Garbage Disposal Installation, Repair and Maintenance in the Baltimore Metro Area

Garbage Disposal Service Experts

With nearly 20 years of experience and a team of licensed and insured Maryland plumbers, SM Mechanical provides professional garbage disposal installation, maintenance, and repair services throughout the Baltimore metro area, including Cockeysville, Annapolis, and Columbia.

If your garbage disposal isn’t working properly—or you’re upgrading your kitchen and adding a new unit—our experienced technicians can help ensure you have an efficient and functional garbage disposal system. Our licensed plumbing experts also provide leak detection through our Water Line Repair services, drain diagnostics with Plumbing Camera Inspections, and complete Kitchen Plumbing services.

We proudly serve Towson, Owings Mills, Baltimore, Ellicott City, Catonsville, Bel Air, and surrounding communities within a 60-mile radius of our Essex, MD office.

Call Today for a FREE Garbage Disposal Service Quote
Serving Essex, MD & the Greater Baltimore Area (60-Mile Radius)

Why Garbage Disposals Matter

Garbage disposals have been around for nearly 100 years—and for good reason. They make kitchen cleanup easier and provide a fast, environmentally friendly way to manage food scraps.

When used properly, garbage disposals:

• Reduce plumbing clogs by breaking down food waste before it enters the plumbing
• Improve sink drainage when water drains slowly or backs up
• Reduce odors and pests by limiting food waste buildup
• Support eco-conscious living by reducing landfill waste

What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal

Just because a disposal can grind food doesn’t mean it’s safe for your pipes. Certain materials can cause clogs, backups, and costly plumbing repairs.

Avoid these common drain cloggers:

• Grease, oil, and fats – Solidify inside pipes and trap debris, causing backups
• Coffee grounds – Do not break down well and can accumulate in drains
• Starchy foods – Pasta, rice, and similar foods expand and become gummy
• Fibrous scraps – Corn husks, celery, and banana peels can tangle blades
• When in doubt, throw it out or compost it

Vegetable peels, food scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells are ideal for composting.

Learn more about composting at home from the EPA.

Local curbside composting options in Maryland include:

• Compost Crew
• Greenbucket Compost

Types of Garbage Disposal Systems

There are two main types of garbage disposals, each with unique benefits.

Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals

• Most common type
• Operated by a wall switch
• Ideal for busy kitchens

Batch Feed Garbage Disposals

• Less common, safer, and quieter
• Operates only when a special cover is in place
• No separate electrical switch required

Garbage disposals are available in multiple horsepower options, including 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, and 1 HP, to match household needs and budgets. Higher horsepower models typically offer greater durability, quieter operation, and the ability to grind tougher food scraps.

Are Garbage Disposals Eco-Friendly?

Yes. When used correctly, garbage disposals help reduce waste sent to landfills, where organic waste produces methane—a harmful greenhouse gas. With many landfills nearing capacity, reducing food waste is more important than ever.

Proper disposal habits help protect the environment while keeping your plumbing system running smoothly.

Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair Services

At SM Mechanical Plumbing Services, we provide:

• Garbage disposal installation
• Diagnosis and repair of jammed or leaking disposals
• Routine maintenance and clog prevention
• Garbage disposal upgrades

All garbage disposal services are performed by licensed and insured Maryland plumbers and meet current plumbing codes and standards.

Need garbage disposal repair or replacement?
Call now to speak with a licensed Maryland plumber at 410-559-9514.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals

How long do garbage disposals last?
Most garbage disposals last 10–15 years. Loud noises, leaks, or poor performance may indicate it’s time for replacement.

How do garbage disposals work?
Disposals grind food waste so it can pass through drain lines with less risk of clogs. They are installed under the kitchen sink and powered electrically.

Are all garbage disposals the same size?
No. Disposals vary in size and horsepower. Higher horsepower models are larger, so space under the sink and pipe compatibility must be checked.

Do all garbage disposals have a reset button?
Many models do. The reset button is usually red and located on the bottom of the unit. If not present, power can be reset at the circuit breaker.

See What Maryland Homeowners Have to Say

“My A/C was not cooling properly in the middle of a heat wave. The owner and an HVAC manager came out,
diagnosed the issue quickly, and fixed it. Everything was explained clearly.”
Jason Donnelly ★★★★★
June 2025, Verified Google Review

“We had a terrific experience with SM Mechanical. The entire team was professional, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond.”
Jhulana P ★★★★★ 
December 2024, Verified Google Review

Need Garbage Disposal Repair in Baltimore, Annapolis, Bel Air, or Nearby Areas?

With nearly two decades of experience serving Maryland homes, SM Mechanical is a trusted provider of plumbing, HVAC, and garbage disposal services.

Learn more about our licensed technicians and company values About Us

From Columbia and Catonsville to Glen Burnie and Bel Air, we’re ready to help with garbage disposal repairs, installations, and expert recommendations.

See our full service area coverage

This content has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by Purcell Oxendine, Plumbing Manager at SM Mechanical, LLC, who brings more than 18 years of hands-on industry experience. Last reviewed March 1, 2026.