Best Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Michigan Ranked

A functioning garbage disposal is a key component of a modern Michigan kitchen, providing convenience and helping to manage food waste efficiently. When your disposal fails or you're considering an upgrade, understanding the repair and installation process is crucial. This guide covers what Michigan homeowners need to know about selecting the right unit, the technical aspects of plumbing and electrical work, and how to find qualified local professionals to ensure a safe and lasting installation.

Cregger Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

2335 Goodrich St, Ferndale, MI 48220

Cregger Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a third-generation, locally operated plumbing and HVAC company serving Detroit, MI. They provide a wide range of services including water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, leak detection, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is known for its licensed and insured plumbers who offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues at any time. Established in 1987, Cregger Plumbing has built a reputation for transparent pricing and community involvement.

4.9

6.3k Reviews

Bison Plumbing

25780 Ryan Rd, Warren, MI 48091

Bison Plumbing is a family-owned and operated plumbing company serving Detroit, MI, and the surrounding Metro Detroit area since 1998. They provide a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services, including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, trenchless sewer repair, and general plumbing repairs. Their expertise in no-dig sewer repairs, such as pipe lining and pipe patching, allows them to rehabilitate sewer and storm lines without traditional digging methods. Bison Plumbing also offers backflow testing and mechanical piping services, ensuring compliance with local codes and standards.

4.9

2.6k Reviews

Detroit Furnace LLC

31313 Kendall, Fraser, MI 48026

Detroit Furnace LLC provides comprehensive plumbing and HVAC services in Detroit, MI. Their offerings include water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company serves the Detroit Metro area and is equipped to handle a wide range of plumbing and heating needs with skilled technicians. They offer 24/7 emergency service and support all brands and models. Detroit Furnace LLC is known for its commitment to proper installation and maintenance, including a "no lemon" guarantee for heating systems maintained by their team.

4.9

2.2k Reviews

5 Star Plumbing

23561 Van Born Rd, Taylor, MI 48180

5 Star Plumbing is a plumbing service provider based in Detroit, MI, offering a wide range of plumbing solutions including water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. With over 40 years of experience since 1982, the company combines skilled workmanship with personalized service to handle projects of all sizes. Their team recently expanded in 2024, enhancing their capabilities while maintaining a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

4.9

329 Reviews

Hoover Electric Plumbing Heating Cooling

1871 Woodslee Ave, Troy, MI 48083

Hoover Electric Plumbing Heating Cooling is a multi-service provider based in Detroit, MI, offering electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling solutions. Serving Southeast Michigan, they specialize in drain cleaning and garbage disposal repair among other home services. Established in 1980, the company has decades of experience and provides service every day of the year. Their licensed technicians focus on lasting repair solutions and use high-quality equipment to address the root causes of issues.

4.8

4.9k Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Types and Features

Choosing the right disposal unit is the first step. The correct model depends on your household size, cooking habits, and kitchen setup. Key specifications include horsepower, feed type, and grinding chamber material.

Horsepower (HP) is the primary indicator of power and capability. For a small household or light use, a 1/3-HP model may suffice ¹. An average family will typically find a 1/2-HP unit adequate for daily meal prep ². For homes that frequently entertain or have heavy use, a 3/4-HP model offers more power ¹. Large families or those who want maximum performance should consider a 1-HP or higher disposal for heavy-duty grinding ^{1 3}.

Feed Type refers to how you activate the unit. A continuous feed disposal is the most common. You turn on the cold water and flip a wall switch to activate it, allowing you to feed food waste continuously ^{1 2}. A batch feed disposal requires you to insert and turn a special stopper to activate it. This type is often considered safer, especially in homes with young children, as it cannot operate without the stopper in place ^{1 3}.

Construction Material affects longevity. Lower-cost models often feature aluminum or galvanized steel grinding components, which are less resistant to corrosion ¹. For greater durability and a longer lifespan, stainless steel grinding chambers and components are recommended, as they withstand corrosion from food acids and moisture much better ^{2 3}.

The Plumbing Connection Process

Installing or replacing a garbage disposal involves specific plumbing work to ensure it integrates properly with your sink's drainage system. This is not just about hanging the unit; it's about creating a leak-free and functional connection.

The disposal unit mounts directly to the sink flange beneath the drain. A critical step is ensuring the sink flange is properly sealed to prevent leaks into the cabinet ^{4 5}. The drain line connection is where the disposal outlet aligns with the existing sink drain pipe. Most disposals also include a dishwasher inlet connection, allowing your dishwasher to drain through the disposal, which helps clean the unit's interior ^{6 7}.

