Top Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Portland, Oregon Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a cornerstone of a modern, efficient kitchen, making quick work of food scraps and reducing waste. When your disposal fails or you're upgrading your kitchen, professional repair and installation services ensure the job is done safely and correctly, adhering to local plumbing and electrical codes. This guide will help you understand the process, costs, and key considerations for finding a qualified professional for your garbage disposal needs in Portland.

Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

11640 SW Corby Dr #5, Portland, OR 97225

Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing provides heating, cooling, and plumbing services in Portland, OR. Established in 2001, the company offers a wide range of home comfort solutions including water heater and tankless water heater installation and repair, leak detection, toilet repair, and garbage disposal services. Their technicians are trained to handle various HVAC systems and plumbing needs, with a focus on maintaining and repairing equipment to ensure efficient operation. They also offer HVAC maintenance plans and guarantee repairs for at least three years.

5.0

1.5k Reviews

Diligent Plumbing LLC

1023 SE 223rd Ave, Gresham, OR 97030

Diligent Plumbing LLC is a plumbing contractor serving Portland, OR, specializing in residential plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, and emergency plumbing services. Their team offers a range of services including water heater installation, leak detection, toilet repair, and garbage disposal replacement. With over 12 years of experience, they handle various plumbing issues such as clogged drains, leaky pipes, and faucet replacements. The company provides 24/7 emergency service to address urgent plumbing needs.

5.0

349 Reviews

Drain Hound (Owner - Operator)

7202 NE Hwy 99 Ste 106, Vancouver, WA 98665

Drain Hound (Owner - Operator) is a plumbing service based near Portland, OR, offering a wide range of plumbing solutions including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, and garbage disposal repair. The company uses advanced technology such as high-definition sewer cameras and hydro jetting equipment to diagnose and clear blockages efficiently. Drain Hound specializes in trenchless water main replacement, which reduces landscape disruption and preserves property aesthetics. Owner-operated by Taylor Prouty, the business serves the greater Vancouver, WA area and provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services.

5.0

294 Reviews

Perfect Service Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

1011 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97214

Perfect Service Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a plumbing company serving Portland, OR, with over 20 years of experience. They provide a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial clients, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet and garbage disposal repairs. The company offers 24/7 emergency response to address urgent plumbing needs and uses high-tech equipment to diagnose and resolve issues effectively.

5.0

137 Reviews

Principled Plumbing LLC

18801 Lodgepole Way, Oregon City, OR 97045

Principled Plumbing LLC is a plumbing company serving Portland, OR, and surrounding counties including Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, and Marion. They offer a wide range of plumbing services such as water heater installation and repair, leak detection, drain cleaning, repiping, sewer line repair, and sump pump services. The company is known for clean, code-compliant work and specializes in both residential and commercial plumbing projects. Founded by a second-generation plumber with over ten years of experience, Principled Plumbing emphasizes honest, long-lasting solutions without upselling. They also provide emergency plumbing services after hours, weekends, and holidays.

5.0

114 Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Power and Sizing

Choosing the right garbage disposal isn't just about brand; it's about matching the unit's power to your household's needs. Horsepower (HP) is the primary indicator of a disposal's grinding capability and durability. Selecting the correct size prevents overworking a small unit and avoids unnecessary expense on an overly powerful one.

• 1/3 to 1/2 HP: Ideal for smaller households of 1-3 people. These units are budget-friendly, typically costing between $50 and $150 for the unit itself, and are sufficient for light, occasional use ¹.
• 5/8 to 3/4 HP: A great mid-range option for households of 3-5 people. These models offer more power for tougher food waste and cost between $120 and $310 for the unit ¹.
• 1 to 1 1/4 HP: Designed for larger households (4-8 people) or those who cook frequently. These high-performance disposals can handle tougher items like fruit pits and small bones, with units ranging from $200 to over $400 ¹.

