Garbage Disposal Services in Shreveport, LA

Professional Garbage Disposal Installation, Repair & Replacement by Licensed Plumbers

A functioning garbage disposal keeps your kitchen running smoothly and prevents food waste from clogging your drain lines. Mark Johnson & Sons Plumbing handles garbage disposal installation, repair, and replacement for homeowners across Shreveport — with same-day appointments, flat-rate pricing, and the parts to finish the job in one visit. As part of our comprehensive plumbing services in Shreveport, we deliver professional results backed by decades of experience.

Why Your Garbage Disposal Matters

Garbage disposals grind thousands of pounds of food waste over their lifetime, keeping organic material out of your drain pipes and reducing the risk of kitchen backups. When a unit fails — whether from a jam, a burned-out motor, or a cracked housing — food waste starts accumulating in your drain line, creating blockages and unpleasant odors that are amplified by Shreveport’s warm, humid conditions.

Most disposals last eight to twelve years with proper use. However, running fibrous vegetables, grease, or starchy foods through the unit accelerates wear on the grinding components and can shorten that lifespan significantly. Knowing when to repair versus replace saves money and prevents the inconvenience of a completely non-functional kitchen sink.

Our Garbage Disposal Services

Garbage Disposal Installation

Whether you are adding a disposal for the first time or upgrading to a more powerful model, we handle the full installation — electrical connection, mounting assembly, drain hookup, and dishwasher inlet connection if applicable. We size the unit to match your household needs and sink configuration.

Jam Clearing & Repair

A humming unit that will not spin usually indicates a jam. Our technicians clear obstructions, test the motor, and inspect the flywheel and impellers for damage. If the internal components are intact, a cleared jam gets you back to normal operation without replacement.

Motor & Component Repair

When the disposal hums but does not turn even after clearing, or when it trips the breaker repeatedly, the motor or internal wiring may be failing. We diagnose electrical and mechanical faults and advise whether repair is cost-effective compared to a new unit.

Full Replacement

If your disposal leaks from the bottom seal, the grinding chamber is corroded, or the motor has burned out, replacement is the best path forward. We remove the old unit, inspect the drain assembly, and install your new disposal — typically in under an hour.

Disposal Sizing Consultation

A disposal that is too small for your household jams frequently and wears out faster. We recommend the right horsepower — typically one-third HP for light use, one-half to three-quarter HP for average households, and one HP for heavy-use kitchens — based on your actual daily usage.

Call us at 318-319-0220 today or click below to schedule service.

When to Call

• The disposal hums but the blades do not spin
• Water backs up into the sink when the disposal runs
• You notice persistent foul odors even after cleaning the unit
• The disposal leaks from the bottom housing or mounting flange
• The reset button trips repeatedly during normal use
• Grinding performance has noticeably declined over time
• You hear metal-on-metal sounds when the unit runs
• You want to upgrade from a builder-grade unit to a higher-powered model

Why Choose Mark Johnson & Sons in Shreveport

• Same-day disposal service — most calls scheduled and completed the same day
• Flat-rate pricing — no hourly billing, no surprise charges after the work is done
• Parts on the truck — we carry popular disposal models and mounting hardware
• Licensed journeyman plumbers — qualified to handle both plumbing and electrical connections
• Clean, uniformed technicians — ID-carrying professionals who respect your home
• Veteran-owned, family business — serving Northern Louisiana communities since 1997

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a garbage disposal installation take?

A standard replacement takes about 45 minutes to an hour. A first-time installation may take slightly longer if electrical wiring or drain modifications are needed.

What size garbage disposal do I need?

For a one- or two-person household, a one-third HP unit is usually sufficient. Families of three or more benefit from a half-HP or three-quarter HP model. Heavy cooks or large households should consider a full one-HP disposal.

Can I put any food waste in the disposal?

Avoid fibrous items like celery stalks and corn husks, grease or cooking oil, coffee grounds in large quantities, pasta, rice, and bones thicker than a chicken wing. These materials cause jams, coat the grinding chamber, or expand inside drain lines.

Why does my garbage disposal smell bad?

Food particles trapped under the splash guard or caked onto the grinding chamber walls decompose and create odor. Running ice cubes and citrus peels through the unit helps, but persistent smell usually means a professional cleaning or splash guard replacement is needed.

Is it worth repairing an old disposal or should I replace it?

If the unit is more than eight years old and the repair cost exceeds half the price of a new installation, replacement is typically the better investment. Newer models are quieter, more efficient, and grind more effectively.

Do you install commercial garbage disposals?

Yes. We install and service commercial-grade disposals for restaurants and food service facilities in the Shreveport area, including units rated at two HP and above.

Can a garbage disposal damage my plumbing?

A properly installed and correctly used disposal will not harm your pipes. Problems arise when inappropriate items are ground up or when the unit is connected without a proper P-trap and drain configuration.

Will a new disposal work with my existing sink?

Most standard disposals fit a three-and-a-half-inch sink drain opening, which is the industry standard. If your sink uses a different size, we can install an adapter or recommend a compatible model.

Does the disposal need a dedicated electrical circuit?

A dedicated 15- or 20-amp circuit is recommended and required by most local codes. If your current setup shares a circuit with other kitchen appliances, we can coordinate with an electrician to add a dedicated line.

Do you offer disposal maintenance plans?

Our annual plumbing maintenance program includes disposal inspection and cleaning as part of the kitchen plumbing check. Regular maintenance extends the life of the unit and catches small issues before they become failures.

Related Shreveport Services

• Backflow Testing & Certification in Shreveport
• Bathroom Plumbing in Shreveport
• Bathroom Remodeling in Shreveport
• Toilet Repair in Shreveport
• Kitchen Plumbing in Shreveport
• Drain Cleaning in Shreveport

View all plumbing services in Shreveport or explore our full Shreveport service area.

Contact Us Today

A reliable garbage disposal is a small investment that prevents big plumbing headaches. Whether yours needs a quick fix or a full replacement, Mark Johnson & Sons Plumbing is ready to help. Call 318-319-0220 or click below to schedule your Shreveport appointment.