Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation in Palos Heights, IL
Since the 1920s, Palos Heights homeowners have trusted Precision Today for reliable garbage disposal repairs and installations. Our local team brings both extensive experience with modern disposal systems and a real sense of urgency to every kitchen plumbing call. We arrive in fully-stocked trucks, equipped to handle everything from simple jams to complete unit replacements.
Whether your disposal is making strange noises, leaking, or refusing to power up, we treat every call with the same level of professional attention. That’s why “we jump on it today” is more than just our motto – it’s our promise to you. A malfunctioning disposal can bring your kitchen to a standstill and potentially damage your plumbing system, so waiting until tomorrow isn’t an option.
For nearly a century, we’ve earned trust by delivering quality workmanship and standing behind every repair. Each service call comes with our iron-clad warranty and a simple guarantee – we’ll make it right, or you don’t pay.
Ready for garbage disposal service that puts your kitchen first? Call (630) 425-8995 and see why your neighbors have trusted us for generations.
How Do I Know If My Garbage Disposal Needs Repair or Replacement?
Your garbage disposal might not be the star of your kitchen, but when it starts acting up, you’ll notice right away. After fixing countless disposals across Palos Heights, we’ve learned exactly what to watch (and listen) for when these workhorses start to fail.
First up – those weird noises. Sure, disposals aren’t exactly quiet, but if yours starts sounding like there’s a metal band playing under your sink, something’s definitely wrong. Rattling, grinding, or that annoying humming without any actual grinding? That’s your disposal crying for help.
Watch how it handles food too. If stuff that used to disappear in seconds now sits there spinning around, or your sink drains slower than your grandmother’s stories, your disposal’s probably losing its edge. Those dull blades aren’t just annoying – they can lead to nasty clogs down the line.
Getting whiffs of something funky? Or maybe you’re hitting that reset button more often than your snooze alarm? These aren’t problems that fix themselves. And if you spot water dripping from the unit’s seams, don’t wait – that’s a direct ticket to cabinet damage.
Let our pros take a look. We’ll tell you straight up whether a repair makes sense or if it’s time for a new unit. Just don’t try fixing it yourself – garbage disposals bite back when amateur hands start poking around.
What are the Most Common Problems with Garbage Disposals?
After fixing countless disposals across Palos Heights, we’ve pretty much seen every problem these kitchen workhorses can throw at us. Most issues fall into a few main categories, and knowing what to watch for can save you some serious headaches.
First up: jammed disposals. Usually happens when something that shouldn’t go down there does – like a wayward spoon or those tough vegetable stems. Sometimes a quick reset button push does the trick, but often these jams can burn out motors or break internal parts if not handled properly.
Then there’s the electrical stuff. When your disposal won’t turn on, keeps shutting off, or trips the breaker, that’s usually a sign of deeper issues. Could be worn-out wiring or a failing motor. Either way, it needs professional attention since electrical problems can be tricky (and dangerous).
Leaks are another big one. Might start as a small drip from a worn seal or loose connection, but left alone, they can rot out your cabinet and create a moldy mess under your sink. And once water damage starts, it’s amazing how fast things can go south.
Notice your disposal struggling to chew up food like it used to? That’s typically worn blades or a motor that’s losing steam. Not only is it annoying, but it can lead to nasty clogs down the line when food particles don’t break down properly.
Our techs come prepared with specialized tools to tackle these issues head-on. Sometimes a repair makes sense; other times, you’re better off with a new unit. We’ll give you the straight scoop either way.
How Long Does a Typical Garbage Disposal Last?
In our years working on Palos Heights homes, we’ve seen garbage disposals last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, but here’s the thing – how long yours lasts really depends on how you treat it. Think of it like a car – take care of it, and it’ll take care of you.
The biggest factor? How often you use it. If you’re grinding up food waste after every meal, that motor’s working a lot harder than in homes where the disposal only runs a few times a week. And what you’re putting down there matters too – grinding up tough stuff like chicken bones will wear things out way faster than softer food scraps.
Here’s a pro tip that most folks don’t know: running cold water while using your disposal (and for a few seconds after) makes a huge difference. It keeps the motor from overheating and helps everything flow smoothly. We’ve seen this simple habit add years to a disposal’s life.
