Top Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Chicago, Illinois Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a cornerstone of a modern, efficient kitchen, making quick work of food scraps and reducing waste. When your unit malfunctions or you're looking to add this convenience to your home, understanding the repair and installation process is key. This guide provides a detailed look at everything you need to know about garbage disposal services in Chicago, from choosing the right model to the technical steps of installation, helping you connect with qualified local professionals for the job.

Legendary Service

960 Rand Rd Suite 200F, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Legendary Service is a plumbing and home comfort provider serving Chicago, IL. They offer a range of services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, repiping, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. With over 40 years of combined experience, their licensed team handles plumbing and HVAC needs with thoroughness and professionalism. They also provide indoor air quality solutions and maintenance plans to support ongoing home system care.

5.0

278 Reviews

Drain & Plumbing Services

3663 Woodhead Dr, Northbrook, IL 60062

Drain & Plumbing Services offers a wide range of plumbing and drain cleaning solutions in Chicago, IL, including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heaters, leak detection, toilet and garbage disposal repairs, and hydro jetting. Their team uses advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections and hydro jetting equipment to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues efficiently. Serving both residential and commercial clients, they provide comprehensive services tailored to local infrastructure needs. The company also offers 24/7 emergency plumbing service to address urgent repairs promptly.

5.0

267 Reviews

The All Pipes INC.

255 Holly Ln, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

The All Pipes INC. is a licensed and insured plumbing company serving Chicago, IL. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, trenchless sewer repair, sump pump installation, leak detection, and hydro jetting for drain cleaning. The company offers both residential and commercial plumbing solutions and specializes in tankless water heater installations to help reduce energy costs. Founded by Grigor Ganchev, who has built his career in plumbing over many years, The All Pipes INC. emphasizes integrity and clear communication with clients to maintain lasting relationships.

5.0

210 Reviews

Vanguard Plumbing and Sewer, Inc.

4352 N Kenneth Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Vanguard Plumbing and Sewer, Inc. provides a wide range of residential plumbing services in Chicago, IL. Their offerings include sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation (both tanked and tankless), water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet and garbage disposal repair, and custom plumbing solutions. They use advanced plumbing camera technology for thorough video inspections and have expertise in handling multiunit plumbing projects. Vanguard is known for clear pricing and licensed, insured plumbers. While primarily serving residential customers, they occasionally assist local businesses. Their service area covers Chicago and its northern suburbs.

4.9

367 Reviews

Andersen Plumbing & Sewer

576 S Arthur Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Andersen Plumbing & Sewer has been serving Chicago, IL, since 1980, providing a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, leak detection, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company specializes in flood control systems, sewer repairs, and power rodding, using both traditional and modern plumbing techniques. Andersen Plumbing offers emergency plumbing services for issues like busted pipes, flooded basements, and clogged drains, backed by a Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee.

4.9

254 Reviews

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Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal for Your Chicago Home

Selecting the appropriate food waste disposer isn't just about brand; it's about matching the unit's power and capacity to your household's needs. The primary specification to consider is horsepower (HP), which directly correlates to grinding power and durability.

• 1/3 to 1/2 HP: Ideal for smaller households of 1-3 people. These models handle basic, everyday food scraps but may struggle with fibrous or harder materials.
• 5/8 to 3/4 HP: A great mid-range option for households of 3-5 people. They offer more power for regular use and can handle a wider variety of food waste more efficiently.
• 1 to 1.25+ HP: Designed for heavy-duty use in larger households of 4-8+ people or for those who frequently entertain. These high-powered models grind tougher items quickly and are built for longevity ¹.

Beyond horsepower, consider features like sound insulation (for quieter operation), anti-jamming technology, and corrosion-resistant components, which are especially valuable given the varied water conditions in different Chicago neighborhoods.

Understanding Installation and Replacement Costs

The cost for garbage disposal work in Chicago varies based on whether you're replacing an old unit or installing one for the first time, along with the complexity of the job.

• Replacement Cost: Typically ranges from $200 to $550. This is often the more straightforward and less expensive option, as it utilizes the existing electrical wiring and plumbing connections ^{2 3}.
• New Installation Cost: Generally falls between $250 and $600+. A new install can be more costly as it may require running new electrical circuits, modifying plumbing under the sink, and installing a new switch ^{2 3}.
• Cost Breakdown: The total price includes the unit itself (anywhere from $50 for a basic model to over $400 for a premium one) and professional labor. Labor costs often range from $100 to $200 or more, depending on the plumber's rates and the job's specific challenges, such as tight under-sink clearance or the need for additional plumbing modifications ^{3 4}.

