How Much Does A Garbage Disposal Cost To Install Or Replace?

Garbage Disposal Installation Cost

The average cost of a garbage disposal installation is $266, with prices ranging from $180 to $380 which includes a 2 to 5-year limited warranty. A garbage disposal unit costs $85 to $200, and labor cost to install is $80 to $200 depending on if you hire a handyman or plumber.

Installing a garbage disposal takes 2 to 3 hours with an average hourly rate of $25 to $70. These prices are in addition to the cost of the disposal unit. If your plumber has a minimum callout fee that is higher than the labor cost for the work, the total you pay may be higher.

Table of Contents

1. Garbage Disposal Installation Cost
• Cost Breakdown
• Average Labor Costs
• Home Depot vs. Lowe's
• Electrical Wiring
2. Garbage Disposal Prices
• Continuous-Feed
• Batch Feed
• Materials
• Brands
3. Cost To Replace A Garbage Disposal
• Replacement Factors
• Install Kitchen Sink & Disposal
4. Garbage Disposal Repair Cost
• How To Repair?
• Warranty
5. Upgrades and Additional Considerations
6. Frequently Asked Questions
• What Size Do I Need?
• Who To Hire?
7. Garbage Disposal Installation Near Me

A garbage disposer is a great addition to the kitchen that will shred and eliminate food waste for 10 to 12-years. Most kitchens are already wired and plumbed to make a new garbage disposal installation easy. Costs vary depending on the feed-type and brand of unit, the hourly rate of the installation professional, and if any unforeseen repairs take place.

Average Labor Cost to Install a Garbage Disposal

The average labor cost to install a garbage disposal is $80 to $200 depending on if you hire a plumber or a handyman. Typically, it takes 2 to 3 hours to install or replace a garbage disposal. A handyman charges $35 and $80 per hour while plumbers charge $45 and $100 per hour.

Before installing, your professional will turn off water and electricity to the area. Next, the old sink flange is removed and cleaned of any putty residue. Then, a new mounting ring is installed to the bottom of the sink, the sink drain is connected, and the disposal is hooked up to its mount.

Now, all the plumbing and electricity is reconnected to the garbage disposal with the option of hooking up to the dishwasher if needed. Lastly, everything gets sealed then tested.

Home Depot vs. Lowe's Installation Costs

• Home Depot – The garbage disposal installation cost from Home Depot is approximately $119. However, this does not include the added cost of a garbage disposal unit, which costs an average of $161, bringing it to a total cost of $280.
• Lowe’s – The garbage disposal installation cost from Lowe’s is $104, which is slightly more affordable than the same service from Home Depot. Combined with the additional cost of the garbage disposal unit itself, homeowners can expect to pay a total of approximately $265 for parts and labor.

Cost of Electrical Outlet Wiring

You may need to pay for the installation of electrical wiring if there is no grounded outlet present to power the garbage disposal. The cost of materials for a grounded outlet will likely cost between $5 and $10, and $120 to $165 to hire an electrician. If your installation requires a new switch, expect to spend an additional $5 to $10 on materials, and $50 for labor.

The National Electrical Code does not require that a garbage disposal has GFCI or ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection. However, while unlikely, your local building department may have regulations that require GFCI outlets.

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Garbage Disposal Prices

A new garbage disposal unit costs $85 to $200 depending on the feed type, brand, materials it's built from, and motor size. An average garbage disposal with a 1/3 horsepower (HP) motor costs $53 to $89, a 1/2 HP model costs $51 to $119, a 3/4 HP motor runs $96 to $219, and a 1 HP units cost $132 to $332.

Garbage disposal units might cost more when they have to suit local water and sewer capacities. The plumbing in the house must work well or backup can occur, and septic systems may need to be upgraded to work with the disposal.

There are two types of garbage disposals, a continuous feed or a batch feed. The average cost of a continuous-feed disposal runs at $216, while the average batch feed disposal costs $335.

1. Continuous-Feed
2. Batch Feed

Continuous-Feed Disposal Prices

A continuous-feed garbage disposal is the most common type which continues to run as long as the power switch is on. A continuous-feed disposal is best for combating large amounts of food waste.

Batch Feed Disposal Prices

A batch feed garbage disposal costs more than a continuous-feed disposal but is great for putting safety first. It runs in batches and has a cover over the disposal entrance, requiring that you put the food into the disposal and then flip a switch to grind the food. Only a handful of types are available due to their cost.

Garbage Disposal Cost by Materials

There are two types of materials used to build a garbage disposal unit: aluminum and stainless steel. The average cost of an aluminum garbage disposal ranges from $60 to $150, while a stainless steel garbage disposal has an average cost of just over $150.