Regular cleaning helps too. Just like any machine, disposals run better when they’re well maintained. But even with perfect care, every disposal eventually starts showing its age – making more noise, jamming more often, or just not grinding as well as it used to.
When your disposal starts acting up, give us a call. We’ll take a look and tell you straight whether it’s worth fixing or if you’re better off with a new unit. Sometimes fixing an old disposal is throwing good money after bad – we’ll help you make the smart choice.
Can I Install a Garbage Disposal in Any Kitchen Sink?
Before you get excited about adding a garbage disposal to your kitchen, let’s talk about what really matters for a successful installation. Not every sink setup in Palos Heights is ready for a disposal, and knowing what to look for can save you from some major headaches.
Your sink’s construction is the first big thing to consider. Most stainless steel and composite sinks handle disposals just fine, but those fancy fireclay sinks or cheaper, thin metal ones? They might need extra support to handle the weight and vibration. Double-bowl sinks usually work great, but single bowls can do the job too if they’re built right.
Then there’s what’s happening under your sink. You need enough room not just for the disposal itself, but for all the plumbing connections too. And don’t forget about electrical power – your disposal needs proper wiring to run safely. Sometimes the existing pipes need some tweaking to make everything work smoothly.
Cabinet space is another big deal. That disposal isn’t tiny, and you’ll need room to work on it if something goes wrong down the road. If your under-sink area is already cramped with pipes and cleaning supplies, we might need to get creative.
At Precision Today, we check all these details before we touch a single tool. We’ll tell you straight up whether your kitchen’s ready for a disposal or what changes might be needed. When we do install one, we make sure everything’s done right – from the wiring to the seals – so you won’t have problems later.
What are the Benefits of Upgrading to a New Garbage Disposal?
Let’s talk about why swapping out that old disposal might be the best move for your kitchen. The technology in these units has come a long way, and the improvements we’re seeing in newer models make a real difference in how your kitchen works day to day.
First off, these new disposals pack more punch. They grind better, handle tough food waste more easily, and they’re way less likely to clog up your pipes. Plus – and this is huge if you’ve been living with an old noisy unit – they’re surprisingly quiet. No more sounding like there’s a motorcycle in your kitchen every time you flip the switch.
Here’s something most folks don’t think about: new disposals are actually easier on your electric bill. They use less power but get the job done better. And the way they manage water flow? Much smarter than the old days.
Safety features have gotten pretty impressive too. These new models can sense when something’s jamming them up and shut themselves off before any damage happens. If you’ve got kids in the house, that’s peace of mind worth paying for.
Plus, when we install a new unit, we can spot and fix any other plumbing issues lurking under your sink. It’s like giving your whole kitchen waste system a fresh start.
Think about it – better performance, lower bills, and fewer headaches. That’s what upgrading gets you.
Why Is My Garbage Disposal Making a Loud Noise?
Let’s talk about those scary noises coming from under your sink. You know the ones – they make you jump every time you flip that disposal switch. Here’s what those sounds are trying to tell you about your disposal’s health.
Hear a nasty grinding or clanking sound? Chances are something’s stuck in there that shouldn’t be. Usually, it’s a forgotten spoon or that bottle cap that slipped down the drain. Sure, the motor might still run, but keeping it going could wreck those blades or burn out the motor completely.
Getting just a buzz with no action? That’s usually the disposal’s way of saying it’s jammed up. Food debris or something hard has probably got the grinding plate stuck. Sometimes a reset button fixes it, but other times you need a pro to clear things safely.
Now, if you’re hearing this high-pitched squeal, that’s serious business. It usually means the motor bearings are wearing out. Think of it like the death rattle of your disposal – keep running it and you’re asking for trouble.
At Precision Today, we’ve heard every weird noise these things can make. More importantly, we know exactly what to do about them. Sometimes it’s a quick fix, sometimes you’re better off with a new unit. Either way, we’ll shoot straight with you about what’s best for your kitchen.
Just remember – those noises aren’t going to fix themselves. The sooner you deal with them, the less likely you’ll end up with a bigger headache down the road.
What Should I Do If My Garbage Disposal Is Leaking?
