Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair Services in Mundelein, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can throw a wrench in your evening routine, especially when you’re ready to clean up after dinner in a home like those in Mundelein’s older neighborhoods. Whether your unit is stuck, leaking, won’t start, or making grinding noises like it’s chewing on rocks, our team usually gets it running again the same day.
Give us a call at 224-526-9629, and we’ll evaluate whether fixing your disposal is the best move or if a replacement makes more sense. This depends on factors like the unit’s age, the problem’s nature, and repair costs versus a new unit. For example, a disposal more than a decade old with a burnt-out motor is better swapped out, while a younger unit jammed with debris often just needs clearing. We’ll provide a straightforward diagnosis and a firm price before starting any work.
We also address clogging issues related to disposals with our drain cleaning service, since sometimes the trouble lies downstream in the P-trap or drain line. Planning a kitchen update? Check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation offerings to complement your new disposal.
What We Do For Garbage Disposals
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We handle typical disposal troubles like a grinding plate stuck while the motor hums (try turning the hex wrench on the bottom first; if that doesn't fix it or the jamming keeps happening, call us), overload reset button trips, leaks at sink flanges or discharge points, worn splash guards, and disposals that start but don’t grind well due to worn parts.
Before suggesting replacement, we identify the exact issue. Many disposal repairs are affordable and can extend the life of your unit. If your disposal is worn out or damaged beyond repair, we’ll be upfront about replacement costs and options. We work with all major brands including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Replacement of Garbage Disposals
If your disposal’s more than 10 years old, leaking from the body, or has a burnt motor, swapping it out is usually the best approach. We’ll remove your old unit, inspect the sink’s drain opening and mount, replace any corroded hardware, reconnect the dishwasher drain (if there is one), verify electrical connections, and test the new unit before we leave.
We’ll help you pick the right horsepower: 1/2 HP works well for typical households; 3/4 HP is better for heavy use and fewer jams; 1 HP suits larger families or busy kitchens and tends to operate more quietly. Sound insulation options are available for quieter operation too. We’ll discuss what fits your needs during your service.
Installing New Garbage Disposals
Adding a garbage disposal where none existed before is more complex than replacement. It involves modifying the sink drain opening to fit the disposal flange, ensuring proper electrical wiring or installing a new outlet or switch (generally by an electrician, which we coordinate), hooking up the dishwasher drain, and routing the disposal’s drain line correctly. We take care of all plumbing aspects and advise you on electrical needs before we get started.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Blockages
If your kitchen drain is sluggish or backs up when the disposal runs, the issue might be the P-trap or drainpipe under the sink rather than the disposal itself. Grease, food scraps, and soap scum often clog this section. We use drain snakes to clear these blockages and inspect connections while we’re there. If both your disposal and drain need work, we’ll handle both for a smooth-running system.
How to Recognize Disposal Trouble
- Unit hums but blades don’t spin (jammed)
- Nothing happens when switched on
- Screeching, grinding, or rattling sounds
- Leak dripping from bottom of disposal housing
- Leaks around sink flange or pipe connections
- Drain backs up or runs extremely slow
- Reset button trips often
- Persistent odors that don’t go away with cleaning
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Items You Should Never Put Down the Disposal
- Grease, oils, or fats — harden and clog pipes
- Stringy or fibrous foods — celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Starchy items in large amounts — pasta, rice, potato peels
- Bones and fruit pits — can break or jam the grinder
- Eggshells — membranes can wrap around parts
- Excessive coffee grounds — may cause paste buildup
- Always run cold water while the disposal is on, and for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal FAQ
Not always. Usually, humming means the motor has power but the blades are stuck. Switch the unit off, then use the Allen wrench in the socket beneath to manually turn the grinding plate back and forth. Remove any debris with tongs—never your fingers. If that doesn't fix the problem or it jams repeatedly, reach out to us at 224-526-9629.
If your disposal is under 5 or 6 years old and has a fixable problem like a jam or leak, repairing it usually makes the most sense. If it’s over a decade old, has a burned motor, or leaks from the housing, replacement is often the better investment. We’ll provide options and prices so you can choose what works.
Typically, disposals run 8 to 15 years depending on how often they’re used, the types of food processed, and brand quality. Heavy use with fibrous or starchy foods and frequent jams tends to reduce lifespan. InSinkErator and Waste King are common reliable brands with models across many price points.
Yes. Most kitchen sinks can accommodate a disposal with some modification. The drain opening must be fitted for the disposal flange, and you'll need an electrical outlet or switched power source nearby (usually done by an electrician, which we coordinate). We handle the plumbing installation and will inform you of any needed electrical work as part of your estimate. Many homeowners add disposals during kitchen remodels.