Garbage Disposal Repair
Garbage disposal repair for jams, humming motors, leaks under the sink and units that trip their reset button.
See the repairDisposals and compactors
Garbage disposal installation in Los Angeles homes
When an old disposal has worn out or a kitchen never had one, we install a new unit on the existing sink, outlet and drain, connect the dishwasher hose, and leak-test every joint.
- Phone answered 24/7
- Office in Sun Valley
- Price before the work
$165 to $285 typical for standard replacement, labor
Quick answer
Disposal installation means mounting a new unit to the sink flange, connecting it to the existing drain and dishwasher hose, and powering it from the existing switched outlet or cord connection. We do not add circuits or reroute drain lines. Tell us the sink type and whether there is power under the sink, and we help you choose a horsepower and price the installation before work starts.
We repair Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, Bosch, Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador and the other names found in Valley kitchens and laundry rooms.
WhirlpoolGESamsungLGFrigidaireKitchenAidMaytagBoschSub-ZeroWolfThermadorVikingKenmoreMiele
The short version
What a proper disposal installation includes
Installing a disposal looks quick, but most leaks we see on other units trace back to a rushed install. The sink flange needs a fresh putty bed, the mounting ring has to seat evenly, and the discharge tube has to line up with the trap without strain. Skip one of those steps and the unit drips within weeks.
We start by checking what the kitchen already has. A switched outlet or a hard-wired connection under the sink, a drain at a workable height, and a dishwasher hose nearby are the three things that decide whether a standard install fits. We look at all three before opening the new box.
If any of those is missing, we say so before starting. Adding a new outlet or circuit is electrical work, and moving a drain is plumbing work, and neither is part of our installation. When the hookups are in place, the job is usually done in one visit.
Parts and repairs
What we do during the installation
These are the steps behind a disposal that runs quietly and stays dry. Each one connects to hookups the kitchen already has. Nothing here involves moving pipes or wiring a new circuit.
- Remove the old unitWe disconnect the old disposal, remove the old flange and clean dried putty from the sink opening.
- Set the new sink flangeA fresh bead of putty and an evenly tightened mounting ring keep the top seal dry for years.
- Size the unitWe help you choose between common horsepower sizes based on how much your household cooks.
- Connect powerThe unit is wired to its cord or to the existing switched connection, with the strain relief tight.
- Remove the dishwasher knockoutNew disposals ship with the dishwasher inlet plugged, and we remove it before connecting the hose.
- Align the discharge and trapWe fit the discharge tube to the existing trap at the right angle so it drains without strain.
- Fit splash guard and stopperWe install the splash guard and confirm the sink stopper seals in the new flange.
- Haul the old disposal awayWe take the old unit with us so it does not end up in the trash bin under your sink.
Los Angeles price ranges
Disposal installation prices in Los Angeles
Installation labor stays fairly steady. The unit you choose drives most of the price difference, along with any trap parts the existing drain needs. Buying your own unit changes only the parts side of the bill.
| Repair | Typical range | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard replacement, labor | $165 to $285 | Removal of old unit and sink access |
| Mid-size unit supplied and installed | $345 to $585 | Motor size and sound insulation |
| Larger quiet unit supplied and installed | $495 to $865 | Model and grind stages |
| New trap and tailpiece parts | $45 to $115 | Whether the old trap lines up |
| Air switch add-on | $115 to $215 | Countertop hole and switch model |
These are typical Los Angeles figures. The final price depends on the unit you choose and what we find under the sink, and you approve it before we begin.
Step by step
Our disposal installation steps
Every visit follows the same order, so you always know what comes next and what it costs.
Phone call
Call any hour and tell us the sink type, the current unit and whether there is power under the sink.
Hookup check
On arrival we confirm the outlet, drain height and dishwasher hose fit a standard install.
Price and install
You get the price before work starts, then we remove the old unit and mount the new one.
Leak test
We fill the sink, release it all at once, and check every joint with a dry paper towel.
Test run
We grind with water running and run a dishwasher drain to confirm both paths flow.
Symptoms
Signs it is time for a new disposal
- Leak from the bottom of the bodyThe internal seal has failed and water is reaching the motor, which is not worth repairing.
- Rust on the grind chamberCorroded grind rings and impellers lose their edge and send larger pieces into the trap.
- Constant resets on a clear plateWhen the overload trips with nothing jammed, the motor is wearing out.
