Top Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Greensboro, North Carolina Ranked

A garbage disposal is a powerful kitchen appliance that grinds food waste into tiny particles, allowing it to be washed safely down the drain. Proper installation and timely repair are crucial for preventing clogs, eliminating odors, and ensuring the long-term function of your kitchen plumbing. This guide provides a detailed look at everything you need to know about garbage disposal services in Greensboro, from choosing the right unit to understanding the installation process and finding reliable local expertise.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Triad

121 E Bodenhamer St, Kernersville, NC 27284

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Triad provides a wide range of plumbing services in Greensboro, NC, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, and repiping. They specialize in addressing plumbing issues common to the Triad area, such as outdated piping in historic homes and sewer line problems caused by root infiltration. The company uses modern technology for trenchless sewer repairs and advanced leak detection to minimize disruption and prevent further damage. As a locally owned and operated business, they focus on serving the community with licensed plumbers familiar with the region's unique plumbing needs.

5.0

316 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

4 NE Court Square Unit E, Graham, NC 27253

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive plumbing services in Greensboro, NC, including sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, leak detection, and trenchless sewer repair. They serve both residential and commercial clients, addressing issues from routine maintenance to emergency plumbing needs. The company uses advanced tools like video camera inspections and hydro jetting to diagnose and resolve problems efficiently. Roto-Rooter offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to handle urgent situations any time of day or night.

4.9

225 Reviews

JJ's Plumbing Y2K

winston salem

JJ's Plumbing Y2K provides residential and commercial plumbing services in Winston Salem, NC. The company specializes in water line repair, water heater repair and replacement, including tankless water heaters, as well as fixture installation and remodeling. They handle a variety of plumbing needs such as water pipe repair, drain line repair, pipe replacement, and garbage disposal repair. JJ's Plumbing Y2K emphasizes quality and affordability and offers emergency and same-day service availability.

4.9

110 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

4248 Piedmont Pkwy, Greensboro, NC 27410

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing services in Greensboro, NC. Their offerings include sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, leak detection, sewer line repair using trenchless methods, and emergency flood cleanup. The company uses advanced equipment such as hydro-jetting for drain cleaning and offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues like burst pipes and sewer backups. Serving Greensboro and surrounding counties, Roto-Rooter is experienced in handling complex plumbing systems and environmental factors unique to the area.

4.8

1.3k Reviews

Nicchio & Sons Plumbing LLC

winston salem

Nicchio & Sons Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing company serving Winston Salem, NC, and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, they specialize in residential plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. They handle a wide range of plumbing issues such as clogged drains, leaking pipes, fixture installations, and gas leak repairs. The company is fully licensed and insured, focusing on treating each customer's home with care and attention.

5.0

54 Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Power and Sizing

Selecting the correct garbage disposal begins with understanding horsepower (HP) ratings, which directly relate to power, performance, and price. The right size depends on your household size and cooking habits.

• 1/3 HP: This is a basic, budget-friendly model suitable for small households or light use. It can handle soft food scraps but may struggle with fibrous or harder items. The unit itself typically costs around $100. ^{1 2}
• 1/2 HP: The most common mid-range choice for Greensboro homes, offering a good balance of power and value. It efficiently handles most everyday food waste. Expect to pay approximately $130 for the unit. ^{1 2}
• 3/4 HP: A more powerful option for larger families or those who cook frequently. It provides extra torque for tougher items like fruit pits and small bones. These units start around $200. ^{1 2}
• 1 HP: A heavy-duty, commercial-grade disposal ideal for large households or serious home chefs. It offers the highest power and durability, with units costing about $325 and up. ^{1 2}

The Professional Installation Process Explained

While a simple replacement can be a DIY project for the handy homeowner, new installations or complex scenarios are best left to professionals. A certified plumber ensures the job is done safely and up to code, particularly when electrical wiring is involved. Here's what a standard professional installation entails:

