Garbage Disposal Repairs & Installations in Cary, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can leave you stuck with a clogged sink, especially on an evening after a long day. Whether it’s stuck, leaking from under the unit, completely dead, or grinding poorly, our crew can usually sort it out the same day you call.
Give us a ring at 224-487-8439, and I’ll give you a straightforward evaluation: is it better to fix what’s wrong or replace the whole thing? This depends on the disposal’s age, the issue at hand, and the repair cost compared to a new unit. For example, a disposal over a decade old with a fried motor is often best swapped out, while something newer with a jam just needs clearing. We provide clear pricing up front before any work starts.
If the drain is slow or clogged, we also offer drain cleaning to clear the P-trap or lines below the disposal—sometimes the problem isn’t the disposal but the pipes it drains into. And if you’re upgrading your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation services.
What We Offer for Garbage Disposal Services
Disposal Repairs
The usual problems we sort out include: grinding plate jams (motor hums but nothing spins—try using the hex wrench under the unit first, but if it’s persistent or keeps happening, call us); reset buttons that won’t hold; leaks at the sink flange due to worn gaskets or loose fittings; leaks around the discharge pipe or dishwasher connection; damaged splash guards; and disposals that start but don’t grind properly because of worn-out parts.
Before suggesting replacement, we always figure out the exact cause. Fixing many disposal issues is affordable. When repairs don’t make sense because the unit is too old or badly damaged, we’ll be upfront about that and show you the price difference. We work with all common brands like InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and more.
Disposal Replacement
Once your disposal hits 10+ years, has leaks from the housing itself, or a motor that’s burnt out, it’s time to replace. We strip out the old unit, inspect and clean the sink drain and mounting ring, swap out rusty hardware, and install your new disposal. We’ll also connect the dishwasher drain if needed, check the electrical setup (hardwired or plug-in), and test it fully before finishing up.
When choosing power, 1/2 HP suits most homes fine. For heavier use and fewer jams, 3/4 HP is a solid choice. Homes with bigger families or frequent disposal use often prefer 1 HP models, which also tend to be quieter since the motor isn’t working as hard. If noise matters to you, especially in an open kitchen layout, we’ll help select quieter models with sound insulation during your service.
New Disposal Installation
Installing a disposal where there wasn’t one before takes a bit more work. We modify the sink opening for the mounting flange, arrange electrical outlets or switches (this often involves an electrician, which we can coordinate), hook up the dishwasher drain if present, and make sure the disposal discharge pipes connect correctly. We manage all plumbing and advise on any electrical steps required before starting.
Drain Clogs Related to Disposal
If your kitchen drain is sluggish or backs up when running the disposal, the issue might be the P-trap or drain pipe underneath. Food scraps, grease, and soap scum buildup in the drain line are common culprits. We can snake the kitchen drain and examine the P-trap and dishwasher line while we’re there. If both the disposal and drain lines play a part, we’ll fix both to get things flowing smoothly again.
Common Indicators Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Unit hums but won’t grind (likely jammed)
- No power or response when switched on
- Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds
- Water leaking from the bottom housing
- Leaks around the sink flange or drain outlet
- Slow or backed-up kitchen drain
- Reset button frequently trips
- Persistent foul odors despite cleaning
- Disposal is over a decade old
What to Avoid Putting Down Your Disposal
- Grease, fats, or oils — they 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 — these can chip or jam the grinder
- Egg shells — membranes can wrap around the grinding shaft
- Excessive coffee grounds — cause thick buildup in drains
- Always run plenty of cold water during and for 15 seconds after using the disposal
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals
Not always. A humming noise usually means something’s jammed inside the grinding chamber. First, switch off the power. Then use the hex wrench on the bottom of the disposal to manually free the grinding plate by turning it back and forth. Remove any blockage with tongs—never put your hand inside. If that doesn’t solve it or the jam keeps happening, give us a call at 224-487-8439.
If your unit is under 5 or 6 years old and has a fixable issue like a jam, leak at a fitting, or switch problem, repairing it is usually best. For units over 10 years old with burnt-out motors or housing leaks, replacement often makes more sense financially. We’ll explain your options with pricing so you can choose.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years depending on how often you use them, the brand, and what’s put through them. Heavy use or grinding lots of fibrous and starchy foods tends to shorten lifespan. The most common brands around here are InSinkErator and Waste King, both offer reliable models in a range of prices.
Yes, we install disposals in most kitchens without one. This involves cutting the sink drain to fit the mounting flange, installing an outlet or switch (usually electrician’s work), and hooking up the dishwasher drain if applicable. We handle the plumbing and coordinate electrical as needed. It’s a popular upgrade during kitchen remodels.