Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation in Frankfort, IL
Dealing with a malfunctioning garbage disposal after a long day is frustrating—especially when your kitchen sink is clogged with scraps and the clock keeps ticking. Whether your unit is stuck, dripping from below, completely dead, or making grinding noises like rocks inside, our team is equipped to handle it, often the same day.
Call us anytime at 708-729-8953, and we’ll give you a straightforward diagnosis: Is it worth fixing, or better to replace? Factors like the disposal’s age, exact issue, and repair estimates guide this recommendation. For example, a disposal that’s a decade old with a burnt-out motor usually calls for replacement. A recent model with a simple jam might just need a quick fix. We provide clear pricing before any work starts.
If clogs linger even after the disposal's repaired or replaced, we offer drain cleaning services to clear blockages that form in the P-trap or drain lines. And if you’re updating your kitchen overall, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture services.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
Common issues we tackle include jammed blades causing humming sounds, faulty overload resets that trip repeatedly, leaks at the sink flange or discharge outlet, worn splash guards, and disposals that power on but fail to grind effectively. Before suggesting replacement, we pinpoint the root cause. Many problems can be fixed affordably. If replacement is more practical, especially with older units, we’ll be upfront with pricing and options. We service all popular brands: InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacements
When disposals reach 10 years or more, develop leaks from the housing, or have motors that burn out, replacement is usually the best option. We take out the old unit, clean and inspect your sink drain and mounting hardware, swap out any corroded parts, and install your new disposal. We also reconnect dishwasher drains if applicable, check the electrical setup, and test performance before finishing up.
Most homes do well with a 1/2 horsepower unit. For busier kitchens or to reduce jams, 3/4 HP models work well. For larger families or heavy use, a 1 HP unit runs smoother and quieter, especially those built with sound insulation—handy to keep things peaceful in open kitchens. We’ll discuss the best fit for your household during the visit.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal where one didn’t exist involves more work. We modify the sink drain to fit the mounting flange, handle the plumbing connections for the dishwasher if needed, and coordinate the electrical side (typically an electrician’s job) to add a power source. Our team manages all plumbing and explains what electrical upgrades are necessary before starting the project.
Drain Clogs Related to Disposals
If your kitchen drain runs slow or backs up when the disposal is in use, the blockage might be downstream in the P-trap or drain pipes. Grease, food scraps, and soap buildup commonly clog these lines. We employ drain snaking techniques to clear the pipe and inspect the dishwasher drain connection while we’re at it. If needed, we’ll repair or replace any parts contributing to the issue.
When Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
- The motor hums but blades don’t spin (jammed)
- Nothing happens when turning it on
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Water leaking from the base of the unit
- Leaks at the sink flange or discharge pipe
- Slow or backed-up kitchen drain
- Reset button trips repeatedly
- Lingering bad smells that don’t clear with cleaning
- Unit age is 10 years or older
Items You Should Never Grind
- Grease, oil, or fats — clog pipes when cooled
- Fibrous vegetables — celery, corn husks, onion skins
- Bulk starchy foods — pasta, rice, and potato skins
- Bones and pits — damage blades and motor
- Eggshells — cling to the grinding shaft
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — cause buildup
- Always run cold water before, during, and 15 seconds after grinding
Garbage Disposal FAQs
Usually, a humming disposal means the motor is powered but something’s jammed inside. First, turn off power to the unit. Find the hex key slot on the bottom and use the wrench to manually rotate the blades back and forth. Remove any stuck debris with tongs—never your fingers. If this doesn’t work or it jams again, give us a call at 708-729-8953.
If your disposal is less than 5 to 6 years old and the problem is fixable like a jam or minor leak, repairing is usually best. However, if it’s more than 10 years old, or has major damage like a burned-out motor or leaks from the housing, replacement often makes more sense financially. We’ll lay out both options with clear prices, so you can make the right choice.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years depending on usage and care. Units that deal with heavy use, fibrous or starchy foods, or frequent jams tend to wear out sooner. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King are popular here and offer reliable performance across price ranges.
Yes, in most cases. Adding a garbage disposal means modifying your sink to accept the mounting flange, and running power to the unit—usually requiring an electrician. We handle all plumbing and coordinate any electrical work, providing a detailed quote upfront. This upgrade is a popular part of kitchen renovations in the area.