Best Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Kentucky Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a key component of a modern Kentucky kitchen, making cleanup easier and helping to manage household waste. When your unit fails-whether it's humming, leaking, or just not turning on-you need reliable, local expertise to get your sink back in working order. This guide covers everything you need to know about disposal repair and installation in the Bluegrass State, from understanding costs and horsepower to finding qualified professionals for the job.

Dauenhauer Plumbing Heating Air & Electric

815 Taylorsville Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065

Dauenhauer Plumbing Heating Air & Electric is a home services provider based in Louisville, KY, offering a wide range of plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical services. With over 65 years of experience serving Kentucky homeowners, their licensed technicians handle plumbing repairs, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair including trenchless methods, and hydro jetting. They also provide HVAC services such as furnace and air conditioning repair and installation, as well as electrical work including panel upgrades and whole-house generator installation. Dauenhauer offers 24/7 emergency services to address urgent plumbing, HVAC, and drain issues promptly.

4.9

2.3k Reviews

GRS Plumbing Heating and Air

104 Forbes Ct, Richmond, KY 40475

GRS Plumbing Heating and Air is a plumbing service provider located in Lexington, KY. They offer a range of services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company also handles water line and drain line repair and replacement, bathroom and kitchen plumbing issues, and installation of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. One notable capability is their work with gas line installation, testing, and repair. They provide comprehensive plumbing solutions for residential needs in the Lexington area.

5.0

103 Reviews

Golden Plumbing

2434 Crittenden Dr, Louisville, KY 40217

Golden Plumbing is a plumbing service provider based in Louisville, KY. They offer a range of services including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is known for locating and repairing collapsed sewer lines and handling complex plumbing issues efficiently. Customers have noted their capability in fixing gas leaks and clearing old cast iron pipes. Golden Plumbing has built a reputation for thorough work and clear communication with clients.

4.8

416 Reviews

Queens Plumbing

704 N English Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40223

Queens Plumbing is a licensed and insured plumbing service provider based in Louisville, KY. They offer a wide range of plumbing solutions including water heater installation, leak detection, drain cleaning, sump pump repair, sewer line services, and repiping. Queens Plumbing emphasizes the use of quality materials and certified professionals to ensure durable and reliable repairs and installations. The business is led by a master plumber with years of experience, serving both residential and commercial clients in the Louisville area.

5.0

48 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

2050 Regency Rd Suite C, Lexington, KY 40503

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in Lexington, KY, for both residential and commercial clients. Their offerings include sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, leak detection, gas line installation, and trenchless sewer repair. They use advanced tools such as video camera inspections and hydro jetting to address plumbing issues efficiently. With 24/7 emergency availability, Roto-Rooter responds promptly to urgent plumbing problems including burst pipes and sewer backups. They also offer water damage cleanup and mold remediation services to manage the aftermath of plumbing failures. Serving Lexington and surrounding counties, Roto-Rooter supports the local community with comprehensive plumbing solutions.

4.8

263 Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Costs in Kentucky

The price for garbage disposal services in Kentucky varies based on the scope of work, the unit itself, and any underlying issues with your plumbing or electrical systems. Being aware of the typical cost ranges can help you budget effectively and understand the quotes you receive from local professionals.

• Basic Repair: For common issues like clearing a jam, replacing a worn gasket, or fixing a minor leak, you can expect to pay between $70 and $250 for parts and labor^{1 2}.
• Standard Replacement & Installation: If your disposal is beyond repair, replacing it with a similar model typically costs between $250 and $600. This includes the price of a new unit and the plumber's labor for a straightforward swap, assuming your existing plumbing and wiring are adequate^{3 4}.
• New Installation or Complex Upgrade: Installing a disposal where one didn't exist before, or upgrading to a more powerful model that requires electrical work, raises the price. These projects can range from $400 to $1,200 or more. The higher end accounts for tasks like running a new dedicated circuit, which requires an electrician (adding roughly $120-$165), or modifying plumbing to accommodate a dishwasher connection^{5 6}.
• Local Market Estimates: In larger Kentucky cities like Louisville, recent estimates for a full installation project range from $276 to over $700, depending heavily on the unit's horsepower and the complexity of the hookups⁷.

Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal Unit

Not all disposals are created equal. Selecting the appropriate model for your Kentucky household is crucial for performance and longevity. The two main factors to consider are horsepower and feed type.

Horsepower (HP) determines the motor's strength and what it can handle:

• 1/3 HP: Suitable for small households with light use.
• 1/2 HP: The most common choice for average-sized families, offering a good balance of power and price.
• 3/4 HP to 1 HP: Recommended for larger households, frequent entertainers, or those who want the best performance for tougher food scraps^{3 7 4}.

Feed Type refers to how you activate the unit:

• Continuous Feed: You turn on a switch (usually on the wall) and then feed waste into the drain. This is the most common and convenient type.
• Batch Feed: You place a special stopper into the drain to activate the unit. This is often considered safer, as it prevents accidental activation^{3 4}.

Key Components of a Garbage Disposal System

Understanding the basic parts of your disposal system helps you communicate issues more clearly with a technician and grasp what's involved in an installation.

• Drain Line & Connection: The disposal connects directly to your sink's main drainpipe. A critical consideration is whether it will also need to connect to your dishwasher drain hose, which many modern units are designed to accommodate^{3 1 8}.
• Sink Flange: This is the mounting assembly that seals the disposal unit to the bottom of your sink bowl. It must be compatible with your sink's drain opening size to prevent leaks^{3 8}.
• Power Source & Electrical Requirements: Every disposal needs a grounded electrical outlet, typically located in the cabinet under the sink. Importantly, higher-horsepower models (often 3/4 HP and above) usually require a dedicated circuit-meaning no other appliances or outlets share that electrical line. An older Kentucky home may need an electrical upgrade to meet this requirement, which is a key factor in installation cost^{3 5 6}.

Proper Use and Maintenance Tips

Preventative care is the best way to avoid costly repairs. Following simple guidelines can significantly extend the life of your garbage disposal.

• Correct Operation: Always run a steady stream of cold water before, during, and for about 30 seconds after grinding. Cold water helps solidify any fats or grease, allowing them to be chopped up and flushed away instead of congealing in your pipes^{8 9}.
• What to Avoid: Never put fibrous materials (celery, corn husks, onion skins), grease or cooking oils, coffee grounds, or expandable items like pasta and rice down the disposal. These are common culprits for clogs and motor strain^{8 9}.
• Routine Cleaning: Keep your disposal fresh and clean by periodically grinding a handful of ice cubes to help scour the grind chamber, followed by citrus peels (like lemon or orange) for a pleasant scent. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage the unit's components and pipes⁹.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Disposal

Deciding whether to fix an old unit or invest in a new one depends on the problem, the age of the disposal, and the cost comparison.

• Consider Repair If: The issue is simple, like a clog that can be cleared, a reset that needs to be pressed, or a minor leak from a replaceable seal. If the repair cost is less than half the price of a new unit and installation, and your disposal is less than 5-7 years old, repair is often the economical choice¹.
• Opt for Replacement If: The disposal is very old (over 10 years), the motor is burned out, the grinding chamber is cracked, or the repair estimate is high. Newer models are significantly more energy-efficient, quieter, and come with better warranties. Investing in a new, reliable unit can prevent recurring problems^{1 2}.

The Professional Installation Process

Hiring a licensed professional in Kentucky ensures the job is done safely and up to code, particularly for electrical connections. Here's what a standard installation entails:

1. Assessment & Preparation: The technician will assess your under-sink area, checking the existing plumbing, drain alignment, and electrical supply. They will confirm the new unit is compatible and that you have the necessary dedicated circuit if required.
2. Removal (if replacing): The old disposal is disconnected from the power, plumbing, and mounting assembly. The sink flange area is cleaned thoroughly.
3. Mounting & Connection: The new sink flange is sealed and mounted. The disposal unit is then attached to this flange. The drain lines and dishwasher hose (if applicable) are connected, and all plumbing joints are secured and tested for leaks.
4. Electrical Hookup: The unit is connected to the switched electrical outlet. For new circuits, a licensed electrician will perform this work to ensure it meets National Electrical Code (NEC) standards^{6 9}.
5. Testing & Cleanup: The disposal is powered on and tested with water running to ensure smooth operation. The area is cleaned up, and the technician will often provide you with brief instructions on use and care.

Frequently asked questions

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