Best Garbage Disposal Service Companies in Washington Ranked

A functional garbage disposal is a key component of a modern Washington kitchen, making cleanup easier and helping to manage food waste efficiently. When your unit malfunctions or you're considering an upgrade, understanding your options for repair or new installation is essential. This guide provides Washington homeowners with practical information on choosing the right unit, navigating common issues, and understanding costs, helping you make informed decisions and connect with qualified local professionals for the job.

Pioneer Plumbing CDA

spokane

Pioneer Plumbing CDA is a locally run plumbing service operating in Spokane, WA, and the surrounding Coeur d'Alene area. They offer a range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company emphasizes expert diagnostics and solutions aimed at protecting home plumbing systems, with capabilities such as whole home plumbing inspections to identify issues early and improve water quality. Pioneer Plumbing CDA provides transparent pricing and flexible financing options to support customers in managing essential plumbing repairs.

5.0

208 Reviews

Parker Services Plumbing

4601 Shilshole Ave NW Suite D, Seattle, WA 98107

Parker Services Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Seattle, WA, since 2003. They provide a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial clients, including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and garbage disposal repair. The company specializes in sewer repair and replacement using advanced techniques such as trenchless sewer repair. Parker Services Plumbing also offers emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues like burst pipes and clogged drains promptly.

5.0

113 Reviews

Ridgeline Plumbing And Rooter LLC

spokane

Ridgeline Plumbing And Rooter LLC is a family-owned plumbing company serving Spokane, WA, with nearly 20 years of experience in residential and commercial plumbing. They provide a wide range of services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and repairs for toilets and garbage disposals. Their expertise includes both tank and tankless water heaters and licensed gas line work to ensure safety. Ridgeline Plumbing offers upfront, no-cost evaluations and emphasizes quality craftsmanship on every job.

5.0

107 Reviews

Plunge It Sound LLC

312 21st Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Plunge It Sound LLC is a plumbing service provider based in Seattle, WA, specializing in drain cleaning, toilet repairs, faucet services, and garbage disposal maintenance. They offer hydro jetting to thoroughly clean pipes and sewer lines, effectively removing grease and debris for long-lasting results. Their services cover a range of plumbing needs including unclogging drains, fixing toilets, and repairing dishwasher plumbing.

5.0

87 Reviews

Shalom Plumbing

2817 S 148th St, SeaTac, WA 98168

Shalom Plumbing provides comprehensive residential plumbing services in Seattle, WA, and surrounding areas including Bellevue, Renton, Kent, and SeaTac. Their offerings cover a wide range of plumbing needs such as sump pump installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is equipped to handle whole-house re-piping, water service installation and repair, as well as emergency shut-off installations. With years of experience, Shalom Plumbing uses advanced equipment and quality materials to deliver durable solutions. They are available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues at any time.

5.0

77 Reviews

See more providers in Washington

Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal for Your Washington Home

Selecting a new disposal involves more than just picking a model off the shelf. Key factors like power, durability, and compatibility will determine its performance and lifespan in your kitchen.

Horsepower (HP) and Usage The motor's horsepower dictates what your disposal can handle. For smaller households of one to two people with light use, a 1/2 HP model is often sufficient ¹. For the average family, a 3/4 HP unit provides a better balance of power and durability for daily meal prep ². If you frequently entertain, have a large family, or want the most powerful option for tough food scraps, a 1 HP or higher model is recommended ^{3 4}.

Construction Materials: Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel The grinding chamber's material affects longevity and corrosion resistance. Lower-cost models often use aluminum alloy chambers, which are lighter but can corrode over time, especially with exposure to certain foods ². For a longer-lasting investment, choose a unit with a stainless steel grinding chamber and components. Stainless steel is significantly more resistant to corrosion and wear, making it the preferred choice for durability in Washington homes ⁵.

Noise Level and Special Features Disposal noise is measured in decibels; many mid-range to premium models feature sound insulation or anti-vibration technology for quieter operation. Other features to consider include multi-stage grinding for finer waste, auto-reverse jamming technology, and compatibility with septic systems if your home uses one.

Key Considerations for Installation

A successful installation depends on proper plumbing and electrical setup. Whether replacing an old unit or installing one for the first time, these factors are critical for safety and function.

