
Highlights
- It’ll cost between $150 and $950 to install a new garbage disposal, or half that to DIY.
- Your current sink set up, warranty options, and labor rates will factor into your final price.
- A local handyperson could install the disposal, but a professional plumber is best.
- It may be time to replace your garbage disposal if you notice a bad smell, leaks, or malfunctioning parts.
How much is the average cost of garbage disposal?
Garbage Disposal Average Costs #. Garbage disposals can cost under $100 and more than $600, although you'll find many good quality units priced between $150 and $350. Higher-priced units have larger motors, more options, and stainless steel components. Those at the top of the price spectrum are foodservice-grade.
How to unclog a garbage disposal by yourself?
How to unclog a garbage disposal – a step-by-step guide
- Reset the garbage disposal. Yup, it can be as simple as trying the reset button of the garbage disposal. ...
- Listen for the noise it's making. Please don’t put your hand in the garbage disposal at any point. ...
- Search for blockages and remove them. ...
- Give it a plunge. ...
- Use baking soda and vinegar. ...
- Open up the garbage disposal. ...
- Double test the disposal unit. ...
Can I replace a garbage disposal myself?
You may replace a garbage disposal yourself. Whether you can depends on your capabilities. I have done so on four occasions when we moved. That was not to simply replace, but install anew where there was none before. All to code, and inspected. I am not a tradesman. I can read and observe, and I like tools.
What garbage disposal should I buy?
Which Garbage Disposal Should I Buy?
- Moen GX50C 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal. Introducing our first selection of Moen garbage disposal, though one of my favorite disposals for its convenient look.
- InSinkErator Garbage Disposal with Cord. Are you looking for the best garbage disposal for small spaces in a suitable design? ...
- KRAUS KWD100-75MBL Garbage Disposal. ...

What is the labor cost to replace 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.
Is it worth it to fix a garbage disposal?
A jammed garbage disposal is one of the top reasons to call a plumber, but should you justify the cost? The answer is yes. As long as there isn't any structural damage to the unit, the disposal should work like new once a plumber fixes it. Expect to pay anywhere from $75-100 to have your system running again.
Can I replace my garbage disposal myself?
Garbage disposal installation is a relatively easy project for an experienced DIYer. Grab a few basic tools and follow these steps to learn how to replace a garbage disposal.
Are garbage disposals hard to replace?
Garbage disposal installation is a straightforward process, especially if you follow all steps and all garbage disposal parts are in working order. As long as you use the garbage disposal for getting rid of the recommended types of waste, it will help your kitchen look its best.
What is the lifespan of a garbage disposal?
Most disposals have a life expectancy of about 10 years, after which they may start clogging more often.
How do I know if my garbage disposal needs to be replaced?
5 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Garbage DisposalStrange or unusual noises are coming from your garbage disposal. ... It has a bad smell that won't go away. ... Your garbage disposal won't turn on. ... Water is leaking from your garbage disposal. ... You're frequently pressing the reset button on the unit.
Can I run my dishwasher if my garbage disposal is leaking?
Can a broken garbage disposal affect a dishwasher? It's a common misconception that when the garbage disposal breaks, the dishwasher is also broken. The good news is that your dishwasher is fine.
Who should install a garbage disposal?
Plumbers will be the most effective when it comes to resolving your garbage disposal issue. Most likely a plumber installed your garbage disposal, and they have the knowledge to solve most issues, even electrical ones.
What do you do when your garbage disposal leaks from the bottom?
1) Locate the garbage disposal unit inside your sink cabinet. 2) If you see water leaking out at any point underneath the sink, then look for a rubber gasket around its seam. Check if it's missing or damaged, in which case it will need to be replaced by a new one.
How do I replace my plumbing garbage disposal?
Step 1: Unplug the garbage disposal. ... Step 2: Disconnect the discharge tube and dishwasher connection. ... Step 3: Disconnect the garbage disposal from the sink. ... Step 4: Remove the sink flange from the sink. ... Step 4: Install a sink basket strainer. ... Step 5: Install the drain pipes.
How do you remove an old garbage disposal?
1:012:30How to Remove a Garbage Disposal | HGTV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt your disposal is connected to the sink drain with a mounting bracket insert your disposal wrenchMoreIt your disposal is connected to the sink drain with a mounting bracket insert your disposal wrench into one of the metal loops on the mounting bracket. And turn the attachment.
Are all garbage disposals universal?
Although a garbage disposal might fit your sink, that doesn't mean it's compatible. A plumber will be able to tell you if your sink is compatible with garbage disposals. You must also check if your community allows for garbage disposals. Not all areas have sewage systems that are compatible with food waste.
Is it better to fix or replace a garbage disposal?
If the disposal will still not turn on and makes no noise, the garbage disposal is beyond repair and needs to be replaced. Unless you have a solid background as an electrician, we really don't recommend you try replacing the switch yourself.
