Best Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Virginia Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a key component of a modern Virginia kitchen, providing convenience and helping to manage food waste efficiently. When your unit jams, leaks, or fails, or when you're looking to install a new one, understanding the process and finding a qualified local professional is essential. This guide covers what Virginia homeowners need to know about disposal types, installation requirements, costs, and maintenance to help you make informed decisions and connect with reliable service providers in your area.

Blair's Plumbing Repair & Drains

337 Thalia Dr, Newport News, VA 23608

Blair's Plumbing Repair & Drains is a family-run plumbing company serving Virginia Beach, VA, and the Hampton Roads Peninsula communities. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater service for Rinnai and Navien models, sump pump and sewage pump repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet and garbage disposal repairs. The company emphasizes thorough whole home plumbing inspections and detailed explanations to help customers understand their plumbing systems. Founded in 2020 by Army veteran Justan Blair, the business combines skilled plumbing work with a focus on customer education and service.

5.0

382 Reviews

H2O PRO Plumbing

4795 Bethlehem Rd Ste E, Richmond, VA 23230

H2O PRO Plumbing provides a wide range of plumbing services in Richmond, VA, including water heater repair and installation, leak detection, drain cleaning, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company emphasizes trustworthy, upfront pricing and quality workmanship, serving residential and commercial clients with tailored solutions. With over 20 years of experience, H2O PRO Plumbing handles everything from minor repairs to major installations, including whole home repiping and emergency plumbing services.

5.0

266 Reviews

Tony & Son Plumbing, LLC

3808 Highland Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Tony & Son Plumbing, LLC is a family-owned plumbing company serving Virginia Beach, VA, and the surrounding Hampton Roads community. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. With a Certified Master Plumber on staff, they offer licensed and certified gas line services and handle both residential and commercial plumbing needs. Established in 1982, Tony & Son Plumbing has decades of experience and offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues at any time.

4.9

565 Reviews

Zoom Drain

3514 Mayland Ct, Richmond, VA 23233

Zoom Drain is a plumbing service provider based in Richmond, VA, specializing in drain and sewer cleaning, repair, and inspection for both residential and commercial customers. They use advanced tools such as hydro jetting and sewer camera inspections to diagnose and resolve issues like clogs, leaks, and sump pump problems. The company serves Richmond and surrounding areas including Chesterfield, Glen Allen, Henrico, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and Moseley. Zoom Drain is known for clear communication and transparent pricing, offering flat-rate pricing and maintenance plans to keep wastewater systems functioning properly.

4.9

141 Reviews

Power Plumbing LLC

2141 Chesapeake Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23324

Power Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing and gas service provider based in Virginia Beach, VA. They offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning with hydro-jetting, sewer line inspection and repair, sump pump services, gas line installation and repair, and leak detection. The company uses advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections and provides 24/7 emergency plumbing and gas services. Power Plumbing LLC emphasizes experienced, licensed professionals and transparent communication to meet customer needs.

4.9

118 Reviews

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Understanding Garbage Disposal Types and Features

Choosing the right unit is the first step. The two main types are continuous feed and batch feed disposals. Continuous feed models are the most common; they operate as long as you hold the switch on, allowing you to scrape waste into the drain continuously ¹. Batch feed models are often considered safer; they only activate when a special stopper is inserted and twisted, preventing accidental operation ².

Horsepower (HP) is a critical factor in performance and price. Basic models start at 1/3 or 1/2 HP, suitable for light use. For a typical Virginia household, a 3/4 HP unit offers a good balance of power and value for handling everyday food scraps. For tougher jobs or larger families, a 1 HP disposal provides the most grinding power ^{1 3}. The grinding components also vary; stainless steel impellers and grind rings are more durable and corrosion-resistant than cheaper galvanized alternatives, which is a worthwhile investment for longevity ².

Key Components of a Professional Installation

A proper installation is more than just swapping out an old unit. It involves plumbing, electrical, and mechanical connections that ensure safety and functionality.

Plumbing Connections: The disposal mounts to the sink flange, which must match your sink's drain hole size (typically 3.5 inches) ⁴. A proper seal here prevents leaks. The unit then connects to the P-trap, and the existing drainpipe may need modification or replacement to align correctly ^{5 6}. If you are connecting a dishwasher, the installer will knock out a plug inside the disposal's inlet port to allow the dishwasher drain hose to connect ⁴.

Electrical Requirements: This is a crucial and often overlooked aspect. Most disposals, especially 3/4 HP and higher models, require a dedicated circuit for safety and to prevent overloading ^{5 7}. Virginia building codes typically mandate that the unit be controlled by a readily accessible wall switch (not just an air switch or the unit's own button) ⁵. In older Virginia homes, this may require a licensed electrician to run new wiring or install a proper electrical box, adding to the project's scope and cost ⁷.

Preparing for Your Service Visit

A little preparation can make the service call smoother and more efficient. Before the technician arrives, completely clear out the cabinet under your sink. This gives them unobstructed access to the plumbing and electrical connections. Ensure the water supply to the sink is accessible and the power to the circuit is turned off at the breaker box. Know in advance if your dishwasher drains through the disposal, as this affects the installation steps ^{5 7}.

Cost Breakdown for Virginia Homeowners

Understanding the potential costs helps in budgeting for repair or new installation. Prices can vary based on your region within Virginia, the complexity of the job, and the unit you select.

Repair Costs: Minor repairs like clearing a jam, replacing a gasket, or fixing a leak typically range from $70 to $250 in Virginia ^{6 1}. A common rule of thumb is to consider replacement if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of a new unit ⁸.

Installation Costs: The total cost for a new garbage disposal installation in Virginia generally falls between $400 and $1,100 or more ^{1 9 10}. An average total cost of around $1,000 is common in areas like Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Norfolk for a mid-range unit with standard installation ^{9 10 11}. This total includes:

• The Unit Itself: Prices range from $100 for basic models to over $500 for high-end, high-HP units with premium features ^{1 12}.
• Labor: This covers the plumbing and basic electrical hookup.
• Additional Factors: Costs increase significantly if the job requires new electrical wiring to create a dedicated circuit, complex plumbing modifications to drain lines, or modifications to cabinetry ^{5 6 7}.

When to Repair vs. Replace

Deciding between fixing your old disposal or installing a new one depends on a few factors. Opt for repair if the issue is simple, like a jam that can be cleared, a reset that needs to be pressed, or a minor leak from a worn gasket, and if the unit is relatively new ⁶.

Replacement is often the more practical and economical choice in several scenarios: if your disposal is over 10 years old, if it requires a major component replacement (like the motor), or if repeated repairs are needed ⁸. Upgrading to a newer, more powerful, and quieter model is also a common reason for replacement. A professional can assess whether the existing plumbing and electrical are suitable for a new unit or if upgrades are needed ⁵.

Essential Maintenance for Longevity

Proper care extends the life of your disposal and prevents common problems. Always run a strong stream of cold water before, during, and for about 30 seconds after grinding. Cold water solidifies grease, allowing it to be chopped up and flushed away, whereas warm water can melt it and cause clogs downstream ^{5 13}.

Avoid putting fibrous materials (celery, corn husks, onion skins), expandable foods (pasta, rice), grease/oils, coffee grounds, and non-food items into the disposal ⁷. For natural cleaning and deodorizing, periodically grind ice cubes or citrus peels (lemon, lime, orange) ¹³.

Frequently asked questions

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