A common challenge is adjusting the P-trap, the U-shaped pipe under the sink that holds water to block sewer gases. The new disposal's size and outlet position may require the existing drain pipes and P-trap to be reconfigured or extended to achieve a proper, code-compliant alignment ^{4 7}. Improper alignment can lead to chronic clogs and leaks.

Electrical Requirements and Safety

Garbage disposals are powered appliances, and their electrical installation is governed by Michigan building codes. This is an area where professional expertise is highly recommended for safety and compliance.

Most disposals require a dedicated circuit, meaning the electrical line runs directly from your home's breaker panel to the disposal switch without sharing the circuit with other outlets or appliances ^{8 9}. This prevents overloading the circuit when the motor starts. The standard requirement is a 120-volt circuit, but you must always verify the specifications of your chosen unit ⁹.

Older homes may not have wiring that meets current code standards. A professional installer will check that the wiring gauge is sufficient, that a proper ground is present, and that the circuit is protected by the correct amperage breaker ⁸. They will also ensure the wall switch is the correct type and is installed in a safe, accessible location.

Unit Selection and Ongoing Maintenance

Your role as a homeowner involves selecting the appropriate unit and committing to its proper care. Smart choices and simple habits can prevent most common problems.

When selecting a unit, match the horsepower and capacity to your household's needs, as outlined above. Also, consider physical size to ensure it fits within your sink cabinet's space constraints ¹. For maintenance, avoid putting fibrous foods (like celery husks, onion skins), grease, oils, coffee grounds, and expandable items (pasta, rice) down the disposal ^{4 10}. Always run a strong stream of cold water for 15-30 seconds before, during, and after grinding to solidify any fats and flush particles through the pipes ¹¹.

For minor issues like a jam, many units have a hex key slot on the bottom that allows you to manually turn the motor to free it. Always ensure the power is completely off at the circuit breaker before attempting this. Resetting an overloaded motor is usually as simple as pressing the red reset button on the bottom of the unit ^{10 11}.

Professional Installation vs. DIY

Understanding when to call a professional is key to a successful project. While a handy homeowner might handle a simple like-for-like swap if the plumbing and electrical connections are already ideal, most scenarios benefit from professional service.

DIY may be feasible if you are simply replacing an old disposal with a new one of the same model or a very similar size, and the existing connections align perfectly. Basic tasks like clearing a simple jam or pressing the reset button are also within a homeowner's scope ^{10 11}.

Hire a Professional for any new installation where wiring or plumbing needs to be modified. This includes installing a disposal where one never existed, upgrading to a more powerful unit that requires a new dedicated circuit, or if the existing drain pipes need significant reconfiguration ^{4 8 9}. Professionals also have the tools and expertise to quickly diagnose issues like leaks, strange noises, or motor failures that are not solved by a simple reset ^{6 11}. Their work typically comes with a warranty on both parts and labor.

Cost Considerations in Michigan

The cost for garbage disposal services in Michigan varies based on the job's complexity, the unit's price, and labor rates. Having a general budget range helps in planning.

The unit cost itself ranges from around $80 for a basic, low-HP model to over $500 for a high-end, heavy-duty unit with stainless steel components and advanced features ^{4 12 3}. Repair costs typically range from $100 to $450. This covers service calls for clearing tough jams, fixing leaks at connections, or addressing motor issues ^{4 13}.

For a full replacement and installation, where an old unit is removed and a new one is installed in its place with minimal extra work, homeowners can expect costs between $200 and $550+, which includes both the unit and professional labor ^{6 12 7}. If the job requires new plumbing lines, moving electrical wiring, or installing a first-time dedicated circuit, the total cost will be higher, potentially adding several hundred dollars to the project ^{4 7 13}. Always request a detailed, written estimate from your service provider before work begins.

Finding the Right Service Provider in Michigan

For Michigan residents, selecting a licensed and insured plumbing professional is essential. Look for a provider experienced in kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal installations. They should be knowledgeable about local code requirements in cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Lansing. A reputable professional will assess your current sink setup, electrical capacity, and household needs to recommend the most suitable disposal unit. They will handle the permit process if required, ensure all connections are secure and up to code, and test the system thoroughly before considering the job complete. This professional approach guarantees that your new or repaired disposal operates safely and efficiently for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

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