The Professional Installation Process

While a handy homeowner might attempt a DIY swap, professional installation is strongly recommended, especially for new installations or complex setups. A licensed plumber ensures electrical safety, proper drainage, and compliance with Portland's building codes. Here's what a standard professional installation or replacement entails ^{1 2 3 4}:

1. Safety & Disconnection: The technician will first turn off power at the circuit breaker. They then disconnect the drain pipes and the dishwasher hose if one is present.
2. Removal of Old Unit: The existing disposal and its mounting assembly are detached from the sink.
3. Preparation & New Flange: The old plumber's putty is cleaned off, and new putty is applied before installing the new sink flange.
4. Mounting the New Disposal: The mounting assembly is secured, and the new food waste disposer is hung and locked into place.
5. Reconnecting Plumbing: The drain lines and P-trap are reconnected. If applicable, the dishwasher drain hose is attached to the disposal's inlet port (this often requires removing a small knockout plug inside the disposal) ^{1 2 4}.
6. Electrical Connection: Wiring is connected. Many modern disposals use a simple plug-in cord, while others require direct wiring.
7. Testing & Inspection: The power is restored, and the unit is tested for proper operation. The technician will also run water to check for any leaks in the drainage connections.

Key Considerations for Your Portland Home

Several local factors can influence your garbage disposal project. Portland homes, with their varying ages and cabinet layouts, present unique challenges.

• Drain Alignment: A professional will ensure the new disposal outlet aligns correctly with your existing P-trap to maintain a proper, leak-free seal ^{1 2}.
• Dishwasher Connection: If you have a dishwasher, its drain must be routed into the disposal. An installer will handle this connection, which is a crucial step for preventing backflow ^{1 4}.
• Cabinet Space: Higher horsepower models are physically larger. A technician can assess your under-sink cabinet to ensure there's adequate clearance for the unit and for future access ^{1 2}.
• Complexity & Code: New installations, where no disposal existed before, require running new electrical and plumbing lines, increasing the project's scope and cost. Professionals guarantee this work meets code ⁵.

Cost Breakdown for Portland

The total cost for garbage disposal services in Portland depends on the unit's price, labor, and any additional plumbing or electrical work required.

• Total Replacement Cost: For a straightforward swap of an existing unit, homeowners can expect total costs ranging from $200 to over $700. This includes both the unit and professional labor ^{1 5 6 7}.
• Labor Costs: Professional labor for a standard replacement typically ranges from $100 to $200+ and covers 1-3 hours of work for a skilled plumber ^{1 3 5}.
• Unit Cost: As outlined above, the disposal itself can cost anywhere from $50 to $400+, depending on the horsepower and features you select ¹.
• New Installation Cost: Installing a disposal where one didn't exist before is more expensive due to the need for new electrical wiring and drain modifications. Costs for these projects start higher than a simple replacement.

Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Decision

Not every disposal issue requires a brand-new unit. Common problems like jams, leaks, or humming sounds can often be repaired. A professional can diagnose the issue-whether it's a worn impeller, a faulty seal, or a simple clog-and advise if a repair is cost-effective. Generally, if your disposal is over 10 years old, requires a major part replacement, or is a low-power model, investing in a new, more efficient and powerful unit is often the better long-term value.

The Importance of Professional Expertise

Hiring a licensed professional for disposal work is about more than just convenience. It's a matter of safety and longevity. Improper electrical wiring poses a shock hazard, and incorrect plumbing can lead to leaks that cause water damage under your sink. Professionals also ensure the installation is up to code, which is important for home insurance and if you plan to sell your home. They have the tools and knowledge to handle unexpected complications, like corroded fittings or misaligned pipes, which are common in older Portland homes ^{5 8}.

Maintaining Your New Garbage Disposal

Once your new disposal is installed, proper maintenance will extend its life. Always run cold water when using the disposal and for about 30 seconds after turning it off to solidify any grease and flush particles through the pipes. Avoid putting fibrous materials (celery, onion skins), grease, coffee grounds, or expandable items like pasta and rice down the drain. Periodically cleaning it with ice cubes and citrus peels can help sharpen the blades and eliminate odors.

Frequently asked questions

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