What do plumbers think of garbage disposals?
Having a garbage disposal unit installed in your home is a great idea, any plumber would highly recommend doing so because it is an effective way to deal with common kitchen waste such as uneaten food by shredding them into small pieces. As a result they can easily pass through plumbing.
What's the worst thing to put down a garbage disposal?
Fatty foods like butter, vegetable oil, meat trimmings, and the grease from bacon and other cooked products are a huge no-no when it comes to your garbage disposal and drains. These fatty foods can cause problems from top to bottom starting with the blades of your disposal.
How do you know if your garbage disposal motor is burnt out?
If your garbage disposal has a burning smell or is smoking, the motor or motor capacitor may be burnt out. This can mean it is jammed with food waste, or a stubborn object may be stuck in the grinding chamber, leading the motor to overheat. To repair the garbage disposal, first shut off power to the unit.
How much does it cost to install a garbage disposal?
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.
How much does a garbage disposal cost at Home Depot?
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.
How much does an Insinkerator garbage disposal cost?
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.
Why is a garbage disposal more expensive?
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.
Why is my garbage disposal not working?
If a garbage disposal is not working due to the blades being jammed, that is generally something that can be repaired.
What is a continuous feed garbage disposal?
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.
How much does it cost to install a grounded outlet?
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 ...
How much does a new garbage disposal cost?
A household garbage disposal costs anywhere between $40 and $500 depending on its size, brand, and features. The garbage disposals by the brand Waste King tends to be cheaper when compared to those of InSinkErator.
What to do if garbage disposal stops working?
Garbage disposals are machines that do not need much maintenance. However, if they stop working or start leaking, there isn’t much to do to fix them. The only solution is to replace them .
Can you replace a garbage disposal without changing the plumbing?
Replacing a garbage disposal also requires you to make changes in the plumbing. Some garbage disposal models can be simply swapped with each other without any changes in the plumbing; however, that is not the case of most. All garbage disposals have a 0.5-inch outlet. However, the height of the drain from the bottom of the sink may be different for the new garbage disposal, so the plumbing will need alteration.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Garbage Disposal?
The average cost to install a garbage disposal will usually be around $150 to $950, or as low as $75 if you can do it yourself. Final prices depend on the unit you purchase and the price of labor.
How much does a disposal unit cost?
Along with the price of tools, the disposal unit itself generally costs $50 to $340. There are a ton of options to choose from, with costs varying by brand and model. Below are some of the most popular brands and the price ranges for their products.
What to do if garbage disposal is making noise?
If your garbage disposal is making terrible noises or spitting food back up, you’ll first need to decide between garbage disposal repair and replacement. Unless you’ve got a newer unit, warranty coverage, or a combination of both, replacement will usually offer the best bang for your buck.
How long does a garbage disposal last?
Your garbage disposal can last up to a decade if you treat it right. Knowing what not to put down a disposal is a huge part of its care, along with regular maintenance. Here are a few more ways to keep your disposal running longer: Always run water while your disposal is operating. Don’t overload the disposal.
Why hire a garbage disposal installer?
Hiring a local garbage disposal installer eliminates the risk of improper installation—and water mixed with your toddler’s rejected dinner leaking into your home.
How much does a handyman cost?
Most common handyperson prices are around $60 to $125 per hour, plus the cost of materials. In many cases, this could be a cheaper option for labor.
Can a new disposal match your connection site?
Also, chances are your new disposal won't match your connection site perfectly. That means your plumber will need to provide parts or fittings at an additional cost.
How much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal in zip code 23917?
For your project in zip code 23917 with these options, the cost to replace a garbage disposal starts at $403.21-$473.30 per disposal. Your actual price will depend on job size, conditions, finish options you choose.
How long does a garbage disposal last?
The average lifespan of a garbage disposal is 12 years, so if an older unit starts acting up, it might be time for a new one. Whether you're tackling a brand new install or replacing an existing unit, homeowners should take into account several factors when selecting a new garbage disposal for their kitchen sink.
What to look for in a garbage disposal?
When shopping for a new garbage disposal, look for useful features such as: 1 An anti-jamming or auto-reverse feature that helps reduce the occurrence of clogs 2 Stainless steel grinding chambers and components, which are less prone to corrosion 3 Sufficient sound insulation for quieter operation 4 A dishwasher connection, which allows food waste from the dishwasher to be processed through the disposal
How much does a plumber charge to fix a garbage disposal?
The usual hourly rate for plumbers to repair garbage disposals is between $50 and $75 per hour. They may also charge a call-out fee of around $30 to $50, but this can be waived if you hire them for the repairs.
How much does it cost to fix a garbage disposal that doesn't grind?
Fixing a garbage disposal that does not grind ranges from $50 to $150. The impellers may have become jammed or blocked and need cleaning or tightening. It could also be an issue with a clog or jam farther down the unit, so a repairman might need to take it apart. You might also have an issue with the button and could need a new one, or the system might need to be reset.
