Widget 1 — Hero | Maxwell Plumbing Garbage Disposal

Garbage Disposal Installation
& Repair Done Right

New installs, replacements, and repairs for homes and rental properties across SW Washington and the Portland, OR metro — fast, clean, and priced fairly.

Book Free Estimate — No Credit Card Call 360-209-4048
Widget 2 — Intro + Services | Maxwell Plumbing Garbage Disposal

Is Your Garbage Disposal Telling You Something?

Most homeowners don't think about their garbage disposal until it stops working — often at the worst possible time. The truth is, most disposals last 8 to 12 years, and when they start jamming frequently, leaking, making grinding noises, or just can't keep up, it's usually more cost-effective to replace than repair.

At Maxwell Plumbing, we'll give you an honest read on what's going on before recommending anything. Sometimes it's a simple fix. Sometimes a new unit is the smarter call. We'll tell you which — and why.

Whether it's a quick repair for a rental unit or a full upgrade for your kitchen, we'll get it done right the first time.

8–12
Year average lifespan
for a garbage disposal

Frequent jams, leaks, or odd smells?
It may be time for a replacement.

Garbage Disposal Services We Offer

🔧

Repair Services

  • Jam diagnosis & clearing
  • Reset button & electrical troubleshooting
  • Leak detection at sink flange or drain
  • Humming but not spinning — motor check
  • Unusual noise diagnosis
  • Dishwasher drain connection repair
♻️

Replacement & Installation

  • Old unit removal & haul-away
  • New disposal installation
  • Sink flange & mounting assembly
  • Drain line connection
  • Dishwasher knockout (if needed)
  • Code-compliant wiring hookup
🏢

Rental & Multi-Family

  • Fast turnaround for tenant units
  • Bulk replacements for apartment buildings
  • Durable unit recommendations for rentals
  • Property manager scheduling
  • Maintenance plan options

Which Horsepower Is Right for You?

Garbage disposals are rated by horsepower (HP) — and the difference matters more than most people realize. Here's a plain-English breakdown of what each level gets you.

⅓ HP
Basic

Best for

Light use — single person or couple, soft food scraps only. Least expensive upfront but jams more easily and won't handle fibrous or hard foods.

e.g. InSinkErator Badger 1

Best for

Average households of 2–4 people. Handles most everyday kitchen scraps well. Good balance of price and performance for most homes.

e.g. InSinkErator Badger 5, Moen GX50C

¾ HP
Mid-Range

Best for

Larger families or frequent cooks. Handles tougher scraps like chicken bones, corn husks, and fibrous vegetables with less risk of jamming.

e.g. InSinkErator Evolution Compact, Moen GX75C

1 HP
Heavy Duty

Best for

Households that cook a lot, entertain often, or have had repeated jamming issues. Rarely clogs, runs quieter, and tends to last longer with heavy use.

e.g. InSinkErator Evolution Excel, Moen Host Series

Not sure which HP is right for your household? We'll help you figure it out at no charge. We work with InSinkErator and Moen — two of the most reliable brands on the market — and we'll make a recommendation based on your usage, not our margin. Read our full garbage disposal guide →

Widget 3 — Why Us + FAQ | Maxwell Plumbing Garbage Disposal

Why Homeowners & Property Managers Choose Us

Honest Diagnosis First

We'll tell you if a repair makes more sense than a replacement — even when replacement is more profitable for us. That's just how we operate.

Fair, Transparent Pricing

No surprise invoices. We quote before we work and stand behind it. Best quality at fair prices — every time.

Fast & Clean Work

We show up on time, work efficiently, and leave your kitchen the way we found it. No mess, no mystery charges.

Rental Property Specialists

Fast turnaround matters when tenants are involved. We understand what property managers need and we deliver it.

The Maxwell Plumbing Guide to Garbage Disposals

Everything you need to know — what to put down the drain, what to avoid, how to extend the life of your disposal, and when it's time to call a plumber. Written by our team, no fluff.

