrap around parts
- Excessive coffee grounds — may build up in drains
- Always use cold water while running the disposal and for 15 seconds after
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals
Not always. A humming sound usually means the motor is powered, but the grinding plate is stuck. Turn off the disposal, then use the hex wrench located on the bottom to manually free the plate by turning it back and forth. Remove any lodged debris with tongs, never your hands. If it still won’t work or keeps jamming, call us at 779-382-2438.
If your disposal is younger than 5 or 6 years and has a repairable issue like a jam or leak, fixing it is usually the best option. For units older than 10 years with a burned-out motor or housing leaks, replacement is often more cost-effective. We’ll provide both options and pricing to help you decide.
Typically between 8 and 15 years depending on how often and what you put down it. Heavy use with fibrous or starchy foods, or frequent jams, tends to shorten life. InSinkErator and Waste King are popular brands known for reliability across various price ranges.
Yes, in most cases. Adding a disposal requires modifying your sink drain for the mounting flange and installing a power source like an outlet or switch under the sink (which usually needs an electrician). We handle all plumbing and coordinate any electrical work needed. It’s a common upgrade during kitchen remodels.