Top Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Honolulu, Hawaii Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a key component of a modern, efficient kitchen, making quick work of food scraps and reducing odors. When your unit fails or you're upgrading your home, finding a reliable professional for garbage disposal repair or installation in Honolulu is essential. This guide provides detailed information on the process, costs, and local considerations to help you connect with qualified service providers for your specific needs.

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 Your Garbage Disposal Options

Choosing the right unit is the first step toward a successful installation or replacement. Garbage disposals are primarily categorized by motor power, measured in horsepower (HP). For most Honolulu homes, the common residential sizes are 1/3 HP for basic tasks, 1/2 HP for moderate use, and 3/4 HP for heavy use, with some high-end 1 HP models available for demanding kitchens ¹. Beyond horsepower, consider features like quiet operation technology, auto-reverse grinding mechanisms to reduce jams, and whether you prefer a continuous feed (operates with running water) or batch feed (requires a stopper) model ¹. Selecting the appropriate model for your household's volume and type of food waste ensures longevity and performance.

The Professional Installation Process in Honolulu

Hiring a professional for your garbage disposal service ensures the job is done safely and in compliance with local codes. A standard installation or replacement by a qualified plumber involves several key steps. First, the power to the kitchen circuit is shut off at the breaker for safety. The old unit is disconnected from the drain pipes and any dishwasher hose, then unscrewed from its mounting assembly beneath the sink ^{2 3}. For the new unit, plumber's putty is applied to the sink flange before it is set in place and secured. The plumbing connections are then re-established, including attaching the dishwasher drain line (which often requires knocking out an inlet plug on the new disposal) and reconnecting the P-trap drain assembly ^{2 4}. Finally, the electrical wiring is connected-a step that may require coordination with a licensed electrician on Oahu to ensure full code compliance-before the system is tested for leaks and proper operation ^{2 3 5}.

Local Code Considerations on Oahu

Adhering to Hawaii's specific plumbing and electrical codes is a critical reason to hire a professional. Installers must follow Oahu's regulations for proper hookups involving power, dishwasher drains, and sink drainage to avoid issues with municipal inspections or future home sales ². For instance, existing drain pipes may need adjustment or replacement to fit the new unit correctly, and any new electrical work typically must be performed or overseen by a licensed electrician ^{2 4}. A knowledgeable local provider will handle these details, giving you peace of mind that your kitchen waste disposal unit is installed correctly and legally.

Cost Breakdown for Installation and Replacement

Understanding the potential costs helps in budgeting for your project. The total expense for garbage disposal installation in Honolulu typically includes both the unit itself and professional labor. The unit cost can range from around $100 for a basic 1/3 HP model to $300 or more for a high-end 1 HP disposal ^{2 1}. Professional labor for installation or replacement generally adds another $100 to $300 or more, depending on the plumber, job complexity, and whether separate electrical work is needed ^{2 6 7}. Therefore, for a standard replacement, you can expect a total cost in the range of $200 to $600+, with the potential for a higher price if new wiring or significant pipe reconfiguration is required ^{2 1 6}.

DIY vs. Professional Service

While a skilled homeowner may attempt a DIY installation, professional service is strongly recommended. The process involves working with plumbing, potentially altering drain lines, and making electrical connections ^{2 5}. A professional ensures safety against leaks, water damage, and electrical hazards. Most importantly, they guarantee compliance with Oahu's specific codes, which can be complex. Retailers like Home Depot or Lowe's may offer installation services, but it's crucial to verify what they cover, as they often exclude new electrical work ^{6 7}. For a seamless and code-compliant result, a licensed local plumber familiar with island homes is your best bet.

Who to Hire: Plumber, Electrician, or Both?

A common question is which professional is responsible for installing a garbage disposal. The answer often involves a team approach. A plumber is essential for all the physical plumbing connections: mounting the unit, connecting the dishwasher drain, and ensuring the P-trap and drain lines are leak-free and up to code ^{2 3 5}. An electrician is required if new wiring needs to be run from the electrical panel or if local code mandates that only a licensed electrician can make the final power connection ^{2 3}. Some plumbing companies have electricians on staff or will coordinate the necessary electrical work for you. When searching for service, clarify whether the provider handles the full scope of work or if you need to arrange for a separate electrician.

Signs You Need Repair or Replacement

Knowing when to call for service can prevent larger kitchen sink issues. Common signs your disposal needs attention include unusual noises (like grinding or humming), persistent jams that won't clear with a hex key, leaks from the unit or connections, a complete failure to turn on (after checking the reset button and circuit breaker), or foul odors that don't subside after cleaning. Many problems, such as a worn impeller or a faulty seal, can be repaired. However, if your unit is old (over 10 years), requires frequent repairs, or is an underpowered model struggling with daily tasks, a full replacement with a more powerful and efficient unit is often the more cost-effective long-term solution.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Proper maintenance extends the life of your unit and minimizes the need for repairs. Always run cold water before, during, and after grinding to solidify fats and carry waste down the drain. Avoid putting fibrous materials (celery, onion skins), grease, oil, coffee grounds, or hard items like bones down the disposal. Clean it periodically by grinding ice cubes to help scour the grind ring and using baking soda and vinegar for deodorizing. For homes in Honolulu, being mindful of what goes into the disposal is especially important to prevent clogs in your home's plumbing system, which can be more complicated to address on the island.

Frequently asked questions

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