Top Garbage Disposal Service Companies in St Louis, Missouri Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a key component of a modern, efficient kitchen, helping to manage food waste and prevent clogs. When your unit malfunctions or you're upgrading to a new model, professional repair and installation services ensure the job is done safely and correctly, protecting your plumbing system. This guide provides detailed information on selecting, installing, and maintaining a disposal unit, helping St. Louis homeowners understand their options and connect with qualified local experts for the work.

Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

2227 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning serves the St Louis, MO area with a wide range of plumbing and HVAC services. Their offerings include water heater repair and installation, sump pump and sewer line repair, leak detection, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is known for handling urgent issues promptly, including emergency sump pump repairs and same-day water heater services. They also provide 24/7 emergency support for heating and cooling problems. Polar Plumbing has built a reputation for thorough and professional work, backed by a team that communicates clearly and respects customers' homes.

5.0

509 Reviews

Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

131 Lincoln Pl Ct # 402, Belleville, IL 62221

Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning provides a range of plumbing and HVAC services in St Louis, MO. Their offerings include water heater repair and installation, sump pump and sewer line repair, leak detection, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is known for handling emergency situations promptly, such as same-day water heater repairs and 24/7 furnace service during cold snaps. They also perform comprehensive HVAC system installations and maintenance. Polar Plumbing has a reputation for thorough and professional work, with technicians who explain repairs clearly and maintain clean workspaces.

5.0

200 Reviews

SOTAC Plumbing Services

st louis

SOTAC Plumbing Services is a plumbing company based in St Louis, MO, offering a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing solutions. Their services include water heater installation, sump pump repair, sewer line repair, repiping, gas line installation, and garbage disposal repair. With over 18 years of experience, they focus on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. One of their key capabilities is handling complex plumbing repairs and installations with skilled craftsmanship. They emphasize ethical and professional service throughout every project.

5.0

109 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

110 W Main St #160, Belleville, IL 62220

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in St Louis, MO, including sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, and leak detection. They serve both residential and commercial customers, offering specialized services such as hydro jetting and trenchless sewer repair. The company is experienced in handling local plumbing challenges and complies with regional regulations. Roto-Rooter offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues promptly. Their team also manages floodwater cleanup and mold remediation, supporting comprehensive water damage solutions.

4.8

2.8k Reviews

Arch City Drain and Plumbing

5936 Garfield Ave, St. Louis, MO 63134

Arch City Drain and Plumbing is a licensed plumbing service provider based in St. Louis, MO. They offer a wide range of plumbing solutions including drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, water heater installation and repair (both tank and tankless), fixture installations, and garbage disposal repairs. The company serves both residential and commercial clients throughout Greater St. Louis, including surrounding communities. Arch City Drain and Plumbing is equipped to handle emergency plumbing needs with 24/7 availability, ensuring prompt response at any time.

5.0

47 Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Basics

Often called a food waste disposer or kitchen disposer, a garbage disposal is an electrically powered device mounted beneath your kitchen sink. It grinds food scraps into tiny particles that can safely flow through your home's drainage system. This not only reduces the amount of organic waste in your trash but also helps minimize the risk of drain blockages caused by food buildup. Choosing the right unit and ensuring it's installed properly are crucial for long-term performance and avoiding costly plumbing issues down the line.

Key Components and How They Work

At its core, a disposal consists of a grinding chamber, impellers (or lugs), a shredder ring, and a motor. When you turn on the unit, the impellers spin rapidly, forcing food waste against the stationary shredder ring, which pulverizes it. Water from the running faucet then flushes the particles through the drain outlet and into your home's waste pipe. Proper installation ensures a tight seal at the sink flange and correct alignment with the P-trap and dishwasher drain line, preventing leaks and odors.

Choosing the Right Disposal Unit for Your St. Louis Home

Selecting a new food waste disposer involves considering your household's needs, kitchen setup, and budget. The two primary factors are horsepower and feed type.

Horsepower (HP): This indicates the motor's power and its ability to handle tougher food waste.

• 1/2 HP: Suitable for smaller households with light use. It handles soft food scraps adequately but may struggle with fibrous or harder items. ^{1 2}
• 3/4 HP: The most common choice for average families. It offers a good balance of power and price, capable of grinding most food waste efficiently. ^{2 3}
• 1 HP: Ideal for larger households or those who frequently cook. This model provides the most power for tough items like fruit pits and small bones, and often features better durability and sound insulation. ^{4 3}

Feed Type:

• Continuous Feed: The standard and most common type. You can turn on the disposal and add food waste continuously while it runs. It's convenient but requires careful operation to avoid dropping utensils into the grind chamber.
• Batch Feed: Considered safer, especially for families with children. You load the chamber with waste, place a special stopper in the drain opening, and then turn it on. The unit only operates with the stopper in place. ^{4 3}

