Best Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Tennessee Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a key component of a modern Tennessee kitchen, making cleanup easier and helping to manage household waste. When your disposal fails-whether it's jammed, leaking, or simply worn out-it disrupts your daily routine. This guide covers what you need to know about repair and installation services across the Volunteer State, from choosing the right unit to understanding the process and costs. You can use this information to find qualified local professionals who can efficiently restore this essential kitchen appliance.

All Pipes, LLC

325 S 14th St, Nashville, TN 37206

All Pipes, LLC is a plumbing company based in Nashville, TN, offering a wide range of services including water heater repair, tankless water heater plumbing, water softener installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. They serve residential and commercial customers throughout Nashville with expertise in handling plumbing challenges common to older homes as well as modern systems. The company is known for its skilled team and quality workmanship, emphasizing safety and customer communication. Founded by local plumbers Robert Smith and Jay Santangelo, All Pipes has built a reputation for reliable and knowledgeable service in the Nashville area.

5.0

165 Reviews

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical

1500 Ashland City Rd, Clarksville, TN 37040

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is a full-service provider based in Nashville, TN, offering a wide range of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services. Their plumbing services include sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. They also provide electrical and HVAC services, making them a comprehensive home service company. Hiller is known for its skilled technicians who communicate clearly and provide detailed explanations of their work. The company offers 24/7 emergency service, ensuring availability for urgent needs.

4.9

5.0k Reviews

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical

1920 TN-46, Dickson, TN 37055

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical serves the Nashville, TN area, offering a wide range of plumbing and HVAC services. Their expertise includes water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, toilet and garbage disposal repair, as well as electrical and heating and cooling solutions. The company is known for addressing the root causes of issues rather than temporary fixes. They also provide generator installation and maintenance. Customers have noted their professionalism and thorough approach, with some technicians recognized for their knowledge and customer care. Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical offers after-hours emergency service, ensuring support when needed most.

4.9

2.3k Reviews

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical

810 Tennessee Blvd, Lebanon, TN 37087

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical provides a wide range of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services in Nashville, TN. Their offerings include water heater repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is equipped to handle complex plumbing tasks such as full repiping and service line replacement. Customers appreciate their knowledgeable technicians and clear communication. Hiller Plumbing is known for addressing issues efficiently and thoroughly, with some technicians recognized for their expertise in both plumbing and electrical work.

4.9

1.1k Reviews

The Rooter Dude

311 Cobblestone Landing, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

The Rooter Dude is a plumbing service provider based in Nashville, TN, serving Middle Tennessee with both commercial and residential plumbing solutions. Established in 2003, the company offers a wide range of services including drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, trenchless sewer repair, hydro jetting, leak detection, and repairs for toilets and garbage disposals. They provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues promptly. The Rooter Dude is licensed, bonded, and insured, ensuring work is completed up to code with precision and efficiency.

5.0

118 Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Basics

A garbage disposal, mounted beneath your kitchen sink, grinds food waste into small particles that can be safely washed down the drain. In Tennessee, common brands include InSinkerator, GE, Kenmore, Frigidaire, Maytag, and Magic Chef ^{1 2}. The core of the unit is a grinding chamber powered by an electric motor. Horsepower (HP) is a critical specification, indicating the motor's power and its ability to handle tougher food scraps. Choosing the correct HP for your household size and usage habits is the first step in any installation or replacement project.

Choosing the Right Horsepower (HP)

Selecting the appropriate motor size ensures your disposal works effectively without overloading your plumbing. Here's a general guide:

• 1/3 HP: Suitable for small households or light use. It's a budget-friendly option but may struggle with fibrous or hard foods.
• 1/2 HP: A versatile, mid-range choice ideal for a typical family of four. It handles most common food wastes effectively.
• 3/4 HP: Recommended for larger families (around 6 people) or those who cook frequently. It offers more power for tougher items.
• 1 HP: The most powerful residential option, built for heavy use and can handle virtually any food waste a household produces ^{1 2}.

A professional can advise on the best model based on your sink setup, existing plumbing, and household needs.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper connections, safety, and compliance with local codes. The process typically involves several key steps that connect the unit to your home's plumbing and electrical systems.

