Top Garbage Disposal Service Companies in New Orleans, Louisiana 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 upgrading your kitchen, professional repair or installation ensures safety, reliability, and compliance with local plumbing codes. This guide will help you understand your options for garbage disposal services in New Orleans, from choosing the right unit to navigating the installation process with a qualified local specialist.

Zeller's Plumbing Repair And Drain Cleaning, LLC

new orleans

Zeller's Plumbing Repair And Drain Cleaning, LLC is a licensed plumbing company serving New Orleans, LA, and the surrounding areas in South Mississippi and South Louisiana. They offer a range of services including plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, water heater maintenance, garbage disposal repair, and sewer line replacement for both residential and commercial customers. With over 15 years of experience, Zeller's provides 24-hour emergency plumbing services to address urgent needs promptly.

4.9

389 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

520 Elmwood Park Blvd Ste 190, New Orleans, LA 70123

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive plumbing services in New Orleans, LA, for both residential and commercial properties. Their offerings include sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, leak detection, garbage disposal repair, and sewer line repair with trenchless techniques. They also handle water damage cleanup and mold remediation. The company uses advanced equipment such as hydro jetting and sewer cameras to address plumbing issues efficiently. Roto-Rooter offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to manage urgent problems like burst pipes, sewer backups, and water heater failures. They serve New Orleans and surrounding communities, including Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes.

4.8

3.3k Reviews

Camardelle Services, LLC

new orleans

Camardelle Services, LLC is a family-owned plumbing company serving New Orleans, LA, specializing in residential and commercial sewer and drain cleaning services. Their offerings include sewer cleaning, video inspections, hydro jetting, sewer scope inspections, leak detection, and commercial storm drain cleaning. With over 10 years of industry experience, they provide detailed sewer line inspections to identify leaks, cracks, and blockages, helping to prevent costly repairs. Camardelle Services also offers 24-hour emergency service to address urgent plumbing issues promptly.

5.0

54 Reviews

Bob's Plumbing Inc.

800 Hickory Ave, Harahan, LA 70123

Bob's Plumbing Inc. is a family-operated plumbing company serving New Orleans, LA, and surrounding areas since 1965. They provide a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is also a certified Kohler representative, offering specialized service for Jacuzzi and whirlpool pumps and motors. With over 55 years of experience, Bob's Plumbing Inc. offers same-day services and serves multiple locations including Jefferson Parish, Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, Gretna, Algiers, and Harvey.

4.8

178 Reviews

Roto Rooter Plumbing

70161 LA-59 Suite B, Abita Springs, LA 70420

Roto Rooter Plumbing is a family-owned and operated plumbing service based in New Orleans, LA, serving both residential and commercial customers. Established in 1935, they offer a wide range of plumbing solutions including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, and repiping. Their skilled plumbers use advanced technology such as video camera inspections and high-pressure water jetting to diagnose and clear clogs efficiently. Roto Rooter Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency services without extra charges for after-hours work, ensuring help is available any time plumbing issues arise.

4.7

592 Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Basics

Before scheduling a service, it's helpful to know what you're dealing with. A garbage disposal, or food waste disposer, is an electrically powered device mounted beneath your kitchen sink drain. It grinds food waste into small particles that can safely flow through your plumbing system. Key components include a grinding chamber, impellers, a shredder ring, and a motor. Understanding these basics can help you communicate more effectively with a technician about potential issues, whether it's a strange noise, a jam, or a complete failure to power on.

Common Unit Sizes and Types

Not all disposals are created equal. The right model for your New Orleans home depends on your household size and cooking habits.

• Horsepower (HP): This indicates grinding power. Common sizes include:
  • 1/3 HP: Suitable for light, occasional use, such as in a small apartment or vacation home.
  • 1/2 HP: The standard for most families, handling everyday food scraps effectively.
  • 3/4 HP & 1 HP: Best for larger households or frequent entertainers, these heavy-duty models can tackle tougher items like fruit pits and small bones. ^{1 2}
• Feed Type:
  • Continuous Feed: The most common type. You turn on the cold water and a wall switch, and can add waste continuously while it runs. It requires a dedicated power outlet or hardwired connection. ^{1 3}
  • Batch Feed: Considered safer, this model only operates when a special stopper is inserted and turned. It's a good choice for households with young children. ^{1 3}