• An aluminum garbage disposal is both lighter and cheaper than a stainless steel garbage disposal, but the aluminum can corrode over time due to exposure to moisture. Aluminum garbage disposals are typically less durable compared to stainless steel units.
• Stainless steel units won’t rust or corrode as quickly and will be more durable long term against the wear and tear of regular operation.

Popular Brands and Low-Cost Options

InSinkErator is the world’s most popular garbage disposal brand with average prices ranging from $80 to $283. One of their best low-cost garbage disposal options is the Badger 5 for $85.

Waste King, though the cheapest at $53 to $184, also performs worse than InSinkErator, Moen, and Everbilt according to customer ratings.

You may find low-cost options by looking on eBay or other major retailer outlets like Sears Outlet, where you could save $20 to $40 or more on open-box products. However, you are rolling the dice with regards to how long the item will last or what, if any, type of warranty coverage it will carry.

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Cost To Replace A Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal replacement costs are similar to installing a new unit, without any extra costs for wiring or switches. A garbage disposal may turn on, but if the blades are dull, it should be replaced to work correctly.

Before replacing, check your units overload protection. A red button at the bottom of the unit trips when the disposal gets jammed to prevent damaging the motor. First, unplug the disposal, then push the red button to remove the jam.

Some models require a special hex key or Allen wrench to insert in the bottom of the unit to spin and unclog the jam. Other high-end models automatically reverse the blades in the unit to remove the jam.

Replacing a Garbage Disposal Unit

In some cases, you may need to seek additional handyman services when replacing a unit, which can influence the total cost to change a garbage disposal. These services include fixing electrical issues, replacing damaged walls, and replacing cabinets or countertops.

• Removing a Garbage Disposal – $26 – $37 for labor. This includes the cost for a plumber or handyman to turn off the water, disconnect the drain, cap the lines, disconnect the faucets and fittings, remove the sink from the base cabinet, and pile the debris onsite.
• Drywall Repair – $75 – $150 for materials and labor. This average only reflects the cost to patch a small-to-medium-sized hole in the drywall. For situations involving larger holes, water damage, or cracks, homeowners should expect to pay between $220 and $380 for repairs.

If the garbage disposal unit is being replaced due to water damage, you could be looking at additional costs—between $885 and $1,682 to remove the old unit, fix the drywall, and replace kitchen cabinets. If you need to upgrade from an older installation type to incorporate an outlet, electrical work may be required.

Cost to Install a Kitchen Sink and Garbage Disposal

The cost to install a kitchen sink and garbage disposal is $560 to $1,780 for materials and labor. The total cost varies depending on the type of sink and disposal unit you choose. Labor for a kitchen sink installation alone costs $200 to $500.

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Garbage Disposal Repair Cost

In most cases, when a garbage disposal unit is no longer working, the motor has failed, and the total cost of the repair will likely exceed the cost of installing a new unit.

If a garbage disposal is not working due to the blades being jammed, that is generally something that can be repaired. The average cost to repair a garbage disposal is $51 to $137. Repairs include the time needed to remove, reset, and reseal the garbage disposal unit but does not include a basic call-out fee.

How To Repair A Garbage Disposal?

To get your garbage disposal working again, you will first want to use a flashlight to check for foreign objects lodged in the drum’s openings. If you notice an obstruction, you can remove it safely with needle-nose pliers.

If you don’t notice a visible obstruction, you should then insert a wrench into the disposal’s motor spine located at the bottom of the unit, twisting it right and left. If the motor spins freely, you should check to make sure that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped and then press the reset button.

Basic Garbage Disposal Maintenance

• Periodically sharpening the blades. To clean and sharpen the blades, all you need to do is grind a few ice cubes in the disposal before running cold water through the unit.
• Descaling and cleaning the unit. To descale and clean the garbage disposal unit, pour a cup of vinegar into the disposal, let it sit for an hour, and then flush with hot water.
• Running cold water before, during, and after activating the disposal. This will help flush food particles down the drain.

Garbage Disposal Warranty

Garbage disposal warranties last an average of 5 years, but they can range between 2 and 10 years. Since the average lifespan of a garbage disposal is 12 years, you may want to purchase an extended warranty. Most warranties cover the cost to repair and replace normal wear and tear failures. To prevent further malfunctions, homeowners should keep up with regular maintenance of their garbage disposal.

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Upgrades and Additional Considerations

In addition to the garbage disposal unit, there are a number of upgrades and parts that you may need to take into consideration when weighing the garbage disposal installation cost.

