Best Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Hawaii Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a key component of a modern Hawaiian kitchen, making food prep and cleanup easier. When your unit jams, leaks, or fails, it disrupts your daily routine and can lead to plumbing issues. This guide covers what you need to know about repair and installation services in Hawaii, from choosing the right unit to understanding costs and finding qualified local professionals to handle the job.

Oahu Jetting and Drains LLC

91-1663 Kaukolu St, Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Oahu Jetting and Drains LLC is a full-service plumbing company based in Honolulu, HI, serving both residential and commercial clients on Oahu. They specialize in drain cleaning and hydro jetting to address various clogging issues. Their services also include toilet repairs, valve replacements, garbage disposal installation and repair, leak detection, and other common plumbing maintenance tasks. The company offers emergency service and focuses on providing effective plumbing solutions to keep systems running smoothly.

5.0

153 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

2106 Lauwiliwili St Ste 101j, Kapolei, HI 96707

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup offers comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing services in Honolulu, HI. Their experienced team handles a wide range of plumbing needs, including sewer line inspections and repairs, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and gas line installation. They specialize in trenchless sewer repair and provide emergency plumbing services available 24/7 throughout the year. With expertise in floodwater cleanup and mold remediation, Roto-Rooter is equipped to manage urgent water damage situations efficiently. Serving Kapolei and surrounding communities, they combine local knowledge with advanced tools like hydro jetting to address plumbing challenges effectively.

4.9

1.5k Reviews

535 Plumbing LLC

1130 N Nimitz Hwy Suite B-180, Honolulu, HI 96817

535 Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing company based in Honolulu, HI, serving residential, commercial, and new construction clients. Founded in 2015 by Shane Mizusawa, the company offers a wide range of services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, and hydro jetting. They use advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections and pipe relining to diagnose and solve plumbing issues efficiently. 535 Plumbing is available every day, including holidays, and accommodates after-hours service requests to meet diverse scheduling needs.

4.9

597 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

3049 Ualena St Ste 713, Honolulu, HI 96819

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive plumbing services in Honolulu, HI, serving both residential and commercial customers. Their experienced plumbers handle a wide range of issues including sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, leak detection, sewer line repair with trenchless methods, and water damage cleanup. The company is familiar with Honolulu's unique plumbing challenges such as aging infrastructure and weather-related impacts. Roto-Rooter offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent problems like burst pipes, sewer backups, and flooding. They also provide advanced capabilities like hydro jetting and trenchless sewer repair to efficiently restore plumbing systems. Serving Honolulu and surrounding communities on O'ahu, Roto-Rooter is fully licensed and insured. Their team uses modern tools and techniques to comply with local codes and ensure effective solutions. The company is available around the clock, 365 days a year, for emergency plumbing needs.

4.8

2.1k Reviews

Cubellis Plumbing LLC

honolulu

Cubellis Plumbing LLC is a family-owned and operated licensed plumbing contractor serving Honolulu, HI. With over 20 years of experience, they provide a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and garbage disposal repair. As a member of the Moen Plumber Network, they specialize in installing Moen Smart Water products and offer island-wide service. Cubellis Plumbing also provides extended services during weekends, holidays, and after hours. Their expertise includes tankless water heater repair and gas water heater services.

5.0

29 Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Types and Power

Choosing the right disposal starts with understanding horsepower (HP) and feed type, which determine its capability and suitability for your household.

• Horsepower (HP): This measures the motor's strength. For light use or small households, a 1/3 HP model may suffice ¹. Most average-sized homes in Hawaii opt for a 1/2 to 3/4 HP unit, which handles typical food scraps effectively ². For larger families or frequent entertainers, a 1 HP or even 2 HP model is recommended for heavy use and tougher waste ³.
• Feed Type: Continuous feed models are the most common; you can add food waste while the unit is running. Batch feed models require you to place waste in the chamber, secure a lid, and then turn it on, offering an added layer of safety and often operating more quietly ⁴.
• Noise Level: Consider the decibel (dB) rating if your kitchen is open to living spaces. Insulated or higher-end models designed for quiet operation can make a significant difference in daily comfort ³.

Common Garbage Disposal Problems in Hawaii

Several issues can take your disposal out of commission. Identifying the problem is the first step toward a repair.