The Professional Installation Process in New Orleans

While a handy homeowner might attempt a DIY replacement, professional installation is strongly recommended, especially for new installations or if electrical work is needed. A licensed plumber ensures the job is done safely and correctly, preventing leaks and electrical hazards. ^{4 5} Here's what a typical professional installation entails:

1. Assessment and Preparation: The technician will assess the under-sink space, check the sink flange size (typically a 3.5 to 4-inch hole), and ensure there is adequate room for the unit and plumbing connections. They will also verify if your dishwasher drains through the disposal, which requires a specific connection port. ^{1 6}
2. Safe Disconnection: For a replacement, the plumber will first turn off the power at the circuit breaker and shut off the water supply. They'll disconnect the drainpipe (P-trap), dishwasher hose, and electrical wiring before unmounting the old unit. ^{1 7}
3. Mounting the New Unit: Using plumber's putty or a sealant, they will install a new sink flange and attach the mounting assembly. The new disposal is then lifted into place and secured to the mounting ring.
4. Reconnecting Plumbing and Electrical: The dishwasher drain hose (if applicable) and the disposal's discharge tube are connected to the drainpipe. For the electrical, wires are connected (ground, hot, neutral); this may involve connecting to an existing 120V outlet or hardwiring the unit. ^{1 7}
5. Final Testing: After restoring power and water, the technician will run the disposal with cold water to check for leaks, vibrations, and proper grinding function.

Key Considerations for New Orleans Homes

Local factors can influence your garbage disposal project. The age and configuration of your plumbing, the type of sink you have, and even your waste management system are important.

• Under-Sink Space: Older homes or cabinsetry with limited clearance can pose a challenge. A professional can recommend a compact or specific model that fits. ^{1 6}
• Sink Configuration: A single-bowl sink is straightforward. A double-bowl sink requires a proper drainpipe configuration to ensure waste from the disposal side flows correctly without backing up into the other bowl. ¹
• Dishwasher Connection: Most modern disposals have a port for a dishwasher drain hose. If you are adding a disposal to a kitchen with an existing dishwasher, this connection is essential and must be uncapped. ^{1 7}
• Septic Systems: If your New Orleans area home uses a septic system, it's crucial to select a septic-safe disposal model designed to grind waste into finer particles to avoid overwhelming the tank. ^{1 6}

Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Call

When your disposal acts up, how do you decide whether to fix it or replace it? Minor issues like a jam or a reset are often simple repairs. You can often clear a jam using an Allen wrench inserted into the bottom of the unit to manually turn the grinding components. If the unit has overheated, pressing the red reset button on the bottom may restore function.

However, persistent problems often signal the need for replacement. These include frequent jams, loud grinding or rattling noises (indicating broken impellers or bearings), significant leaks from the unit itself, or a motor that hums but doesn't turn. For units over 10 years old, replacement is often more cost-effective than repair, providing you with a newer, more efficient, and quieter model. ³

Cost Expectations for Installation and Repair

Understanding potential costs helps in planning your project. In the New Orleans area, total costs for garbage disposal services depend on the unit selected and the complexity of the installation.

• Unit Cost: A basic 1/3 HP model can start around $80, while a high-end, heavy-duty 1 HP or septic-safe unit can cost $250 or more. ^{8 9}
• Professional Labor: Installation labor by a licensed plumber typically ranges from $100 to $200 or more. This cost can increase if new electrical wiring is needed, if the sink flange needs replacement, or if plumbing modifications are required. ^{1 8 4 5}
• Total Project Cost: For a standard replacement or new installation, homeowners can expect a total project cost (unit + labor) in the range of $180 to $450+. ^{8 9}
• Repair Costs: Simple service calls for unjamming or resetting may have a minimum trip charge. More involved repairs, like replacing a motor or fixing a leak, can cost a significant portion of a new unit's price, which is why replacement is often recommended for major failures.

Major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's offer installation services through licensed contractors, which can be a convenient option that bundles the product and labor. ^{1 8} Regardless of the route, ensuring your installer is licensed and insured protects you and your home.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Once your new unit is installed or your existing one is repaired, proper maintenance is key to a long service life. Always run cold water before, during, and for about 30 seconds after grinding. Cold water solidifies grease, allowing it to be ground up and carried away, while hot water can melt it and cause clogs further down the pipe. Avoid putting fibrous materials (celery, onion skins), grease, oil, coffee grounds, or expandable items like pasta and rice down the disposal. Regularly clean it by grinding ice cubes or citrus peels to help sharpen the blades and freshen the drain.

Frequently asked questions

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