Top Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Winston Salem, North Carolina Ranked

A garbage disposal is a powerful kitchen appliance that grinds food waste into tiny particles, allowing it to be safely washed down your drain. Proper installation and repair are crucial for preventing clogs, leaks, and ensuring the long-term health of your home's plumbing system. This guide will help you understand the process, costs, and key considerations for garbage disposal services in Winston-Salem, so you can make an informed decision when connecting with a qualified local professional.

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 They specialize in addressing plumbing issues common to the Triad area, such as outdated piping in historic homes and sewer line problems caused by root infiltration.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

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

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

4265 Brownsboro Rd #206, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive plumbing services in Winston Salem, NC, serving both residential and commercial clients. Their offerings include sewer line inspections and repairs, drain cleaning, water heater installation and repair, leak detection, gas line installation, and emergency flood and water damage cleanup. They use advanced equipment such as video camera inspections and hydro jetting to address plumbing issues efficiently. Roto-Rooter offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services year-round to handle urgent problems like burst pipes and sewer backups. Serving Winston Salem and surrounding counties, Roto-Rooter is a licensed and insured plumbing contractor with extensive experience in managing local plumbing challenges. Their team is equipped to handle complex commercial plumbing systems and provide preventive maintenance programs to help avoid future issues.

4.8

440 Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Basics

Before diving into installation or repair, it's helpful to know what you're working with. A garbage disposal, often called a food waste disposer, is mounted beneath your kitchen sink drain. It uses a motor to spin impellers that pulverize food scraps against a stationary grind ring. The resulting slurry then flows through your home's drain pipes.

There are two main types of models:

• Continuous Feed: The most common type. You turn on the cold water and the disposal, then feed food waste into the drain. It runs continuously until you turn it off.
• Batch Feed: Requires a special stopper to be inserted and locked into place before the unit will operate. This type is often considered safer as it prevents accidental operation.

Choosing the right unit for your Winston-Salem home depends on your household size and cooking habits.

Choosing the Right Horsepower (HP)

The motor's horsepower (HP) is a primary indicator of a disposal's power and capability. For most Winston-Salem households, you'll choose between two common sizes ^{1 2}.

• 1/2 Horsepower (HP): Ideal for smaller households or light to medium use. It can handle typical food scraps but may struggle with harder items like small bones or fibrous vegetables if not fed gradually.
• 3/4 Horsepower (HP): A better choice for families or those who cook frequently. This size handles a wider variety of food waste more efficiently and is less likely to jam. It's a popular upgrade for improved performance.

The Professional Installation Process

While a handy homeowner might attempt a DIY install, professional installation by a licensed plumber ensures the job is done safely and correctly, adhering to local codes and preventing future issues like leaks or electrical hazards. Here's what a typical professional installation in Winston-Salem entails ^{3 4}:

1. Safety Preparation: The technician will start by turning off the power to the disposal at your home's circuit breaker and shutting off the water supply under the sink.
2. Removal of the Old Unit: If replacing an existing disposer, they will disconnect the drain pipes and dishwasher hose (if connected), then un-mount the old unit from the sink flange.
3. Sink Preparation: The sink's drain opening is cleaned thoroughly. New plumber's putty is applied to create a watertight seal for the new mounting assembly.
4. Installing the Mounting Flange: The new disposal's mounting flange is inserted into the drain opening from above and secured from below with a snap ring, creating a stable base.
5. Connecting the Plumbing: The drain pipes (including the P-trap) are reconnected. If you have a dishwasher, its drain hose is attached to the dedicated inlet port on the side of the disposal.
6. Electrical Connection: For hardwired models, the plumber will connect the unit's wires (typically black, white, and green for ground) to your home's electrical supply and secure the cover plate.
7. Mounting the Disposal: The heavy disposal unit is lifted and twisted onto the mounting ring until it locks securely into place.
8. Testing and Inspection: Power and water are restored. The technician will run the disposal with cold water to check for proper operation, vibrations, and, most importantly, any leaks at the connections.

Key Plumbing Considerations for Your Winston-Salem Home

Installing a food waste disposer isn't just about the appliance itself; it impacts your under-sink plumbing. A professional will assess several factors ^{3 4 5}:

• Drain Line Alignment: The disposal's outlet must align properly with the existing drainpipe and P-trap. Misalignment can cause leaks or poor drainage.
• Dishwasher Drain Connection: Most modern disposals have a plugged inlet specifically for a dishwasher drain hose. Connecting your dishwasher to the disposal allows food particles from the dishwasher to be ground up, which can be more efficient than sending them through a separate drain line.
• Under-Sink Space: Especially with double-bowl sinks, cabinet space can be tight. A professional ensures the new unit fits without putting stress on pipes or blocking access to other valves.
• Local Codes: Winston-Salem may have specific plumbing codes regarding disposals, waste lines, and electrical connections that a licensed plumber will know and follow.

Common Repairs and Troubleshooting

Even the best garbage disposals can run into problems. Knowing common issues can help you decide when to call for repair service.

• Jams: The most frequent issue, often caused by overloading or putting in non-food items. Many units come with a hex key (allen wrench) that can be inserted into the bottom to manually turn the motor and free a jam.
• Leaks: Leaks can occur at the sink flange, drainpipe connections, or the dishwasher inlet. This often requires tightening connections or replacing seals.
• Humming but Not Grinding: This usually indicates a jam that the motor cannot overcome. It requires clearing the jam before the motor burns out.
• No Power/No Sound: Check the circuit breaker and the reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit. If these are not the issue, the problem could be a faulty wall switch, wiring, or a burned-out motor.
• Persistent Odors: This is typically a cleanliness issue, not a mechanical failure. Grinding citrus peels or ice cubes can help clean the grind chamber.

Important Safety Note: Always turn off the power at the circuit breaker before attempting any inspection or repair inside the sink cabinet. If you are unsure, contacting a professional repair service is the safest choice.

Understanding Costs in the Winston-Salem Area

The total cost for garbage disposal services depends on the complexity of the job, the unit you select, and the service provider's labor rates. Based on local market data, here are general price ranges you might encounter ^{1 2 6 7 8}:

• Professional Installation Labor: Expect labor costs to range from approximately $100 to $300 or more. This varies if the job involves replacing an old unit, modifying plumbing, or adding a new electrical circuit.
• Unit Cost: The price of the disposal itself varies widely, from around $70 for a basic 1/2 HP model to over $200 for a high-end, quiet, 3/4 HP or 1 HP unit.
• Total Project Cost: For a standard replacement installation including a mid-range unit, total costs in Winston-Salem often fall between $200 and $600.

For repair services, many local plumbers charge a standard service call fee plus the cost of any parts needed (e.g., new seals, mounting assembly, or a replacement unit). Getting a clear estimate before work begins is always recommended.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Proper maintenance can extend the life of your disposal and prevent costly plumbing problems down the line.

• Run Cold Water: Always run a steady stream of 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 grease and cause it to solidify further down your pipes.
• Avoid Problem Foods: Do not put fibrous materials (celery, corn husks, onion skins), expandable foods (pasta, rice), grease/oils, coffee grounds, or eggshells (the membrane can wrap around components) into the disposal.
• Clean Regularly: To eliminate odors, periodically grind citrus peels or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. You can also fill the sink with a few inches of water, add a little dish soap, then release the stopper and run the disposal to flush it out.
• Use It Often: Running your disposal regularly helps prevent rust and corrosion and keeps the moving parts free.

Frequently asked questions

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