• A Baffle – A sink baffle sits in the sink flange and helps muffle the sound of the disposal unit. It also stops large objects from entering the disposal unit and prevents upward splashing when the unit is on.
• Treatment Dispenser – Disposal treatments cost about $10 per bottle and help keep your unit clean and odor-free. A treatment dispenser also helps the septic tank prolong its life.
• Anti-jamming Units – Most new garbage disposals have built-in anti-jamming technology which prevents clogs. Older models also have this functionality but require a special hex key or Allen wrench that helps free up jams.
• A Push-Button System – A countertop switch or air switch button is installed into the countertop to operate the unit. It’s usually air activated.
• Dishwasher Drain Connectors – For about $12, drain connectors will run dishwater through the disposal unit.
• A Septic Assist Cartridge – A septic assist cartridge helps the septic tank work with the disposal unit. It helps break down food and solid waste, deodorizes to help control sink and drain odors, and is safe for drain fields, pipes and the environment.
• Scent Release – Sink flanges are available for around $30 that seals the top of the unit to prevent odors.

Additional Considerations

• It's possible to install a disposal DIY in an afternoon if you have the right tools and some experience.
• Homeowners can either purchase the new disposal unit themselves, or hire a professional to pick out the best one for their home size.
• Do not use a garbage disposal with a fireclay sink as it will crack.
• You'll need a special disposal if you home uses a septic system and drain field. The unit must grind the waste even finer to avoid clogs and allow the tank to be able to drain correctly into the leach fields.
• Garbage disposals must use a grounded electrical outlet for power.
• A garbage disposal will last 10 to 12-years, and most warranties cover the first 2 to 5-years. Keep this in mind when purchasing a new unit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

A typical household with 3 to 6 people is recommended to use a ½ – ¾ HP size garbage disposal. Larger motors cost more over time, cost more to run, and are known to burn out faster over time. It's best to get the smallest size your home needs.

• A ⅓ HP or ½ HP garbage disposal unit can grind soft, non-fibrous foods. There is very little insulation in the weaker models.
• A ¾ HP or 1 HP unit is ideal for anything tougher or a large household. A stronger motor is a better choice if you’d prefer a unit that jams less, operates more smoothly, and has noise reduction insulation.

On the higher end are units for very busy kitchens and commercial settings, with 2 and 3 HP motors priced at an average of $1,970 and $2,770 respectively. However, in most residential settings, a 3/4 or 1 HP unit will be enough to get the job done.

Who Installs Garbage Disposals?

A plumber or handyman has the skills and tools needed to install a garbage disposal, as long as electrical work is limited to replacing an existing unit with the same electrical connections.

A plumber costs more, but has the specialized knowledge to get the job done quickly and without errors, while addressing any other underlying plumbing issues that may come up.

How long do garbage disposals last?

A garbage disposal lasts an average of 10 to 12 years. This average lifespan calculation assumes normal wear and tear of the unit. The lifespan of a garbage disposal may be lower in the case of neglect, overuse, and abuse of the disposal unit.

What should you not put down the garbage disposal?

You should not put coffee grounds, bones, eggshells, nuts, pits, corn husks, shells, pasta, oatmeal, onion skins, potato peels, pumpkin, or fibrous vegetables down the garbage disposal. You should also avoid putting non-food waste, cleaning chemicals, and paint into your garbage disposal. Any of these can cause it to malfunction or break.

Is it okay to put coffee grounds in the garbage disposal?

You should never put coffee grounds in the garbage disposal. When wet, coffee grounds are reduced to a dense, thickly packed wad of mush, which can clog drain lines and lead to serious plumbing issues.

When should a garbage disposal be replaced?

If your garbage disposal unit is at least 10 years old and experiences frequent clogs, you may want to consider having it replaced, as it may be reaching the end of its lifespan. However, in many cases, a jammed garbage disposal may not need to be replaced. It may just need to be unclogged.

How long does it take to install a garbage disposal?

The average time to install or replace a garbage disposal ranges from 2 to 3 hours. A handyman charges $25 and $45 per hour while plumbers charge $45 and $100 per hour.

Can you install a garbage disposal in any sink?​

Garbage disposals can be installed in most sinks, except for fireclay sinks, as they may crack.

Are garbage disposals safe for septic systems?

You'll need a special garbage disposal if you home uses a septic system and drain field. The unit must grind the waste even finer to avoid clogs and allow the tank to be able to drain correctly into the leach fields.

Does glass sharpen garbage disposal blades?

No, the glass will not sharpen the garbage disposal blades. To clean and sharpen the blades, grind a few ice cubes in the disposal before running cold water through the unit. If that doesn't work, you'll need to install a new unit.

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