Read the Guide →

Garbage Disposal FAQs

How long do garbage disposals typically last? +

Most garbage disposals last 8 to 12 years with normal use. Higher-horsepower units from quality brands like InSinkErator and Moen tend to last toward the upper end of that range. If your disposal is over 10 years old and giving you trouble, replacement is usually the smarter investment.

Should I repair or replace my garbage disposal? +

It depends on age and the nature of the problem. A simple jam or a tripped reset button? Almost always worth fixing yourself or having us take a quick look. But if it's leaking from the bottom, the motor is humming without spinning, or it's been jamming repeatedly — and it's more than 8–10 years old — replacement typically makes more sense. A new mid-range disposal costs less than you'd expect, and we'll install it the same day.

What's the difference between ⅓, ½, ¾, and 1 HP disposals? +

Horsepower determines how powerful the grinding motor is — which affects what it can handle, how often it jams, and how long it lasts. ⅓ HP is entry-level and works fine for light use. ½ HP is the most common residential choice. ¾ HP handles tougher scraps and jams less often. 1 HP is heavy-duty — ideal if you cook a lot or have had repeated issues. See our full horsepower guide →

What should I never put down a garbage disposal? +

The biggest culprits that shorten disposal life: grease and cooking oils (they solidify in the drain), fibrous vegetables like celery or artichokes (they wrap around the blades), pasta and rice (they expand with water and clog), eggshells (the membrane wraps around the grinder), and large bones or pits. Coffee grounds seem harmless but build up in the drain over time. When in doubt, toss it in the trash.

How long does installation take? +

Most garbage disposal replacements take about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. New installations (where there's no existing disposal) may take a bit longer depending on the drain configuration and whether an outlet is already in place under the sink. We'll give you a clear timeframe when we arrive.

What brands do you install? +

We most commonly work with InSinkErator and Moen — both are well-built, well-supported brands with solid warranties. We'll recommend a specific model based on your household size, usage habits, and budget. We're not tied to one brand over another; we'll tell you what we'd put in our own kitchens.

What areas do you serve? +

We serve SW Washington (including Camas, Vancouver, Washougal, Ridgefield, and surrounding areas) and the Portland, OR metro area. Free estimates are available within 25 miles of Camas, WA.
Widget 4 — Reviews + CTA | Maxwell Plumbing Garbage Disposal

Real Google Reviews from Real Neighbors

5.0 ★★★★★  ·  Verified Google Reviews

★★★★★

"Maxwell Plumbing did a fantastic job hooking up our outdoor kitchen. Aaron recommended water heater specs and pump specs that fit our needs. He went above and beyond making us understand what he was doing and why. He communicated throughout the course of the project and was reasonable on price. I highly recommend for any and all plumbing needs."

— Jeffrey Thomas   · Google Review

★★★★★

"Aaron was on time and thorough with his explanation of what work would need to be done. He answered all of my questions and went above and beyond by indicating other parts of my plumbing that would benefit from an upgrade. He is honest and thoughtful."

— Austin   · Google Review

★★★★★

"HONEST, Professional, clean, did great work, super fair price. What more could you ask for?"

— Matthew   · Google Review · May 2025

★★★★★

"Excellent experience including scheduling, communication to service provided. Highly recommend."

— Emanuel   · Google Review · April 2025

★★★★★

"Excellent service, timing, and very knowledgeable. Will be using Maxwell Plumbing again in the future and referring others to them."

— Sean   · Google Review · March 2025

★★★★★

"Always professional, kind, and helpful. Our go-to plumber."

— Mountain View   · Google Review

Ready for a Free Garbage Disposal Estimate?

No credit card required. No pressure. Just honest advice from a plumber you can trust.

Book Free Estimate Online 360-209-4048

#everyoneneedsagoodplumber  |  #homeofthepickyplumber