Best Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Maryland Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a key component of a modern Maryland kitchen, making cleanup easier and helping to manage household waste. When your disposal fails-whether it's jammed, leaking, or simply won't turn on-you need a reliable solution to get your kitchen back in working order. This guide provides clear, practical information on repair and installation services in Maryland, helping you understand your options, what to expect in terms of cost and process, and how to find qualified local professionals for the job.

Wes Plumbing & Mechanical

8612 Saxon Cir, Nottingham, MD 21236

Wes Plumbing & Mechanical is a family-owned plumbing and mechanical service provider located in Baltimore, MD. Serving both residential and light commercial customers, they offer a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, sewer line video inspections, drain cleaning, sump pump repair, and gas line installation. The company is equipped with advanced tools such as sewer line cameras and pro press technology to efficiently address plumbing issues, especially in older homes. Established in 1982, Wes Plumbing & Mechanical brings over 75 years of combined experience to its work.

5.0

281 Reviews

Old Line Plumbing

baltimore

Old Line Plumbing is a commercial and residential plumbing company based in Baltimore, MD. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, sump pump repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and backflow testing. The company handles new construction and renovation projects for both commercial and residential clients, with capabilities such as camera inspections and installation of tankless water heaters. Master Plumber Jay Eckstorm leads the team with extensive experience and specialized training, bringing a high level of expertise to their work.

5.0

189 Reviews

Ebenezer Plumbing & Drain, LLC

baltimore

Ebenezer Plumbing & Drain, LLC is a plumbing and drain service provider based in Baltimore, MD. With over 15 years of experience, they offer a range of services including water heater repair and installation for both electric and gas tanks, garbage disposal repair, toilet repair, sump pump and ejector pump installation, and drain cleaning. Their expertise includes replacing kitchen sink P-trap drain pipes and water shutoff valves. They serve Baltimore and surrounding counties with licensed and certified plumbing services.

5.0

127 Reviews

Saffer Plumbing, Heating & Electrical

4247 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214

Saffer Plumbing, Heating & Electrical is a fourth-generation, family-owned plumbing company serving Baltimore, MD. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair, water softener installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is known for its knowledgeable plumbers who use modern tools and techniques to handle both routine maintenance and emergency plumbing issues. Founded in the 1940s, Saffer Plumbing has a long history of serving the Baltimore community with a focus on safety, expertise, and fair service.

4.9

1.7k Reviews

Brian B. Quick Plumbing

218 Main St Suite 4, Reisterstown, MD 21136

Brian B. Quick Plumbing provides a wide range of plumbing services in Baltimore, MD, including water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company serves Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Baltimore County, and Washington, DC. Their certified plumbers handle emergency plumbing, frozen pipe repair, basement waterproofing, and sewer line replacement among other services. Brian B. Quick Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency plumbing service to address urgent needs at any time.

4.9

920 Reviews

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Understanding Your Options: Repair vs. Replacement

The first decision you'll face with a malfunctioning disposal is whether to fix it or replace it entirely. This choice depends on the age of the unit, the nature of the problem, and the associated costs.

• Repair ($70 - $250): Opting for repair is often the more economical choice for minor issues ¹. Common problems that a professional can fix include clearing stubborn jams, replacing worn gaskets or seals to stop leaks, or addressing issues with the reset button. If your disposal is relatively new (under 8 years old) and the motor is still in good condition, repair is typically the recommended path ^{2 3}.
• Replacement ($250 - $600+): There are several signs that replacement is the smarter long-term investment. If your unit is over 10-15 years old, it may be nearing the end of its service life and becoming inefficient ⁴. Persistent motor failure, major leaks from the unit itself, or excessive noise and poor grinding performance are strong indicators that a new model is needed. While the upfront cost is higher, a new disposal comes with updated technology, a full warranty, and improved reliability ^{1 3}.

Key Factors in Choosing a New Garbage Disposal

If replacement is the right choice, selecting the correct unit is crucial for performance and longevity. Here are the primary specifications to consider:

• Horsepower (HP): This measures the motor's grinding power. For light use in smaller households, a 1/2 HP model may suffice. For typical family use and better performance, a 3/4 HP unit is the most popular choice. For heavy-duty grinding or frequent use, a 1 HP model provides the most power and durability ^{1 4 5}.
• Grind Stages: This refers to the grinding mechanism. Single-stage disposals use a single spinning plate to grind waste. Multi-stage models use additional impellers or grind rings to pulverize food into finer particles, which reduces the risk of clogs in your drain pipes ^{5 6}.
• Noise Reduction: Disposals can be loud. Many mid-to-high-end models feature sound insulation packages, such as insulated grinding chambers or anti-vibration components, which significantly reduce operational noise ^{5 6}.
• Special Features: If your Maryland home uses a septic system, consider a "septic-assist" model. These disposals include enzymes or special grind rings designed to break down waste into a more septic-friendly slurry ⁶.

The Professional Installation Process: Plumbing & Electrical

Proper installation is just as important as choosing a quality unit. A professional ensures all connections are secure and up to local code, preventing leaks and electrical hazards.

Plumbing Connections:

• Sink Flange: The disposal mounts to a sink flange beneath your drain. This connection must be perfectly sealed with plumber's putty or a gasket to prevent water from leaking into your cabinet ^{7 8}.
• Drain and Dishwasher Lines: The disposal's discharge outlet connects to your home's drainpipe. If you are connecting a dishwasher, the installer will remove a pre-installed knock-out plug from the disposal and attach the dishwasher drain hose, ensuring it has a proper high-loop to prevent backflow ^{9 8}.

Electrical Requirements:

• Dedicated Circuit: Most building codes, including those in Maryland, require a garbage disposal to be on its own dedicated electrical circuit for safety ^{7 9}. A professional will verify this.
• GFCI Protection: Because the disposal is near a water source, it must be connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet or breaker. This critical safety device cuts power instantly if an electrical fault is detected ^{7 9}.
• Power Switch: You'll need an accessible wall switch (or an air-activated switch mounted on the countertop) to control the disposal ⁹.

What Homeowners Can Do: Basic Troubleshooting & Prep

Before calling a professional, there are a few safe steps you can take. Always ensure the disposal's power is completely OFF at the circuit breaker before attempting any hands-on troubleshooting.

• Basic Repairs: If the disposal hums but doesn't grind, it's likely jammed. Using a hex-key wrench (often provided with the unit), you can manually rotate the motor from the bottom to free the impellers. You can also carefully use tongs or pliers to remove a visible obstruction ^{2 10}. Always press the reset button on the bottom of the unit after clearing a jam.
• Prevention is Key: To avoid future problems, never put grease, oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, bones, or fibrous vegetables (like celery or onion skins) down the disposal. These can cause clogs, dull the blades, or damage the motor ¹¹.
• Prepare for Installation: If you're planning a new installation, you can help the process go smoothly. Clear out the cabinet under your sink to provide easy access for the technician. Be prepared to discuss your electrical setup, and know the brand and model of your current disposal if it's being replaced ¹⁰.

Understanding Service Costs in Maryland

Costs for garbage disposal services in Maryland vary based on the job's complexity, the price of the unit, and the professional's labor rates.

• Repair Costs: Simple repairs like unjamming or fixing a minor leak typically range from $70 to $250 for parts and labor ^{1 2}.
• Replacement Costs: The total cost to replace a garbage disposal includes the price of the new unit and the labor to install it. You can expect a range from $250 for a basic model and straightforward install to over $600 for a premium unit or a complex installation that requires new electrical work ^{1 4}. The average total project cost for a full replacement often falls between $400 and $1,000+ in the Maryland area ¹².

Frequently asked questions

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