How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Garbage Disposal?
This guide on how much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal will break down:
- What factors influence the garbage disposal replacement cost?
- What are the differences between the DIY and professional installation cost?
- How do you reduce the garbage disposal installation cost?
In This Article:
- How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Garbage Disposal?
- What Factors Influence The Garbage Disposal Replacement Cost?
- What Are The Differences Between The DIY and Professional Installation Cost?
- How Do You Reduce The Garbage Disposal Installation Cost?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Garbage Disposal?
The average price for garbage disposal replacement costs ranges between $225-$250, including parts and labor costs. The high-end garbage disposal replacement cost can go up to $1000 for ultra-quiet multi-stage disposals.
You should spend between $50 to $540 for the part only. For example, $50-$150 is the price range for basic-level garbage disposal. On the other hand, higher-end garbage disposal will cost you around $250 to $540.
For labor costs, the price starts from $150 to $600. I will break down the labor costs in the following chapter. So, keep scrolling.
What Factors Influence The Garbage Disposal Replacement Cost?
Here are the factors that affect the garbage disposal replacement cost:
Garbage Disposal Type
Types of garbage disposal units can impact the replacement cost. You can find two types of garbage disposal in the market:
- A continuous-feed garbage disposal is the most common disposal type every homeowner uses. You should spend between $90 to $450 to get a continuous-feed garbage disposal based on the motor size and brand.
- Batch-feed garbage disposal is a less common type of unit. The average price you should spend to get this disposal unit is $300.
Materials
The material of the garbage disposal unit is another variable that affects the garbage disposal replacement cost.
Aluminum and Stainless Steel are the primary construction materials for garbage disposal.
Aluminum is the most popular option for homeowners due to its affordable price. The average cost of aluminum garbage disposal is between $75 to $300.
However, aluminum garbage disposals are prone to leak and corrosion, which reduces the lifespan to under ten (10) years.
On the other hand, stainless steel garbage disposals are pricey because they last longer by resisting corrosion and leaks. Due to the built-in quality and increased lifespan, stainless steel garbage disposal will take $400 to $1100 from your wallet.
You can find the stainless steel garbage disposal in high-volume household and commercial kitchens.
Size (Motor Strengths)
Horsepower is what determines the grinding strength of a garbage disposal. Undoubtedly, a higher-power motor will cost a higher price tag.
In short, the motor size of the unit also impacts the garbage disposal replacement cost.
For example, the price range for a 1/3 or 1/2 horsepower motor will be between $50 to $225. And such powerful garbage disposal will be sufficient for a family of one or two people.
On the other hand, if you have a family of five to eight people, you need a 1-horsepower garbage disposal. The estimated price for this unit will be between $200-$400.
The following table will showcase the comparative costs based on the motor strength (horsepower).
Labor
Labor cost is another factor that impacts the pricing of garbage disposal installation or replacement.
A professional plumber requires only 45 minutes to an hour to install or replace a garbage disposal. And they charge $50-100/hr for installing a garbage disposal replacement.
This price range is average.
However, the cost associated with replacement sometimes can exceed the average pricing.
For example, this conversation of plumbers on Reddit will give you an idea about the labor cost for garbage disposal replacement:
A plumber started the conversation and said he charged $160 for installing a garbage disposal. He needed to drive for an hour and required no extra materials.
However, some fellow plumbers charge between $120 and $250 for only the labor cost to install a garbage disposal. They charge over $200 if the homeowners want to connect their dishwashers or they need to supply materials like fittings and pipes.
Some licensed plumbers even charge $500-$600 for a basic disposal. In this case, the plumber will supply the disposal unit. If not, they charge $350 per installation.
For high-end disposal, they charge over $900.
Keep in mind that location can impact labor costs. The replacement cost will be higher for high-cost areas like South Florida, Los Angeles, Seattle, and California.
Electrical Wiring
A first-time garbage disposal installation requires a properly grounded electrical outlet to power the unit.
In this case, you should hire a certified electrician to install a grounded outlet. And the cost associated with installing an outlet will be between $120-$165.
On the other hand, if you want to replace an existing unit, you don’t need to spend money as the existing outlet is already there.
Repair or Replacement
A garbage disposal typically lasts around eight to 12 years with proper maintenance.
If your garbage disposal unit reaches its end lifespan, it will be better for you to replace the garbage disposal.
On the other hand, if your garbage disposal is new, your best bet will be repairing the unit. For example, if the garbage disposal won’t turn or the unit gets jammed, you can fix the issue by replacing some components.
And guess what- a replacement part is cheaper than a brand-new garbage disposal.