Plumbing Compatibility Most installations are a replacement, which requires compatibility with the existing sink flange, drain outlet, and P-trap ⁶. For a new installation, a professional will need to assess if your sink has a compatible flange or if one needs to be installed. They will also ensure the drain lines are properly configured to prevent leaks and clogs ⁷. If you plan to connect a dishwasher, the disposal must have a dedicated inlet port, and the drain hose must be correctly attached with a high-loop or air gap to prevent backflow ⁸.

Electrical Requirements and Safety Garbage disposals require a dedicated electrical circuit for safety and performance, though some may share one with the dishwasher ¹. The outlet under the sink must be grounded. For maximum safety, especially in kitchens where water is present, the circuit should be protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and, in many modern Washington homes, an Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) ^{6 7}. Incorrect wiring poses serious shock and fire hazards, making professional installation highly recommended for any electrical work ⁶.

Common Problems and DIY Troubleshooting

Before calling a professional, there are a few simple checks you can perform for common garbage disposal issues. Always ensure the unit's power is completely OFF at the circuit breaker before attempting any hands-on troubleshooting.

The Disposal Won't Turn On This is often the simplest fix. First, check the wall switch. Then, look for a tripped circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel. Finally, most disposals have a small red reset button on the bottom of the unit. If the motor overheats, this button pops out. After letting the unit cool for several minutes, press the reset button in firmly ^{9 8}.

The Disposal is Jammed or Humming A humming sound without grinding usually indicates a jam. Never use your hand to clear a jam. Turn the power off completely. Use a dedicated hex key (often provided with the unit) or an Allen wrench to manually rotate the motor from the bottom center. This can free the impellers. You can also use wooden spoon handle or pliers to carefully dislodge the obstruction from above through the drain opening ^{10 11}.

Persistent Leaks or Drainage Issues Leaks typically originate from the sink flange seal, the dishwasher inlet connection, or the main drain pipe. Tightening mounting bolts or connections can sometimes solve minor leaks. Slow drainage may indicate a clog further down the drain line, which might require snaking ¹¹.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Unit

Deciding whether to fix an old disposal or invest in a new one depends on the problem, the unit's age, and the cost.

Opt for Repair When:

• The issue is minor and inexpensive, such as a simple jam, a loose connection causing a leak, or a worn splash guard.
• The unit is relatively new (less than 5-7 years old) and is otherwise a high-quality model.
• The repair cost is significantly less than half the price of a comparable new unit with professional installation ¹⁰.

Consider Replacement When:

• The disposal is 8-10 years or older, as frequent repairs become more likely ¹⁰.
• The motor is burned out or the grinding chamber is cracked-these are often the most costly repairs.
• You experience recurring problems, indicating a failing unit.
• You want to upgrade to a more powerful, quieter, or more durable model.
• The repair estimate approaches the cost of a new installation ¹².

Understanding Costs in Washington

Costs for garbage disposal services in Washington vary based on the job's complexity, the unit's quality, and necessary ancillary work.

New Unit Costs The appliance itself ranges from around $80 for a basic 1/2 HP model to over $400 for a high-end, quiet, 1 HP stainless steel unit ^{1 3}.

Installation and Labor For a straightforward replacement with existing compatible plumbing and electrical, professional labor typically ranges from $150 to $350 ^{2 13}. A first-time installation or a job requiring new wiring, a GFCI outlet, or plumbing modifications will be on the higher end, potentially adding $100 to $200 or more to the total ⁵. Therefore, a full replacement project in Washington often totals between $250 and $600+ ^{2 14}.

Repair Costs Minor repairs like clearing a jam may cost around $100 for a service call ¹². Fixing leaks or drainage problems typically falls in the $100 to $250 range. Major repairs involving the motor or internal components can cost $300 or more, at which point replacement is often the more economical choice ¹³.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While some troubleshooting is DIY-friendly, certain situations require immediate professional attention.

• If you smell burning or see sparks from the disposal or outlet ⁶.
• If you are uncomfortable or unqualified to perform electrical diagnostics or wiring ⁹.
• For complex plumbing work, such as installing new drain lines or modifying the sink flange.
• If the unit is leaking from the main housing or has a cracked grinding chamber.
• When performing a first-time installation without an existing power source or proper drain configuration ⁷.

Frequently asked questions

Sources