How Much Does It Cost to Install Garbage Disposal? Average Costs In 2023

A new garbage disposal costs around $600 on average. However, installation fees might vary depending on a number of factors, with prices ranging from $400 to $1,100.
To find out what it would cost to install a new garbage disposal, consider the following price factors:

The type of feed: batch vs. continuous
The motor’s dimensions
Stainless steel vs. galvanized steel
Professional vs. do-it-yourself installation

In this blog, we’ll go through these many criteria so you have all the knowledge you need before purchasing a new garbage disposal.

Average Cost of To Install a Garbage Disposal

The average cost of purchasing and installing a new garbage disposal is $400–$500. However, depending on the type of garbage disposal and labour expenses, you could pay between $150 and $950. The cost of garbage disposal is determined by the following factors:

Certain brands cost more than others.
The cost of a continuous-feed garbage disposal is less than that of a batch-feed garbage disposal.
Garbage disposals with higher horsepower are more expensive.

Cost To Install a Kitchen Faucet and Garbage Disposal

While installing a garbage disposal, a contractor can usually replace or upgrade your sink fittings. The faucet and garbage disposal installation cost is typically between $410 and $1,300.

Cost To Install a Kitchen Sink and Garbage Disposal

A contractor can also replace your kitchen sink while installing the garbage disposal, usually at a little discount. This will add around $400 to the cost of your installation, in addition to the cost of the sink.

Cost of Garbage Disposal

The cost of garbage disposal ranges from $75 for the cheapest and least powerful device to $1,000 or more for commercial units. Most properties require a disposal, which costs between $150 and $250 on average.

Cost of Garbage Disposal Based on Motor Strength

Garbage disposal motor power is measured in horsepower (HP), ranging from one-third HP to two HP. The bigger the motor, the more people who reside in your house and use the garbage disposal. A three-fourths HP unit is adequate for most three- to six-person households. If you cook frequently and wish to grind up challenging garbage, such as fibrous fruits and vegetables or animal bones, you’ll need a powerful disposal.

Motor Strength	Unit Cost
1/3 HP	$75–$150
1/3 HP	$100–$200
3/4 HP	$100–$250
1 HP	$200–$500
2 HP	$300–$1,000

Cost of Garbage Disposal by Disposal Type

Continuous-feed and batch-feed garbage disposals are the two types. Because they are widely available and simple to operate, continuous-feed variants are the most common. Simply turn a switch to start the disposal and toss in food scraps.

Batch-feed models have more horsepower, but they are more difficult to find and utilize. Insert food scraps in batches (typically 3 to 5 cups at a time), cover the opening, turn on the grinder, and twist or push down the cover to activate it.

Continuous-feed garbage disposals are more expensive to install since they must be linked to your home’s electrical wiring, which necessitates the services of an electrician. Batch-feed units are more expensive in the beginning but have lower installation expenses. They’re also safer because, before grinding up food waste, the machine must be covered and secured with a stopper.

Type	Unit Cost
Batch-feed	$200–$650
Continuous-feed	$75–$500

Cost of Garbage Disposal by Brand

Although prices do not differ considerably between brands, Waste King is at the low end of the cost spectrum, and KitchenAid is at the high end. All of the businesses mentioned below sell residential-grade garbage disposals ranging from one-third to one horsepower. Most only provide one or two batch-feed models.

Brand	Unit Cost
Waste King	$74–$180
Insinkerator	$112–$475
General Electric	$119–$299
Moen	$126–$507
KitchenAid	$249–$649

Additional Cost To Install Garbage Disposal

The following considerations also have an impact on the overall cost of garbage disposal installation.

#1. Disposal Material

A new aluminium unit costs less than a stainless steel unit, but aluminum appliances do not last as long.

#2. Accessories and enhancements for garbage disposal:

You can spend additional money to include the following products in your kitchen.