Listen – that drip under your disposal isn’t going to fix itself, and that bucket you stuck under there? It’s just buying time before bigger problems show up. Water damage and mold love nothing more than a slow leak under your sink, so let’s tackle this head-on.
Here’s the tricky part – leaks can pop up in several spots. Maybe it’s coming from where the disposal meets the sink, or those pipe connections underneath. Could be the seams of the unit itself, or even that connection to your dishwasher. Each spot tells us something different about what’s gone wrong.
Before you do anything else, cut the power to that disposal and shut off the water. Trust us on this one – electricity and water aren’t friends. Pay attention to when you see water: Is it only when the disposal’s running? When you’re using the sink? Or is it dripping all the time? These clues help us figure out what’s really going on.
Sure, you might be tempted to break out the wrench and give it a shot yourself. But we’ve seen too many DIY fixes turn into flooding disasters. Our team brings the right tools and know-how to track down that leak and fix it right the first time.
Sometimes a simple repair does the trick. Other times, you’re better off replacing the whole unit. Either way, we’ll give it to you straight and get your sink back to normal.
Why Won’t My Garbage Disposal Turn On?
So your disposal’s giving you the silent treatment? Before you start shopping for a new one, let’s talk about what might be causing the problem. After fixing thousands of disposals across Palos Heights, we’ve seen pretty much every reason these things stop working.
First thing to check? That little red or black button on the bottom of your disposal. It’s called a reset button, and it pops when your disposal gets overworked or too hot. Sure, pushing it back in might get things running again, but if you’re hitting that button every other day, something bigger’s going on.
No power at all? Could be a tripped breaker, but here’s the thing – electrical problems aren’t something to mess around with. Damaged wires and bad switches can turn dangerous fast. Leave the electrical work to the pros unless you fancy a trip to the ER.
Hearing a hum but nothing’s spinning? That usually means something’s stuck in there. And while it might be tempting to reach in and grab whatever’s jamming things up – don’t. We’ve seen too many cut-up hands from folks trying to be their own repair service.
If your disposal’s getting up there in years and starts making weird noises before it dies completely, you’re probably looking at a failed motor. At that point, replacing the whole unit usually makes more sense than trying to fix it.
At Precision Today, we’ll figure out what’s wrong and give you straight talk about whether it’s worth fixing or if it’s time for an upgrade.
How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Installation Take?
Here’s what you can expect when we install a garbage disposal in your Palos Heights home: If we’re swapping out an old unit for a new one, we usually wrap things up in about an hour, maybe two tops. Pretty straightforward stuff when all the connections are already there.
But if you’ve never had a disposal before? That’s going to take a bit longer – usually 2-3 hours. We need to run electrical lines, adjust your plumbing, and make sure everything fits just right under your sink. It’s more work, but we’ll get it done right.
Sometimes we run into surprises – maybe the old installation wasn’t done properly, or we spot some plumbing issues that need fixing first. When that happens, we’ll let you know right away what we’re dealing with and how long it’ll take to make it right.
Our trucks come loaded with everything we need, so we usually knock these jobs out in one visit. We don’t just slap it in and call it done, either. We test everything thoroughly and make sure you know exactly how to use your new disposal before we leave.
Sure, you might be tempted to DIY this job, but proper installation makes all the difference in how long your disposal lasts. Plus, most warranties only stay valid with professional installation.
Expert Garbage Disposal Services in Palos Heights – Trust Precision Today
Kitchen grinding to a halt because of disposal troubles? We get it – a broken disposal turns even simple meal prep into a real headache. Since the 1920s, Palos Heights homeowners have counted on our team to keep their disposals running right.
Our plumbers show up ready to work, bringing decades of know-how and all the right tools to fix whatever’s gone wrong. Whether your disposal is making weird noises, leaking all over your cabinet, or just flat-out quit working, we’ve seen it and fixed it. And because we know kitchen problems can’t wait, we jump on it today – tomorrow’s too late when your sink’s backing up!
From quick plumbing repairs to installing brand new units, we stand behind our work with real warranties and a simple promise: if we don’t fix it right, we’ll make it right. That’s how we’ve done things for nearly 100 years.
Ready to get your kitchen back in action? Call (630) 425-8995 – we’ll take care of that disposal hassle fast!


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