Plumbing Connections

The installer will connect the disposal unit to your existing sink drain and, if applicable, your dishwasher drain line. This involves securing the unit to a mounting assembly (sink flange) under the sink and connecting it to the drainpipe ^{1 3}. A critical step for homes with a dishwasher is removing the knockout plug inside the disposal's inlet to allow the dishwasher hose to connect; if this isn't done, water will back up into your sink ^{4 5}. Leaks often originate from faulty seals or connections at these points, which a professional will properly test ^{3 5}.

Electrical Requirements

Most garbage disposals require a dedicated circuit for safety, meaning no other appliances or outlets are on the same electrical line ^{6 7}. The unit is typically controlled by a standard wall switch or an air-activated switch mounted on the sink deck. As a homeowner, your key preparation task is to provide power-ensuring a proper electrical outlet is available under the sink. The installer will connect the disposal to this wiring, but if a new circuit or outlet box is needed, a licensed electrician may be required ^{6 7}.

Homeowner Preparation

To ensure a smooth and efficient installation, you can prepare by:

• Clearing the area: Remove all items from under the sink cabinet.
• Shutting off utilities: Turn off power at the circuit breaker and shut off the water supply to the sink if needed.
• Confirming power: Verify that an appropriate electrical outlet is present and functional.
• Having the unit ready: If you purchased the disposal yourself, have it on-site and accessible ^{8 7 9}.

Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Decision

When your disposal malfunctions, the first question is whether to repair it or replace it entirely. The decision often comes down to the nature of the problem, the age of the unit, and the cost.

Common Repairs

Many issues are fixable without a full replacement. Common repairs include:

• Clearing jams: Caused by improper items like fibrous vegetables or utensils.
• Fixing leaks: Often from worn seals, loose connections, or cracks in the housing.
• Resetting the motor: Using the reset button on the bottom of the unit after an overload.
• Replacing worn parts: Such as impellers or grinding components.

The cost for professional repair in Tennessee typically ranges from $70 to $250, depending on the parts needed and the labor time ^{1 4 10}.

When to Replace

Replacement is often more cost-effective if:

• The unit is old (over 8-10 years).
• The motor is burned out.
• The grinding chamber is cracked or severely corroded.
• Repair costs approach 50% or more of the price of a new unit ⁴.
• You want to upgrade to a more powerful, quieter, or feature-rich model.

Cost Breakdown for Tennessee Homeowners

Costs for garbage disposal services in Tennessee vary based on the unit's horsepower, labor rates in your city (e.g., Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga), and any additional electrical or plumbing work required.

Installation & Replacement Costs

A full professional replacement includes the price of the new unit plus labor. Total project costs generally fall between $200 and $600 or more ^{1 8 2}.

• Unit Cost: A new disposal ranges from about $75 for a basic, low-HP model to over $200 for a high-performance 1 HP unit ^{8 2}.
• Labor Cost: Professional installation labor typically adds $100 to $300+ to the total. This fee covers removing the old unit, installing the new one, testing for leaks, and ensuring proper operation ^{6 2 10}. Complexity, such as modifying plumbing or dealing with difficult access, can increase labor time and cost.

Factors Influencing Price

• Unit Horsepower: Higher HP models cost more.
• Brand & Features: Premium brands and models with sound insulation or auto-reverse functions are more expensive.
• Electrical Work: Adding a new circuit or outlet will increase the cost.
• Sink Modifications: Installing a new sink flange or modifying existing pipes adds to labor.
• Geographic Location: Labor rates differ between urban and rural areas within Tennessee.

Proper Use and Maintenance

To extend the life of your garbage disposal and avoid costly repairs, follow these best practices:

• 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 ^{3 9}.
• Avoid problematic items: Never put fibrous materials (celery, corn husks), grease/oils, coffee grounds, eggshells, or hard items (bones, fruit pits) down the disposal.
• Clean regularly: Periodically grind ice cubes or citrus peels to help clean the blades and freshen the unit.
• Use it frequently: Regular use prevents corrosion and keeps parts moving freely.

Frequently asked questions

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