Top Garbage Disposal Service Companies in San Antonio, Texas Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a cornerstone of a modern, efficient kitchen, making quick work of food scraps and reducing waste. When your unit malfunctions or needs an upgrade, finding a reliable local expert for repair or installation is key. This guide provides essential information on choosing the right disposal, understanding the process, and connecting with qualified professionals in San Antonio to ensure your kitchen plumbing operates smoothly.

Chambliss Plumbing Company

1875 E Borgfeld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78260

Chambliss Plumbing Company is a family-owned plumbing business serving San Antonio, TX, and nearby communities since 1991. They offer a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, and sewer camera inspections. The company is a certified Rinnai ACE dealer with plumbers trained in multiple levels of Rinnai tankless water heater expertise. Chambliss Plumbing uses advanced equipment for leak detection and provides hydro jetting to clear clogged drains. With over 30 years of experience, they maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and provide emergency service when needed.

5.0

1.4k Reviews

Olde Town Plumbing

28550 I-10 Suite 2, Boerne, TX 78006

Olde Town Plumbing is a locally owned and operated plumbing company serving San Antonio, TX, and nearby areas including Boerne and the Texas Hill Country. They offer a wide range of plumbing services such as 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. The company is known for handling both residential and commercial plumbing needs, including slab leak repairs and whole-house repipes using PEX tubing. Olde Town Plumbing has been recognized by city inspectors and has maintained a strong reputation over the past four years. They also provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services, including after-hours and weekend availability.

5.0

419 Reviews

o5 Plumbing, LLC

10801 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217

o5 Plumbing, LLC is a locally and veteran-owned plumbing company based in San Antonio, TX. They provide a range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, leak detection, gas line installation, and garbage disposal repair. The company uses professional-grade parts sourced from plumbing supply companies, ensuring longer-lasting and higher-quality materials. Their technicians prioritize respecting customers' homes by using protective equipment and maintaining cleanliness during and after jobs.

5.0

358 Reviews

Olde Town Plumbing

128 W Bandera Rd, Boerne, TX 78006

Olde Town Plumbing is a licensed plumbing company serving San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding Kendall County area. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and garbage disposal repair. The company uses specialized video equipment for leak detection and sewer line issues, ensuring precise diagnostics and repairs. With over 25 years of experience, Olde Town Plumbing provides 24-hour emergency plumbing services to address urgent plumbing problems any time of day or night.

5.0

338 Reviews

Murray Service Company

24 Trails End Rd, Boerne, TX 78006

Murray Service Company provides plumbing services in San Antonio, TX, specializing in the installation and repair of baths, showers, toilets, sinks, faucets, and garbage disposals. They also handle residential piping, including water mains and gas lines, addressing the challenges posed by the local water conditions in the Texas Hill Country. Their expertise covers a wide range of plumbing needs, from fixture repairs to full repiping projects.

5.0

206 Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Power and Types

Choosing the right garbage disposal, or food waste disposer, begins with understanding horsepower (HP) and construction. The power rating directly correlates with the unit's grinding capability and suitability for your household size.

• 1/2-HP Models: This is a common and cost-effective choice, suitable for households of 1-4 people. It handles everyday food scraps adequately but may struggle with fibrous or harder materials ^{1 2}.
• 3/4-HP Models: A step up in power, these units are ideal for households of 4-6 people or those with heavier use. They offer better performance for grinding a wider variety of food waste ^{1 3}.
• 1-HP and Above Models: These are heavy-duty disposals designed for large families or homes that frequently process substantial food waste. They provide the most power for demanding grinding tasks ^{1 2}.

Beyond horsepower, consider the feed type and grinding chamber material. Most units are continuous feed, allowing you to add waste while it runs. Batch feed models require a cover to be in place to operate, offering an added layer of safety. For durability, stainless steel grinding components resist corrosion and last longer than cheaper aluminum alternatives ^{1 2 3}.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

Whether replacing an old unit or installing a new food disposer, the process follows a series of methodical steps to ensure safety and proper function. A professional plumber will typically manage this workflow.

