Garbage Disposal Repairs and Installations in Braidwood, IL
A faulty garbage disposal can really slow you down, especially after a long day when your sink is full and you need it cleared. Whether it’s stuck, leaking from underneath, won’t power on, or rattling like it’s grinding rocks, chances are we can get it up and running quickly—often the same day you call.
Give us a ring at 815-458-5465 and we’ll diagnose whether your disposal is fixable or if a replacement is smarter. Factors include the unit’s age, what's causing the trouble, and repair costs versus new unit prices. For example, a disposal that’s over a decade old with a burnt-out motor usually means it’s time for an upgrade. Meanwhile, a newer unit stuck from debris likely just needs clearing. We’ll be upfront with you and provide a clear estimate before any work begins.
We also perform drain cleaning to clear blockages in the P-trap or drain pipes below your disposal if the unit itself checks out fine. Planning a kitchen update? Check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet & fixture installation services to complete your project.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repair
We handle the most typical disposal issues: grinding plate jams (motor hums but blades don’t spin—try the hex wrench underneath first, but if it persists, we can help); frequent overload reset trips; leaks around the sink flange (usually gasket or mounting hardware problems); leaks at the discharge port or dishwasher inlet; worn splash guards; and disposals that run but don’t grind well (due to worn parts).
Before recommending a replacement, we pinpoint the root cause. Many issues are fairly simple and affordable to fix. If a repair is sensible, we'll do it promptly. If replacing the unit is the better financial move, we’ll break down the costs honestly and let you choose. Our team services all major brands including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking through the housing, or has a burnt-out motor, a new unit is the way to go. We’ll remove your old disposal, inspect the sink’s drain opening and mounting hardware, swap out any rusted or damaged parts, and install your new unit carefully. We also reconnect dishwasher drains and check electrical wiring (whether hardwired or plug-in) before finishing up.
Regarding power, 1/2 horsepower units are sufficient for most homes. For heavier use or to reduce jams, 3/4 horsepower models work well. Larger families or high-use kitchens benefit from 1 horsepower units, which also tend to operate quieter since they don’t work as hard. If sound is a concern, especially in open-plan kitchens, we can recommend insulated models that cut down noise. We’ll talk through your options when we service your disposal.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a kitchen that doesn't already have one involves more work than a replacement. We need to enlarge or modify the sink’s drain opening for the mounting flange, install an electrical outlet or switch if none exists (this electrical work is usually handled by an electrician, but we coordinate with them), connect the dishwasher drain hose if applicable, and properly route the disposal’s waste line. We manage all plumbing tasks and let you know about any electrical needs before we begin.
Drain Clogs Related to Disposals
If your kitchen drain is slow or backs up when the disposal runs, the problem may be further down the line, especially in the P-trap or drainpipe. Accumulated grease, food scraps, and soap scum are common culprits. We use drain snakes to clear blockages and check related connections including the dishwasher drain while we’re on site. If both the disposal and drain are causing issues, we tackle both together for a proper fix.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but blades don’t turn (likely jammed)
- No power or response when switched on
- Loud grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds
- Leakage from beneath the disposal housing
- Water escaping around sink flange or discharge pipe
- Kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Lingering bad odors despite cleaning
- Disposal is over 10 years old
Items You Should Never Put In Your Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat — solidifies and clogs pipes
- Stringy or fibrous foods — celery, corn husks, onion layers, artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato skins
- Bones and hard pits — can damage blades and motor
- Eggshells — membranes can wrap around the impeller
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — create thick sludge
- Always run cold water while disposal runs and for at least 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
Usually not broken, but stuck. The humming sound means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is jammed. First, turn off the disposal at the switch. Underneath the unit, there’s a hex-shaped hole for an Allen wrench (often taped to the unit). Insert the wrench and try turning the plate back and forth to free the jam. Never put your hands inside the disposal—use tongs or pliers to remove any stuck objects. If it keeps humming or jamming, call us at 815-458-5465 and we’ll sort it out.
If your disposal is relatively new—under 5 or 6 years—with a repairable issue like a jam or a minor leak, fixing it makes sense. For units over 10 years old, or with burned out motors or housing leaks, replacing usually offers better value. We’ll review your options and prices so you can make an informed decision.
On average, disposals last between 8 and 15 years. How quickly they wear down depends on how often you use them, the type of food waste you grind, and the brand. Units like InSinkErator and Waste King are common locally and generally reliable across their range.
Yes, we can add disposals to most sinks that don’t have them, but it requires modifying the sink drain hole for the mounting flange and installing an electrical outlet or switch if none exists under your sink (usually handled by an electrician, but we coordinate the work). This is a popular upgrade during kitchen renovations, and we make sure your plumbing connections are properly adjusted.