Garbage Disposals
Garbage Disposals | Plumbing Fixture Replacements | Plumbing | Knoxville
When a stubborn garbage disposal grinds your dinner plans to a halt, Knoxville homeowners know to call HEP. Our licensed plumbers arrive fast, armed with the parts and know-how to clear jams, stop leaks, or swap out tired units for whisper-quiet, energy-saving models. From reconnecting electrical leads to sealing the flange so odors never sneak back up the drain, we handle every step—safely, cleanly, and backed by the friendly service our neighbors have trusted for decades.
Need even more than disposal help? We make kitchen and bath upgrades simple with precise plumbing fixture replacements that instantly refresh your space and boost efficiency. Whether you’re dreaming of a deep-bowl sink, a touchless faucet, or a sleek new garbage disposal, one call to HEP covers it all—24/7, rain or shine, right here in Knoxville.
FAQs
How can I tell whether my garbage disposal needs a simple repair or a full replacement?
A disposal usually needs replacement if you notice any of these issues: frequent tripped breakers or humming without grinding (motor failure), visible cracks or rust on the grind chamber, chronic leaks around the unit or sink flange, and a foul odor that cleaning tablets can’t remove (internal corrosion). Minor problems such as a jammed flywheel, loose mounting bolts, or a worn splash guard are often repairable. During a service call, our licensed Knoxville plumber will test the motor amperage, inspect seals and wiring, and advise whether a repair or replacement is the more cost-effective option.
What size (horsepower) garbage disposal is best for my Knoxville home?
Horsepower determines how finely food waste is ground and how long the unit will last. For 1–2 person households or homes that use the disposal occasionally, a 1⁄3-hp model is adequate. Families of 3–4 who cook several times a week are better served by a 1⁄2-hp or 3⁄4-hp unit. Large households, home cooks who generate a lot of waste, or homes on septic systems should consider a 1-hp unit, which grinds waste more completely and places less strain on drain lines. We’ll also check the space under your sink, the electrical circuit load, and any Knox County septic guidelines before recommending a model.
Can you add a garbage disposal to a sink that never had one?
Yes. We install new disposals in existing sinks almost daily. The process involves: (1) verifying that the sink flange and drain opening are compatible or replacing the flange; (2) installing a dedicated 120-volt, 15- or 20-amp GFCI outlet under the sink if one isn’t already present (required by the 2021 IRC adopted in Knoxville); (3) modifying the trap arm or dishwasher drain hose connection; and (4) air-gap or high-looping the dishwasher discharge if applicable. The entire retrofit usually takes 2–3 hours and does not require a building permit in Knoxville, though electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician or our dual-licensed technician.
What items should never be put in a garbage disposal?
Even the strongest disposal can’t handle certain materials. Avoid: fibrous foods (celery, corn husks, artichokes), starchy masses that swell (rice, pasta, potato peels), coffee grounds (they form sludge), grease or cooking oil (solidifies and clogs pipes), eggshell membranes, seafood shells, fruit pits or bones, non-food items, and harsh chemical drain cleaners. Running cold water before, during, and 10–15 seconds after grinding helps carry small particles through Knoxville’s 1½- or 2-inch kitchen drain lines.
How much does garbage disposal or plumbing-fixture replacement cost in Knoxville?
Prices vary by brand, horsepower, and fixture style, but typical ranges are: • Standard 1⁄2-hp disposal installed: $325–$450 • Premium 3⁄4- to 1-hp disposal with stainless grind chamber: $500–$650 • Kitchen faucet replacement (customer-supplied): $185–$275 • Toilet replacement, including wax ring and haul-away: $325–$425. These figures include labor, basic materials, and local sales tax. We provide up-front, flat-rate quotes, so the price you approve is exactly what you’ll pay—no hidden Knoxville trip fees.
Do I need a permit or inspection for fixture replacements in Knoxville, and how long does the service take?
The Knoxville Codes Department does not require a plumbing permit for like-for-like replacements of disposals, faucets, or toilets as long as the work is performed by a licensed plumber and no drain line or vent alterations are made. Water-heater replacements and any work that alters the DWV system DO require permits. Most garbage disposal swaps take 60–90 minutes; faucet or toilet replacements run 1–2 hours. We schedule arrival windows in two-hour blocks and carry common disposals, supply lines, and seals on the truck so the job is finished in one visit whenever possible.