Removal and Disposal
A professional plumber requires only a few minutes to disassemble and remove the garbage disposal from its place. Removing the unit is part of the total pricing.
However, if the unit gets corroded and hard to reach, plumbers will charge for the extra time. And the price can sometimes go up to $100.
Brand
Your selection of brand for a garbage disposal can also affect the replacement cost. The following chart will help you compare the prices of different garbage disposals that come from well-regarded brands:
Warranty
Every garbage disposal brand offers a warranty of two years. However, you can buy the extended warranties as a garbage disposal can last up to eight years.
Buying the extended warranty will cover little to all the replacement costs as long as the unit is under warranty.
I recommend you maintain the garbage disposal according to the manual so the manufacturer can’t deny your claim.
What Are The Differences Between The DIY and Professional Installation Cost?
The differences between the DIY replacement and Professional Replacement are to save labor costs.
If you are handy and have a little plumbing experience, you can replace a garbage disposal unit effortlessly. It will save you between $200 to $400 worth of value.
Regarding this, ensure you have some tools at your fingertips to install the replacement part, including:
- A hacksaw to cut pipes
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Plumbers putty
- Knife
You can also read this guide to learn how to install a garbage disposal like a pro.
However, you can hire a professional to do this task if you are not handy or the installation seems complex.
For example, you must call a professional when you upgrade the model to a higher-end disposal.
How Do You Reduce The Garbage Disposal Installation Cost?
Here are some ways to reduce the cost of installing a garbage disposal replacement:
DIY Installation
DIY installation will help you avoid labor fees. If you have a little plumbing skills and the right tools at your fingertips, you can install the garbage disposal replacement effortlessly. If needed, you can read this article to learn how to install a garbage disposal. It will help you save up to $150 at labor costs.
Choose Bundle Service
Take bundle services from a specific plumber to reduce cost at labor. For example, if you upgrade your kitchen features like installing a new sink together with a garbage disposal, the charges will be relatively lower.
Receive Quote From Multiple Plumbers
Ask for quotes from different plumbers. Then, compare the pricing for garbage disposal replacement and go with the plumber who provides service at a lower price.
Get A Basic Model
You can reduce the cost by getting a basic garbage disposal. Of course, such a disposal unit doesn’t provide all the features an expensive model does. But it will help you chop up the food waste efficiently.
Maintain Your Garbage Disposal Properly
Maintaining the garbage disposal according to the manual will keep the unit in tip-top condition and increase the lifespan. Apart from this, it will protect the disposal from getting jammed, which may lead to costly repairs or replacements.
FAQs
How much do Lowe’s and Home Depot charge for garbage disposal installation?
Lowe’s and Home Depot charge between $120 and $200 to install a food waste disposal. However, it can add extra pennies to your cost list if the installation requires modifying pipes or electrical works.
How long does it take to replace a garbage disposal?
A professional plumber requires only 1 to 2 hours to replace a garbage disposal, depending on the complexity of the installation.
Do I need a plumber or an electrician to replace a garbage disposal?
Typically, a plumber does everything related to garbage disposal replacement works. However, if the replacement requires rewiring or any electrical work, you should contact an electrician.
Can replacing a garbage disposal increase the value of my home?
Though replacing a garbage disposal may not significantly increase the home’s value, potential buyers may view it as a modern kitchen appliance.
How can I get an accurate estimate for garbage disposal replacement?
To obtain quotes, contact your local plumbers or handyman for estimates that include parts and labor. Then, compare multiple quotes to get an accurate estimate for garbage disposal replacement.
What are the benefits of hiring a professional to replace a garbage disposal?
Professionals will ensure proper garbage disposal installation, maintaining the local codes. Besides, they will troubleshoot issues that arise during installation.
Does replacing a garbage disposal require any permits?
No, replacing a garbage disposal requires no permits.
What are the signs that I need to replace my garbage disposal rather than repair it?
Frequent jams, persistent unpleasant odor, and leaks are some signs that indicate that you need to replace your garbage disposal rather than repairing.
Conclusion
The average price for garbage disposal replacement is $225 to $250, including parts and labor.
However, you can reduce the replacement cost by DIY-replacing the garbage disposal.
If you don’t have the tools and skills to replace the disposal, I recommend you contact a certified plumber.
Sohel Rana is the founder of FixTheDisposal.Com. He is a plumbing expert with 7+ years of hands-on repairing garbage disposals, water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances used in a home. Before the launch of Fix The Disposal, he wrote and provided advice on water heaters, sump pumps, and space heater repairing & troubleshooting tips for LilDutchUncle.Com.