The Professional Installation Process

While a handy homeowner might attempt a DIY replacement, professional installation by a licensed plumber is strongly recommended. The process integrates plumbing, electrical work, and mechanical assembly, and must comply with local St. Louis codes. Here's what a typical professional installation entails: ^{5 6}

1. Assessment and Preparation: The technician will first assess your under-sink cabinet space, check the existing electrical supply for a dedicated, grounded outlet, and inspect the condition of the sink flange and drain pipes. They will shut off power at the circuit breaker and the water supply to the sink.
2. Removal of the Old Unit: The old disposer is disconnected from the mounting assembly, the drain pipes (P-trap), and the electrical wiring. Any corroded or worn parts are noted.
3. Sink Flange Installation: A new sink flange, sealed with plumber's putty, is installed in the drain opening from above. This creates a watertight seal between the disposal and the sink.
4. Mounting the New Disposal: The new unit is lifted into place and attached to the mounting ring on the sink flange, typically by turning it until it locks securely.
5. Connecting the Plumbing: The discharge tube on the disposal is connected to the P-trap assembly. If you have a dishwasher, the technician will knock out the inlet plug on the disposal and connect the dishwasher drain hose, ensuring a high loop to prevent backflow. ^{5 7}
6. Electrical Connection: The unit is wired to the dedicated circuit. This step is critical for safety; improper wiring can lead to shock hazards or motor failure. ^{6 2}
7. Testing and Cleanup: After restoring power and water, the technician will run the disposal with water to test for leaks, unusual noises, and proper grinding function. They will also ensure the dishwasher drains correctly through the unit.

Cost Considerations for St. Louis Homeowners

The total cost for garbage disposal installation in St. Louis depends on the unit selected and the complexity of the labor. For a standard replacement job with a mid-range unit, homeowners can expect a total cost ranging from $300 to $750 or more. ^{1 8}

• Labor Costs: Professional installation labor typically ranges from $120 to $200+, depending on the plumber's rates and the job's duration (usually 1-2 hours for a straightforward swap). ^{1 4}
• Unit Cost: The price of the disposal itself varies widely, from around $50 for a basic 1/2 HP model to over $300 for a premium 1 HP, sound-insulated unit.
• Additional Factors: Costs can increase if the installation requires new electrical wiring for a dedicated circuit, replacement of corroded drain pipes, or modifications to the sink cabinet. Upgrading from no disposal to a new installation (a "new install") is generally more expensive than a simple replacement. ^{9 8}

Critical Under-Sink Plumbing Factors

A garbage disposal is more than just an appliance; it becomes an integral part of your kitchen's plumbing system. Several key factors must be addressed during installation to ensure proper function and prevent future problems. ^{5 7}

• Dishwasher Drain Connection: Most disposals include a port for connecting a dishwasher drain line. This allows food particles from the dishwasher to be ground up, preventing a separate drain line from clogging. A professional will ensure this connection is made correctly and includes a proper high loop in the hose. ⁶
• The P-Trap and Drain Alignment: The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe directly below the disposal. It must be correctly aligned with the disposal's outlet to maintain a smooth, downward flow and retain a water seal that prevents sewer gases from entering the home. Misalignment can cause chronic clogs and leaks.
• Electrical Requirements: Garbage disposals require a dedicated 120-volt, grounded electrical circuit. Many local building codes mandate that the outlet be controlled by a wall switch and located under the sink for easy access. An electrician or a plumber with the proper licensing may be needed if this wiring is not already present. ²

When to Repair vs. When to Replace

Not every disposal problem requires a brand-new unit. Understanding common issues can help you decide whether a repair is feasible.

Common Repairs:

• Jamming: Often caused by a foreign object or too much fibrous food. A professional can safely use an Allen wrench to manually reverse the motor and free the jam.
• Leaks: Leaks can occur at the sink flange, the dishwasher connection, or the drain pipe fittings. Often, tightening connections or replacing a worn gasket can solve the problem.
• Humming but Not Grinding: This usually indicates a jam or a failed motor capacitor. The capacitor is a relatively inexpensive part that can often be replaced.

Signs You Need a Replacement:

• Persistent Leaks from the main housing of the unit.
• Loud Grinding or Screeching Noises that indicate broken/worn grinding components.
• Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips suggesting a failing motor.
• Age: Most disposals have a lifespan of 8-12 years. If your unit is older and experiencing issues, replacement is often more cost-effective than repair.
• Insufficient Power: Upgrading from a 1/2 HP to a 3/4 or 1 HP model can significantly improve performance for a growing household.

Why Professional Service Matters in St. Louis

For St. Louis residents, hiring a professional plumber for disposal services offers significant advantages. Local experts, such as those from established companies, are familiar with the specific plumbing codes and common issues in the area, from older home plumbing to municipal water characteristics. ^{5 9} They handle the complexities of integrating electrical and plumbing systems, ensure all connections are watertight and up to code, and can often diagnose related issues with your sink or dishwasher drain. Their work typically comes with a warranty on both parts and labor, providing peace of mind that a DIY job cannot offer.

Frequently asked questions

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