1. Safety Preparation: The technician will always start by turning off the electrical power to the disposal at the circuit breaker and shutting off the water supply to the sink ^{4 5}.
2. Removal of Old Unit: If a replacement, the old disposal is disconnected from the drain plumbing (including the P-trap) and its electrical wiring. The mounting assembly that holds it to the sink is then detached ^{6 7}.
3. Sink Preparation: A new sink flange is installed in the drain opening, sealed with plumber's putty to prevent leaks. The mounting assembly is then secured from underneath the sink ^{4 8}.
4. Mounting the New Disposal: The new disposal unit is lifted and attached to the mounting ring, locking it securely in place beneath the sink ⁸.
5. Reconnecting Plumbing: Drain lines from the sink and potentially the dishwasher are connected to the disposal outlet. A P-trap is installed to connect the disposal to the main drain line, which is crucial for blocking sewer gases ^{4 7}.
6. Electrical Connection: The unit is either hardwired directly into the household electrical system or plugged into a dedicated outlet under the sink, depending on the model and existing setup ^{6 5}.
7. Testing and Inspection: Once everything is connected, power and water are restored. The technician will run water, operate the disposal, and meticulously check all connections for any leaks before considering the job complete ⁵.

Key Considerations for San Antonio Homes

Several local factors can influence your garbage disposal installation or repair project. First, assess the space under your sink. Newer, more powerful units can be larger, so ensuring adequate clearance is important. The thickness of your sink basin may also require an extended flange for a proper seal ^{4 7}.

If you're connecting a dishwasher, the disposal must have a dedicated inlet port. Often, this port is sealed with a plug that needs to be knocked out before connection, or an adapter may be used ⁷. Finally, the condition of your existing plumbing is a factor. An older P-trap or drain lines may need to be replaced during the installation to ensure a leak-free connection and proper venting ⁴.

Cost Breakdown for Disposal Services in San Antonio

The total cost for garbage disposal replacement in San Antonio typically ranges from $250 to over $600 ^{1 9}. This wide range depends on the complexity of the job and the unit selected. A straightforward swap of a similar model generally falls between $200 and $350 ^{1 10}. However, if the job requires new electrical wiring, moving plumbing lines, or installing a new circuit, costs can increase to between $350 and $650 or more ^{1 2 9}.

This total price is comprised of parts and labor. The disposal unit itself can cost from $75 for a basic model to $400+ for a heavy-duty, stainless steel unit ^{2 11}. Professional labor for installation or repair often adds $100 to $200 or more, depending on the time required and any unforeseen complications ^{12 13}.

When to Repair vs. When to Replace

Not every disposal problem requires a full replacement. Repair might be the right call if the issue is simple, such as a jam that can be cleared with an Allen wrench or a reset of the overload protector. Unusual noises might indicate a loose mounting or a foreign object, which a professional can often fix.

Replacement becomes the more practical and economical choice in several scenarios. If your disposal is over 10 years old and failing, repairs may only offer a temporary fix. Frequent jams, persistent leaks from the unit itself (not the connections), or a motor that hums but doesn't turn indicate internal failure. Additionally, upgrading to a more powerful and quieter model is a common reason for replacement, improving your kitchen's functionality and value.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your kitchen disposer. Always run a strong stream of cold water before, during, and after grinding to solidify fats and carry waste down the drain. Avoid putting fibrous materials like celery stalks, corn husks, or onion skins down the drain, as they can tangle the impellers. Similarly, never pour grease or oil down the disposal, as it will solidify in your pipes.

To keep it clean and odor-free, periodically grind ice cubes to help scour the grinding chamber. You can also run a few citrus peels through to freshen it up. Remember, your disposal is designed for biodegradable food scraps, not for non-food items like plastic, glass, or metal.

Frequently asked questions

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