How long does a garbage disposal last?
Garbage disposals last 10 to 12 years on average. However, replacements take longer, and you might have to wait for the new unit to arrive and get fitted, which can be inconvenient. It can also be wasteful to replace a damaged disposal with a new one, and you might have to pay a disposal fee of $30 to $50.
What is garbage disposal?
Garbage disposals are useful appliances that get rid of food waste, churning the scraps on your dinner plate into tiny pieces that can pass through pipes. This reduces the amount of food waste in landfills and keeps your kitchen clean. Unfortunately, issues arise with the garbage disposal like clogs, jams, and breaks.
How much does it cost to repair a garbage disposal seal?
Garbage disposal seal repairs cost between $50 and $100. The seal prevents the garbage disposal from leaking and traps water inside. Seals can wear down. When this happens, they often need to be replaced, but it might be possible to repair them with plumber’s putty around the damaged areas.
How much does it cost to replace a splash guard 2?
Replacing a splash guard 2 for the garbage disposal ranges from $55 to $70. The splash guard is a rubber gasket sitting in the sink above the garbage disposal unit that blocks splashback from the unit as it operates. Over time, splash guards crack or wear down, become brittle, and let water spray through, so they must be removed and replaced.
How much does it cost to repair a Kitchenaid garbage disposal?
Repairs for KitchenAid garbage disposals cost $65 to $150. This is one of the mid-range brands, with a wide selection of models to suit homes of different sizes. Parts have average to mid-range prices.
How Much Does It Cost to Have a New Garbage Disposal Installed?
Based on Lowe’s home improvement professionals who routinely install in-sink garbage disposals, you can expect a new garbage disposal to range between $120 and $600.
How much does a garbage disposal cost?
Based on Lowe’s home improvement professionals who routinely install in-sink garbage disposals, you can expect a new garbage disposal to range between $120 and $600.
Can I Decide to Do Away with my Garbage Disposal?
Nothing is keeping you from eliminating your in-sink garbage disposal if it stops working. Homes existed for many years without in-sink garbage disposals and managed to get by quite well. In some places, a garbage disposal is still considered a luxury rather than a necessity.
What happens if you don't replace a garbage disposal?
If you decide not to replace your broken garbage disposal, don’t simply leave it in place. If not operated regularly, the broken disposal unit can begin to smell bad and may even clog as you use the sink. It is better to remove the whole garbage disposer unit and replumb the drain properly.
How to turn a garbage disposal counterclockwise?
Newer garbage disposals have a twist on locking system. If your disposal is this type, use the appropriate tool on the twist ring and turn the ring one-quarter turn counter-clockwise, and the disposal should disengage from the mounting ring and dropdown.
How much does it cost to install a garbage disposal?
A routine installation of an in-sink garbage disposal that includes removing the old garbage disposal usually costs about $120. This includes hauling the old garbage disposal away when the job is completed.
How to cool a disposal?
Turn on your new disposal to make sure it operated properly. Run water through the disposal as you turn it on. The running water helps cool the disposal and will lengthen the life of the motor.
How much does it cost to have a plumber install a garbage disposal?
The national average cost to have a plumber install a garbage disposal for you is around $400, including parts and labor. This price can fall anywhere between $200 and $1,000 for varying models and different plumbers.
When is it a good time to replace a garbage disposal?
If you notice your disposal getting louder with age or if it becomes loud enough to interrupt conversation or sleep in other rooms , it’s a good time to have your disposal replaced. New models include noise-dampening technology that keeps the disposal running efficiently and quietly.
How Does a Garbage Disposal Work?
Before we dive into the installation costs, let’s quickly review how your garbage disposal works so you understand how installation works and what problems indicate you need a replacement!
What Do You Need To Know About Installing a Garbage Disposal?
Installing or replacing a garbage disposal may seem like a straightforward task, but improper installation can cause severe leaking and water damage and necessitate costly repairs.
When Should You Hire a Professional to Install/Replace a Garbage Disposal?
However, we generally recommend hiring a plumber to complete the installation of your new disposal, especially if you’re at all uncomfortable with the process. Electricity is challenging and dangerous to work with, so resorting to a professional is usually the best option.
What Should You Look For in a Garbage Disposal Installer or Repair Specialist?
When you’re looking for a garbage disposal repair specialist or installer, we strongly recommend you limit your search to certified and experienced plumbers. General contractors and handymen may be able to do it for less money, but when it comes to plumbing and electricity mixing, it’s best to pay a premium for someone who will perform a safe installation.
What is a garbage disposal?
A garbage disposal is an electric device that intercepts water leaving your kitchen sink, churns and grinds food scraps and other material caught in the water when the push-button is pressed, and then delivers the mixture of ground waste and water to your drain pipe for proper disposal.