• Jams and Clogs: The most frequent issue, often caused by fibrous materials (celery, corn husks), grease, or non-food items. A humming sound without grinding usually indicates a jam.
• Leaks: Water can leak from the top sink flange, the main body, or the drain connections. This often requires resealing or tightening components, and persistent leaks may signal a cracked housing ⁵.
• Motor Failure: If the disposal is completely unresponsive (no hum or sound), it may have overheated and tripped its internal reset button, or the motor may have burned out, necessitating replacement ⁶.
• Persistent Odors: Foul smells usually stem from food debris trapped in the grinding chamber or drain lines, requiring a thorough cleaning.

The Installation Process: Plumbing and Electrical Considerations

Installing a new disposal or replacing an old one is more complex than simply swapping units. It involves both plumbing and electrical work.

Plumbing Connections: A proper installation ensures leak-free operation and correct drainage. Key steps include:

• Drain Lines: The disposal must connect to your sink's P-trap with the correct slope for drainage. Existing pipes may need adjustment or replacement to fit the new unit ⁷.
• Dishwasher Hookup: If your dishwasher drains through the disposal, the installer will connect the drain hose to the designated inlet port on the disposal ⁸.
• Sink Compatibility: The mounting assembly must be compatible with your sink's strainer body. Some installations require adjusting the drain flange or P-trap configuration ⁹.

Electrical Requirements: Safety is paramount. Most disposals require:

• Dedicated Circuit: Many local codes and manufacturer instructions require the disposal to be on its own dedicated 15-amp or 20-amp circuit to prevent overloading ¹⁰.
• Proper Switch: A wall switch or an air-actuated switch (which doesn't require electrical wires at the sink) must be installed within easy reach of the sink ⁹.
• Grounding: The unit must be properly grounded to prevent electrical shock ¹⁰.

DIY vs. Professional Service: When to Call a Pro

Homeowners can handle some basic maintenance, like using a hex wrench to manually free a jammed unit or cleaning it with ice and citrus. However, professional help is often necessary.

Homeowner Responsibilities (Prep Work): To prepare for a professional visit and potentially reduce labor time, you can:

• Select the Unit: Choose the appropriate HP and type within your budget ¹.
• Clear Access: Empty the cabinet under the sink completely.
• Provide Utilities: Know how to shut off the water supply and electrical power to the area.

When to Hire a Professional: Consider calling a licensed plumber or electrician for:

• New Installations: Any first-time installation requires running drain lines and often new electrical wiring.
• Complex Replacements: If the new unit is a different size or requires modifying plumbing connections.
• Electrical Work: Any need for a new circuit, switch, or wiring should be handled by a qualified electrician ⁸.
• Persistent Problems: If a simple reset doesn't work, or if leaks recur, a pro can diagnose the root cause ¹¹.

Cost Breakdown for Repair and Installation in Hawaii

Costs can vary based on the unit, labor rates, and complexity. Here's a general breakdown for the Hawaiian market.

Repair Costs: Fixing an existing disposal typically ranges from $100 to $450⁶. The final price depends on the issue:

• Clearing a Jam: $100 - $150
• Fixing Minor Leaks: $150 - $300
• Motor or Component Repair: $200 - $450 ¹²

Replacement Costs: Replacing an old unit with a new one involves both parts and labor, with a typical total range of $200 to $550 or more¹³.

• Disposal Unit Only: $80 (basic model) to $500+ (high-end, quiet model) ¹⁴.
• Professional Labor: Plumbers or installers in Hawaii often charge between $50 and $100 per hour for this work ⁴. A straightforward swap may take 1-2 hours, while a complex install with new plumbing/electrical can take 3+ hours.

Additional Potential Costs:

• New Electrical Work: Running a dedicated circuit can add significantly to the project cost ¹⁰.
• Plumbing Modifications: Adjusting drain lines or P-traps adds to labor time.
• Permits: Some municipalities require permits for electrical or plumbing alterations, which can cost between $50 and $500+¹⁵.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Proper care extends the life of your unit and prevents common problems.

• Run with Cold Water: Always use a strong stream of cold water before, during, and after grinding. Cold water solidifies grease so it can be chopped up, while hot water can melt it and cause clogs downstream.
• Avoid Harmful Items: Never put fibrous vegetables, grease/oils, coffee grounds, eggshells, or expandable foods like pasta and rice down the disposal.
• Clean Regularly: Grind ice cubes to help scour the chamber, and use citrus peels to freshen it up. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage the metal components and seals.

Frequently asked questions

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