Professional Garbage Disposal Repair & Installation in Ottawa, IL
When your garbage disposal quits working or jams up, it can quickly become a big headache—especially after a long day in Ottawa when you just want to get dinner cleaned up. Whether it’s stuck, leaking, silent, or grinding strangely, our team often fixes these problems the same day you call.
Give us a ring at 815-324-1310 and we’ll help you figure out if it’s salvageable or if a fresh unit makes more sense. Age, issue type, and repair cost all factor into that decision. For instance, a worn-out motor on a decade-old disposal usually means replacement is the smarter move. But a few jams from stuck debris on a newer unit are often a simple fix. We’ll be honest and clear about your options, including upfront pricing.
We also provide drain cleaning services to clear blockages that happen in the pipes beneath your disposal. Sometimes the problem isn’t the disposal itself but the drain line clogged with grease or buildup. If you’re updating your kitchen, consider our kitchen remodeling and faucet & fixture installation services as well.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
We handle the typical issues: jammed blades causing the motor to hum without spinning (before calling us, try the hex wrench on the bottom to free it; if the jam returns or won’t budge, call us), resets that trip repeatedly, leaks at the sink flange or discharge pipe, worn splash guards, and disposals that run but don’t grind food well. Diagnosing the root cause helps us decide whether repair or replacement is best—often repairs can save you money.
Our techs work on all major brands like InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, KitchenAid, and others.
Disposal Replacement
If your unit is over 10 years old, leaking from the casing, or has a burnt motor, swapping it out is usually the best choice. We’ll remove the old disposal, check the sink flange and mounting parts for wear or corrosion, replace hardware as needed, and install your new unit. We also hook up the dishwasher drain line if you have one, inspect the electrical setup, and test everything thoroughly before finishing the job.
For horsepower, 1/2 HP suits most homes, 3/4 HP is better for heavier kitchen use and less jamming, and 1 HP works well for large families or frequent cooking. Higher HP models tend to operate quieter too, which is a bonus if you have an open kitchen. We’ll go over your options when we’re on site.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal where there wasn’t one before involves more than a simple swap. We have to modify the sink drain to fit the mounting flange, check if an electrical outlet or switch needs to be added (usually an electrician’s job, but we coordinate), connect the dishwasher drain if applicable, and route the disposal drain line properly. We’ll walk you through what’s involved and give a detailed quote before starting.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Clogs
If your kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up when you run the disposal, the problem might be the P-trap or drain line clogged by grease or food buildup downstream. We’ll use drain snakes and other tools to clear those blockages and inspect connections including the dishwasher drain. If both the disposal and the pipes contribute to the issue, we’ll fix them both to get your water flowing smoothly again.
Warning Signs Your Disposal Needs Attention
- Motor hums but blades don’t spin (jammed)
- Nothing happens when switched on
- Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds
- Leaks from the disposal’s bottom housing
- Water dripping at the sink flange or discharge pipe
- Kitchen drain is slow or backing up
- Reset button frequently trips
- Lingering bad smells despite cleaning
- Unit is more than 10 years old
Foods & Items to Keep Out of Your Disposal
- Grease, oil, or animal fat — sticks and clogs pipes
- Stringy vegetables — celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes
- Bulk starches — pasta, rice, and large amounts of potato peelings
- Bones and hard pits — damage blades and motor
- Eggshells — membranes can tangle with parts
- Coffee grounds in large doses — may cause sludge buildup
- Always run cold water while grinding and for 15 seconds after
Garbage Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, that buzz means the motor has power but the grinding plate is stuck. First, switch off the disposal. Locate the hex wrench slot on the bottom center and use the wrench to turn the plate back and forth until it frees. Use tongs or pliers to remove any trapped objects—never your fingers. If that doesn’t clear it or the unit jams repeatedly, call us at 815-324-1310.
If your disposal is fairly new, under 5 or 6 years old, and has a fixable issue like a jam or leak, repairing is often the best route. But for units over 10 years old, with burnt motors or housing leaks, replacing it usually saves money and hassle. We’ll review both options with prices so you can make an informed choice.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years. This depends on how much they're used, what type of foods go through them, and quality of the brand. Heavy use or grinding fibrous and starchy foods can shorten life. Popular brands like InSinkErator and Waste King offer reliable models across different price ranges.
We sure can. Adding a disposal requires modifying the sink drain to fit the mounting flange and usually adding a dedicated electrical outlet or switch under the sink. That electrical work is typically done by an electrician, but we coordinate closely. It’s a popular upgrade during kitchen remodels and we provide a full assessment before starting.