While a skilled DIYer can tackle this project, hiring a licensed plumber is strongly recommended. They ensure the installation meets local Chicago plumbing codes, properly integrates with your dishwasher (if present), and is completed safely, which involves working with both plumbing and electrical systems ⁵.

The Professional Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

A proper installation by a Chicago plumber follows a meticulous process to ensure safety and long-term functionality. Here's what a professional service entails:

1. Safety First & Disconnection: The technician will always start by turning off the power to the disposal at the home's main circuit breaker. For a replacement, they will then detach the drain pipes (including the P-trap) and the dishwasher drain hose before un-mounting and removing the old disposal unit ^{1 6}.
2. Sink Flange Preparation: The old sink flange is removed. A new one is set in place with plumber's putty to create a watertight seal and is secured from underneath the sink with a mounting ring ^{1 6}.
3. Mounting the New Unit: The new garbage disposal is then lifted and attached to the mounting assembly on the sink flange, typically by turning a mounting ring until it locks securely into place ¹.
4. Plumbing Connections: The drain pipes are reconnected. A critical step is ensuring the P-trap has the correct slope for effective drainage, which may require adjusting pipe lengths ^{1 6}. If a dishwasher is present, its drain hose must be connected to the dedicated inlet port on the disposal ^{1 6}.
5. Electrical Connection: The unit's pre-wired cable (or house wiring for hardwired models) is connected. A professional will ensure all wire nuts are secure and that the connection is protected ^{1 7}.
6. Final Testing: Once everything is assembled, power is restored. The technician will run water and test the disposal to check for leaks, verify proper grinding operation, and ensure the dishwasher drains correctly into the unit ^{1 6}.

Key Plumbing Considerations for a Successful Installation

Several specific plumbing factors must be addressed during a garbage disposal installation to prevent future issues.

• Dishwasher Drain Connection: Most disposals have a plugged inlet port specifically for a dishwasher drain hose. Connecting your dishwasher to the disposal allows food particles from the dishwasher to be ground up, preventing clogs in your kitchen sink line. This is a standard and recommended practice ^{1 6}.
• Drainage and Trap Height: The addition of a disposal lowers the position of the main drain outlet. Your plumber will need to ensure the P-trap and the horizontal drain arm are adjusted to maintain a proper, consistent downward slope toward the wall drain. An incorrect slope can lead to chronic draining problems and standing water ⁶.
• Under-Sink Clearance: Before purchase, it's essential to measure the available space under your sink. The new disposal must fit without putting stress on the drain lines or blocking access to other valves or filters. Professional installers are adept at working in tight spaces and can recommend low-profile models if necessary ⁶.

Common Repair Issues for Chicago Homeowners

Even the best garbage disposals may need repair over time. Common problems include:

• Jamming: Caused by hard objects (like fruit pits) or fibrous materials (like celery stalks). Many modern units have a manual or automatic reverse function to clear jams.
• Leaks: Can occur at the sink flange seal, the dishwasher inlet connection, or the main housing. Identifying the source of the leak is the first step in repair.
• Humming but Not Grinding: This usually indicates a jam. If clearing the jam doesn't work, the motor may be seized.
• Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: This can signal an electrical fault within the disposal motor or wiring, requiring professional diagnosis.

For many repairs, especially those involving leaks or electrical components, consulting a licensed professional is the safest and most reliable course of action to avoid water damage or electrical hazards.

Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Disposal

Proper care can significantly extend the lifespan of your kitchen waste disposer.

• Run Cold Water: Always use a strong stream of cold water before, during, and for about 30 seconds after grinding. Cold water solidifies grease, allowing it to be ground up and flushed away, whereas hot water can melt it and cause buildup downstream.
• Avoid Hard & Fibrous Items: Never put bones, fruit pits, coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, or fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks down the disposal.
• Clean Regularly: Periodically grind a few citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to freshen the unit. For cleaning, make a solution of baking soda and vinegar, let it fizz in the disposal, then flush with cold water.
• No Chemicals: Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can corrode the metal components and damage the seals.

Frequently asked questions

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