1. Safety First & Removal: The technician will first turn off the circuit breaker for the disposal at your home's electrical panel. They will then disconnect the drain lines, dishwasher hose (if present), and electrical connections before un-mounting the old unit. ^{3 4 5}
2. Sink Flange Preparation: A new plumber's putty seal is applied under the sink flange before it is mounted from above. A gasket and mounting ring are secured from below the sink to create a watertight seal. ^{3 4 5}
3. Mounting the New Unit: The new food waste disposer is lifted into place and attached to the mounting assembly, often by twisting it into a locked position. ^{3 4}
4. Reconnecting Plumbing: The P-trap-the U-shaped pipe that prevents sewer gases from entering your home-is reconnected to the disposal's discharge port. New PVC drain lines may be used if the old ones are corroded. If connecting a dishwasher, the technician will ensure the 7/8-inch inlet is open by removing a knockout plug inside the disposal chamber. ^{3 6 7}
5. Electrical Connection: For hardwired models, the electrical wires are securely connected and the cable is clamped. For plug-in models, the cord is simply plugged into a dedicated outlet under the sink. ^{3 4 5}
6. Final Testing: Once everything is secure, power is restored at the breaker. The technician will run cold water and turn on the disposal to check for proper operation, unusual noises, and, most importantly, any leaks at the connections. ^{3 5}

Key Installation Considerations and Challenges

Several factors can influence the complexity and cost of your installation project. Being aware of these helps in planning and communicating with your service provider.

• Dishwasher Connection: If you are connecting a dishwasher to the disposal, this is a standard step. The installer must verify the disposal model has the correct inlet and will physically remove the internal knockout plug to allow water to flow from the dishwasher into the grinder. ^{3 7}
• Sink and Drain Configuration: The thickness of your sink may require an extended flange kit. The height of the drain pipe in the wall is also critical; if it's too high or too low, it can make aligning the P-trap difficult, potentially requiring additional plumbing adjustments. ^{6 7}
• Electrical Requirements: A new installation may require an electrician to run a dedicated circuit or install a GFCI outlet under the sink, adding to the project's scope and cost. This is a key reason to hire a professional team capable of handling both plumbing and electrical work. ^{8 9}

Cost Breakdown for Greensboro Homeowners

The total cost for garbage disposal services in Greensboro depends on the job's complexity, the unit's price, and professional labor rates. Here's a detailed breakdown based on local market data:

• Simple Replacement: Swapping an old, broken disposal for a new one of similar type and power is typically the most affordable scenario. If no new wiring or major plumbing changes are needed, you can expect labor costs in the range of $200 to $350 on top of the unit's price. ^{8 10}
• New Installation or Complex Job: Installing a disposal where one never existed, or jobs requiring new electrical wiring, modifying plumbing, or dealing with a challenging sink configuration, will cost more. For these projects, total costs (including a mid-range unit) often range from $300 to $650 or more. ^{8 10 11 12}
• Overall Average: When combining the price of a quality unit with professional installation, the total average cost for Greensboro homeowners is approximately $835. ¹²
• Labor-Only Perspective: Focusing just on the service call, basic installation or repair labor in the area generally falls between $250 and $600+, with the final price reflecting the specific challenges of your kitchen setup. ^{8 10 9}

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Disposal

Not every disposal problem requires a full replacement. Understanding the symptoms can help you decide on the most cost-effective solution.

• Consider Repair: If your disposal is humming but not spinning, it's likely jammed-a repair that often involves manually turning the impellers with a special wrench. Other repairable issues include minor leaks from the sink flange (fixed by tightening mounts or replacing putty) or a reset button that has tripped due to overheating.
• Time for Replacement: If the unit is leaking from the main housing or grinding chamber, the internal seals are likely failed. Persistent foul odors that don't clear with cleaning, excessive noise from worn bearings, or a motor that burns out are all signs the entire appliance needs to be swapped out. For older, low-power models (like 1/3 HP), replacement with a more efficient unit is often more economical than repair.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Proper maintenance extends the life of your disposal and prevents common problems. Always run a steady stream of cold water before, during, and for about 30 seconds after grinding, as it solidifies grease so it can be chopped up. Avoid putting fibrous vegetables (celery, onion skins), coffee grounds, eggshells, grease, or large amounts of starchy foods like pasta down the drain. Periodically clean it by grinding ice cubes with a bit of baking soda or citrus peels to sharpen the blades and freshen the drain.

Frequently asked questions

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