Garbage Disposal Service in Buffalo Grove, IL
When your garbage disposal stops working, it quickly becomes a kitchen headache—especially after a long day dealing with neighbors’ heating complaints in the chilly Illinois evenings. Whether it’s jammed, dripping from underneath, silent, or grinding like metal on metal, our team can usually get it running again the same day you call.
Give us a ring at 224-455-8755 and we’ll give you a straightforward evaluation. Sometimes, a quick repair will have your disposal humming again; other times, an older or heavily damaged unit makes replacement the smarter choice. We’ll factor in the model’s age, what's wrong, and the cost before recommending a plan. No surprises—just clear info and fair pricing.
If the problem lies beyond the disposal—maybe a clog in the P-trap or drain line—we offer thorough drain cleaning services to get everything flowing smoothly. Considering a kitchen upgrade? Check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet & fixture installation options to refresh your space.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We tackle the common issues like grinding plate jams causing the motor to hum with no action (use the bottom hex wrench to try freeing it first — if it jams again, call us); reset button trips; leaks at the sink flange or the disposal's discharge pipe; worn splash guards; and disposals that run but don’t grind well due to worn parts.
Before suggesting a replacement, we diagnose the root cause. Many repairs are affordable and extend your unit’s life. When replacement is the better choice, we provide clear cost comparisons and let you decide. We service all major brands including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Garbage Disposal Replacements
Disposals over 10 years old, leaking from the body, or with burned-out motors usually call for replacement. We remove the old unit, inspect and repair the mounting hardware and sink opening if needed, and install the new disposal. Connections to dishwashers are taken care of, and electrical setups checked (cord or hardwired) before we finish.
Choosing the right horsepower depends on your household. A 1/2 HP fits most needs, 3/4 HP handles busier kitchens with fewer jams, and 1 HP suits large families or heavy users. Higher power models often run quieter—which is great for those open layout kitchens we see in Buffalo Grove. We’ll help you pick the best option during the visit.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Putting a disposal in a sink that never had one requires extra work: cutting the drain hole to fit the mounting flange, running electrical wiring or installing a switch (usually done by an electrician we coordinate with), linking the dishwasher drain if present, and routing the discharge pipe properly. We handle all plumbing-related tasks and explain any additional electrical work upfront.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Blocks
If your kitchen drain is sluggish or overflows when the disposal runs, the problem might be farther down the line. Grease and food buildup in the P-trap or drain pipes is common here in older Buffalo Grove homes, especially after a cold winter. We use drain snakes to clear blockages and check dishwasher connections, making sure your kitchen drains freely again.
When Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Hums but grinding blades don't move (jammed)
- No sound or action when switched on
- Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- Leakage from the bottom casing
- Leaks around sink flange or discharge outlet
- Slow or backed-up kitchen sink drains
- Reset button keeps tripping
- Persistent bad smells despite cleaning
- Unit is over 10 years old
What to Avoid Putting in Your Disposal
- Grease, oil, or fat — these harden and clog pipes
- Stringy/fibrous items — celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Large amounts of starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato peels
- Bones or pits — can damage blades and motor
- Egg shells — their membranes can wrap around moving parts
- Excess coffee grounds — may create sludge in drains
- Always run cold water during and after grinding for at least 15 seconds
Garbage Disposal FAQs
Not necessarily broken, but it’s usually jammed. First, shut off the power switch. Locate the hex key slot underneath the unit’s center and use an Allen wrench—often taped nearby—to rotate the grinding plate manually. Remove any debris using tongs, never your fingers. If this doesn’t clear it or jams keep happening, call us at 224-455-8755.
If your disposal is under five or six years old and has a fixable problem like a jam or leak, a repair is usually the way to go. For units older than 10 years, or those with burned-out motors or leaks from the housing, replacement is often more cost-effective. We’ll explain both options with clear pricing to help you decide.
On average, disposals last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. Heavily used units, or those regularly handling tough fibrous or starchy foods, tend to wear out sooner. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King are common here and offer models that range from budget-friendly to premium.
Yes, in most cases. Installing a disposal where there wasn’t one requires modifying the sink drain opening and adding an electrical outlet or switch under the sink, which usually means bringing in an electrician. We handle all the plumbing and coordinate any electrical work. It’s a popular upgrade during kitchen remodels.