Anti-jamming devices: Most new garbage disposals include jam-prevention technology, but some older models require a separate key or wrench ($7–$10).
Baffle: Installing a baffle ($5–$13) will protect utensils and waste from falling into the sink and splashing out. Some types may additionally lessen the noise of disposal operations.
Dishwasher drain connectors: To avoid clogs, run your dishwasher wastewater through your garbage disposal using a connector fitting system ($9–$15).
Push-button system: Instead of using a light switch, you can install a freestanding button ($40) to trigger the disposal.

#3. Labour costs:

A handyman will charge between $50 and $75 per hour to install a garbage disposal. A plumber with a license might charge up to $150 per hour.

#4. Quiet disposal

Garbage disposals with silent engines or sound-reducing seals cost extra.

#5. Septic assist systems

Garbage disposals increase the quantity of solid waste that enters a septic tank; thus, households with septic systems should use them rarely, if at all. Some manufacturers produce more expensive “septic assist” garbage disposals, which inject enzymes or chemicals into the waste to further break it down. Professionals who deal with septic tanks do not advise these additions because they might affect the bacteria in the tank.

#6. Wiring costs

Most garbage disposals require a power outlet nearby. Continuous-feed models must be plugged into your home’s electrical system, which requires the services of a professional electrician, which often costs $50–$120 per hour.

Repair vs. Replacement for Garbage Disposal

Broken garbage disposals can be repaired in some situations, although replacing them is normally less expensive due to their low cost.

Repair of Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal’s motor is still operational, repair may be a possibility. This can cost anywhere between $50 and $400. Here are several indicators that you should consult a professional to diagnose the problem:

Clogged blades
Recurring clogging
Small leaks near the disposal unit beneath the sink
Strong scents that linger even after cleaning
Unknown or overwhelming noises

Replacement of Garbage Disposal

If the motor fails, you must replace the entire garbage disposal. Disposals have a 10-year lifespan, so if yours is older than that or exhibiting any of the following symptoms, consider replacing it.

When turned on, the operation is delayed.
an electrical problem that cannot explain a power outage
Significant leaks
The operation is slower than usual.

Garbage Disposal Installation: Do-It-Yourself vs. Professional

It is feasible to install a garbage disposal yourself, particularly if you are replacing an existing disposal with a similar type or installing a batch-feed device. If there is an available electrical outlet and you don’t need to change the plumbing or wiring, you can finish the work in the afternoon. You will require the following tools:

Screwdrivers with flat and Phillips heads
Hammer
Pliers with a needle nose
Putty for plumbers
Putty blade

If this is the first time your sink has been fitted for garbage disposal, you’re upgrading to a larger, more powerful device, or the piping or wiring needs to be modified, hire a professional. Professional installation is also likely to be faster and less untidy than DIY installation.

The Benefits of Garbage Disposal Installation

While it is possible to live without a garbage disposal, installing one has several obvious advantages. A garbage disposal is a useful gadget that can help decrease kitchen odours, preserve drains and pipes, and reduce food waste in landfills.

#1. Reduced Landfill Waste

Food waste is likely to end up in the trash bin without a garbage disposal, where it will end up in the landfill. Food wastes can not decompose easily when buried in landfills, which might result in excessive methane gas emissions into the sky. Installing a garbage disposal can be a simple method for homeowners to reduce kitchen waste while also lowering their environmental impact.

#2. Odour Elimination

When food scraps stay in the garbage can, they can emit an unpleasant odor that is difficult to remove, even after the homeowner has removed the trash. A garbage disposal system reduces the odour of food waste by preventing scraps from being thrown away in the first place.

#3. Kitchen Drain Security

Even the slightest food crumbs, if washed down the sink during dinner cleanup, can cause drain and pipe obstructions. A garbage disposal grinds up food waste until they are liquid, which readily washes down the drain without clogging. This can assist to protect and extend the life of drains and pipelines.

#4. Additional Convenience

Cleaning up after dinner may necessitate multiple visits to the garbage can to dispose of food waste. While this may not appear to be a major nuisance, it can add time and stress to the process. A garbage disposal makes it easy for homeowners to get rid of leftover food as part of the dish-cleaning procedure, giving them more time in the evening to rest and unwind after a long day.