- Undersized for the householdA small motor that stalls on everyday scraps is working harder than it was built for.
- Loud vibration at the sinkWorn mounts and bearings shake the sink and loosen fittings over time.
- Kitchen remodel or new sinkA new sink with a different bowl depth or flange size is a natural time to fit a new unit.
Here in the Valley
Remodeled kitchens in Sherman Oaks and Encino
Kitchen remodels in Encino, Sherman Oaks and Studio City often bring deep undermount sinks, farmhouse sinks and prep sinks in islands. Those sinks change the drop to the drain, and a disposal that fit the old sink may sit too low for the existing trap. We check that fit before the old unit comes off.
We measure the height from the flange to the drain before choosing a unit. In tight island cabinets with pullout trash bins, a compact body can leave room for the drawer. We help you pick a model that clears the cabinet and still lines up with the drain.
Worth weighing
Choosing the right disposal size
A smaller motor suits light use in a one or two person household. Families that cook every day do better with a larger motor that grinds faster and stalls less often. A larger unit also costs more and takes more cabinet space.
Sound matters too in open-plan kitchens. Units with more insulation and a heavier motor mount run noticeably quieter, which helps when the sink faces the living room. We can show you the tradeoff between price, size and noise for your cabinet.
Before you call
Prepare for your disposal installation
Safe checks only. If anything smells hot, sparks or involves gas, stop and call.
- Clear everything out of the sink cabinet so the technician can reach the drain.
- Check whether a plug or outlet is already under the sink, and whether the wall switch works.
- Note whether your dishwasher drain hose runs to the old disposal or to the drain.
- Measure the sink cabinet depth if you plan to buy your own unit.
- Keep the receipt and manual for a unit you buy so we can confirm the model and parts.
Neighborhoods and ZIP codes
Where we handle garbage disposal installation calls
Our Sun Valley office sends technicians across the Valley and the cities around it. These are the places we visit most for garbage disposal installation.
- Sun Valley 91352
- North Hollywood 91601
- Valley Village 91607
- Studio City 91604
- Sherman Oaks 91403
- Van Nuys 91405
- Lake Balboa 91406
- Encino 91436
- Tarzana 91356
- Woodland Hills 91364
- West Hills 91307
- Northridge 91324
- Granada Hills 91344
- Porter Ranch 91326
- Chatsworth 91311
- Mission Hills 91345
- Sylmar 91342
- Sunland-Tujunga 91040
- Burbank 91505
- Glendale 91205
- Pasadena 91101
- La Cañada Flintridge 91011
- San Fernando 91340
- Santa Clarita 91355
- Calabasas 91302
- Simi Valley 93065
- Thousand Oaks 91360
Questions
Garbage Disposal Installation questions we hear in Los Angeles
Can you do a garbage disposal installation where there is no outlet under the sink?
Not as a standard garbage disposal installation. The unit needs an existing switched outlet or electrical connection under the sink. Adding a new outlet or circuit is electrical work, and we will tell you that before starting so you can line it up first.
How long does a garbage disposal installation take?
Most garbage disposal installations take about one to two hours, including removing the old unit, setting the flange, connecting the drain and dishwasher, and leak testing. Older sinks with corroded traps or very tight cabinets can take longer.
What size unit should I choose for a garbage disposal installation?
For light use, a compact garbage disposal is usually enough. For a family that cooks most nights, a larger motor grinds faster and jams less. We look at your sink cabinet, how you cook and your budget, and suggest a size before installing.
Can I buy my own unit and have you handle the garbage disposal installation?
Yes. We install garbage disposals that homeowners buy. Keep the box until we arrive so we can confirm the model and the parts included. If the unit is too tall for the existing drain height, we will tell you before mounting it.
Do you connect the dishwasher during a garbage disposal installation?
Yes. During a garbage disposal installation we knock out the dishwasher inlet plug on the new unit, connect the existing dishwasher hose with a clamp, and run a drain cycle to confirm it flows. A missed knockout is a common reason new installs back up.
Does a new garbage disposal installation include removing the old unit?
Yes. We disconnect and remove the old garbage disposal, clean the old putty from the sink, and take the old unit away with us. You do not have to arrange disposal or leave it on the curb.
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See the repairNeed garbage disposal installation today?
Call now. We answer every hour of every day and will tell you what we will check first.