Is It Time for a New Garbage Disposal?
A garbage disposal is one of those kitchen appliances you don’t think about — until it jams, leaks, or stops working entirely. If yours is grinding louder than your blender, draining slowly, or has reached the 10-year mark, it’s time for a replacement.
At MMDS, we install and replace garbage disposals for homeowners across Arlington Heights, Palatine, and the surrounding northwest suburbs. This guide covers everything you need to know — from choosing the right size to understanding what your plumbing can handle.
Signs You Need a New Garbage Disposal
- Frequent jams that require manual resetting
- Persistent odors even after cleaning with ice and citrus
- Leaking from the bottom (internal seal failure — not repairable)
- Slow draining that isn’t caused by a downstream clog
- Humming but not spinning (motor failure or seized flywheel)
- Age over 8–10 years — internal components wear down regardless of use
- Frequent need to press the reset button (overheating from worn motor)
Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal: Size and Power Guide
| Motor Size | Best For | Feed Type | Price Range (Unit Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/3 HP | Light use, 1–2 person households | Batch feed | $75 – $120 |
| 1/2 HP | Average use, small families | Continuous | $100 – $180 |
| 3/4 HP | Regular use, families of 3–5 | Continuous | $150 – $280 |
| 1 HP | Heavy use, large families, fibrous foods | Continuous | $200 – $400 |
| 1+ HP (commercial grade) | Heavy daily use, home chefs | Continuous | $350 – $500+ |
For most Arlington Heights and Palatine households, we recommend a 3/4 HP continuous-feed disposal. It handles everything from vegetable scraps to small chicken bones without bogging down, and the price-to-performance ratio is excellent.
Brands We Recommend
- InSinkErator Evolution Series — Industry standard. Quiet, durable, excellent warranty. The Evolution Compact (3/4 HP) is our most-installed model.
- InSinkErator Badger Series — Budget-friendly option. Less sound insulation but reliable.
- Waste King Legend Series — Good mid-range alternative with high-speed motors (2,800 RPM vs. 1,725 RPM for InSinkErator).
- Moen GX Series — Newer to the market, competitive pricing, universal mount.
What Does Installation Involve?
Standard Replacement (Same Location, Existing Wiring)
If you already have a disposal and are replacing it with a similar model, installation is straightforward:
- Disconnect power and plumbing from old unit
- Remove old mounting assembly (or reuse if compatible)
- Install new mounting ring and disposal unit
- Connect drain lines, dishwasher connection (if applicable), and electrical
- Test for leaks and proper operation
This typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
New Installation (No Existing Disposal)
Adding a garbage disposal where one didn’t exist before requires additional work:
- Replacing the existing sink strainer with a disposal mounting assembly
- Modifying drain connections (the disposal outlet is typically higher than a standard strainer drain)
- Adding an electrical connection — either a dedicated outlet under the sink or hardwiring to a switch
- Installing a wall switch or air switch (countertop button) for operation
- Connecting to the dishwasher drain hose (knocking out the plug)
A new installation typically takes 2–3 hours.
Garbage Disposal Installation Costs in Arlington Heights & Palatine
| Service | Typical Cost (Parts + Labor) |
|---|---|
| Standard replacement (same mount) | $250 – $450 |
| Replacement with new mounting assembly | $300 – $550 |
| New installation (no existing disposal) | $400 – $700 |
| Air switch installation (add-on) | $75 – $150 |
| Electrical outlet addition under sink | $150 – $300 |
| Disposal + dishwasher connection | $50 – $100 (add-on) |
These prices include the disposal unit, all parts, and professional installation. Arlington Heights and Palatine homeowners can request a free estimate before we start any work.
Common Questions and Mistakes
Can I install a garbage disposal myself?
A like-for-like replacement is technically possible for a handy homeowner. However, new installations require electrical work (which needs to meet NEC code) and plumbing modifications. In Cook County, electrical work should be done by a licensed professional. An improperly installed disposal can leak, trip breakers, or create a shock hazard.
Do garbage disposals cause plumbing problems?
Not when used properly. The most common issue is putting things down the disposal that don’t belong there:
- Never grind: Grease/oil, pasta/rice (expands), coffee grounds (accumulates), fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, artichokes), fruit pits, bones larger than chicken wing bones, eggshells in large quantities
- Always run cold water for 15–20 seconds before, during, and after grinding
- Regular maintenance: Grind ice cubes monthly to clean blades; use citrus peels for odor control
My disposal hums but doesn’t spin. Is it dead?
Not necessarily. This usually means the flywheel is jammed. Try using the hex wrench (Allen key) that came with the unit — insert it into the bottom center of the disposal and work it back and forth. If that doesn’t free it, or if the motor overheats repeatedly, it’s time for a replacement.
What about septic systems?
Most Palatine and Arlington Heights homes are on municipal sewer, so this isn’t typically an issue. If you are on septic, a disposal adds organic load to your system — choose a lower-powered unit and use it sparingly, or consider the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist model which injects enzymes.
Disposal + Drain Cleaning: A Smart Combo
If your old disposal caused slow draining, there’s likely accumulated buildup in your kitchen drain line. When we install a new disposal, we always check drain flow. If there’s a partial blockage, we can clear it during the same visit — saving you a separate service call.
Learn more about our drain cleaning services for Arlington Heights and Palatine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a garbage disposal last?
With normal household use, expect 8–12 years for a quality unit (InSinkErator Evolution or Waste King Legend). Budget models may last only 5–7 years. Heavy use shortens lifespan regardless of brand.
Do I need a special sink for a garbage disposal?
Most standard kitchen sinks with a 3.5-inch drain opening are compatible. If you have an older sink with a different drain size, an adapter may be needed. Farmhouse (apron-front) sinks work fine with disposals, but undermount sinks may require specific mounting hardware.
Should I get a batch-feed or continuous-feed disposal?
Continuous-feed (controlled by a wall switch) is the most common and practical for daily use. Batch-feed disposals (activated by a stopper) are safer in homes with young children since they can’t operate with an open drain, but they’re less convenient for regular cooking.
Will a bigger motor prevent jams?
A larger motor reduces jams significantly. The difference between a 1/3 HP and 3/4 HP unit in everyday use is dramatic — the larger motor generates enough torque to power through food that would stall a smaller unit.
Schedule Your Garbage Disposal Installation
MMDS provides professional garbage disposal installation and replacement throughout Arlington Heights, Palatine, and the northwest suburbs. We carry popular InSinkErator and Waste King models on our trucks for same-day installation when available.
Flexible financing through Sunbit and PowerPay available for all plumbing services.
📞 Call (847) 221-6280 or book online for a free estimate.