How to Lower the Cost To Install Garbage Disposal

How much does it cost to install a garbage disposal? The most important component is the unit itself. The more features and the larger the device, the more expensive it will be to buy and install.

These pointers should help you save money on installation while also extending the life of your device. Homeowners can save money over time by maintaining and safeguarding their investments.

Purchase a device with anti-jamming or auto-reverse capabilities. A device is less prone to deteriorate and needs to be replaced if blockages are reduced.
Before installing a garbage disposal, get multiple bids from plumbers or electricians. Make sure the quotations are broken down by materials and labor so you can identify who has greater access to low-cost units and who charges more for labor.
Purchase a device with a reset button. If a device with this feature clogs or overheats, it will shut down immediately, sparing the components and motor from premature wear and tear.
Look around for the best unit pricing. When buying a unit from a big-box store rather than a contractor, investigate numerous vendors to ensure the greatest price. Purchasing used is another alternative, but keep in mind that these systems almost never come with a guarantee.
Keep the unit running. Sharpen the blades by running ice cubes through the disposal. After that, thoroughly rinse with cold water. Units should also be described on a regular basis. Pour a cup of vinegar down the disposal, let it sit for an hour, and then flush it with hot water.
Use the equipment correctly and adhere to any included instructions. If water must be continuously run while the unit is functioning (as is frequent with continuous-feed models), do not miss this step to avoid clogs that might prematurely corrode or damage the disposal.

Questions to Ask Before Installing a Garbage Disposal

It is critical to hire a trained professional to install or replace a garbage disposal. Knowing that the job will be handled by a trustworthy professional alleviates the stress and worry that comes with any type of home renovation or repair project. To ensure that the best contractor is chosen for the task, a homeowner may consider asking any of the following questions.

How long have you worked in the plumbing/electrical trade?
Do you have a contracting license and are you licensed in my state?
Is there insurance, and how does it cover me if something goes wrong on the job?
Is this job going to necessitate any permits, and if so, will you secure them?
Is it necessary to replace my garbage disposal, or can it be repaired?
How long will it take you to finish the project once you’ve scheduled it?
Is it necessary to pay for the complete job up front, or may it be paid in installments?
If the project is going to take more than a day, what time will it begin and end each day?
Do I need to remove anything from the area, such as cleansers from under the sink, before you start?
Will you or one of your staff finish the job?
How do you train your employees?
Is there going to be a project manager I can contact if something goes wrong before, during, or after the job?
Will you remove the old disposal and clean up when the job is completed?
Will you use protective floor covers or do anything else to keep the materials on the jobsite safe?
How does the price change if there are unforeseen issues?
Do you provide a warranty or guarantee for your service or products?

Is It Necessary for Me to Install My Own Garbage Disposal?

It is possible to install a garbage disposal yourself, but it is usually best to engage a professional. Garbage disposal installation needs electrical and plumbing work, both of which can be complicated and potentially dangerous if not done correctly. A professional plumber or handyman will have the essential tools and knowledge to complete the installation safely and correctly.

Is It Simple to Install a Garbage Disposal?

The installation complexity level is determined by various factors, including the type of disposal, the position of the sink, and the existing plumbing and electrical configuration. A basic installation typically consists of removing the drainpipe, mounting the disposal unit, connecting it to the power source and plumbing, and testing it for leaks and appropriate operation.
We would not advocate doing it yourself if you have no experience with plumbing or electrical repair.

How Much Should Labor for Installing a Garbage Disposal Cost?

The cost of labor to install garbage disposal varies based on the job’s complexity, your location, and the plumber or handyman you choose. A handyman would typically charge $50 to $75 per hour on average, whereas a professional plumber may charge up to $200 per hour. Keep in mind that some plumbers or handymen charge by the hour, whereas others demand a fixed fee for the job.

What Is the Average Time It Takes to Install a Garbage Disposal?

It takes time to install a garbage disposal in your kitchen. The actual time will depend on various things, including the complexity of the installation and the plumber’s skill level. The average time to install a garbage disposal is between one and three hours.
The need to alter plumbing or electrical cabling, the type of disposal being installed, and the condition of the existing piping are all factors that may affect installation time.