garbage disposal installation cost

The cost to have a new garbage disposal professionally installed is $135 to $525. Most homeowners reported paying an average of $307 for replacement. Installing your own garbage disposal costs around $110, which is the cost of a mid-range disposal, assuming you already have the plumbing and electrical connections in place.

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 12, 2022


How Much Does it Cost to Have a Garbage Disposal Installed?

Low Estimate

$50 – $215

Average Cost Estimate

$220 – $335

High Estimate

$340 – $525

DIY Yes or No Yes or No No
Horsepower 1/3 – 3/4 HP 1/2 – 1 HP 3/4 – 1 1/4 HP
Grinding Components Aluminum Aluminum or Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Brand Quality 3-4 Stars 4-5 Stars 4-5 Stars
Warranty 1 – 3 Years 4 – 10 Years 4-10 Years
Features Basic Better or Best Better or Best
Type Continuous Continuous or Batch Feed  Continuous or Batch Feed

Sections: Overview | Product Costs | Installation Cost | DIY or Pro

Overview of Garbage Disposals

A garbage disposal makes kitchen cleanup easier and cuts down on kitchen odors from food thrown in the trash.

This page of Business Finance News discusses how much a garbage disposal costs from home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes and online sellers like Amazon. Feature options are explained and how they affect the cost of a garbage disposal, sometimes called a garbage disposer.

We explore your option to DIY or call a handyman or plumber for garbage disposal installation. You might also need an electrician to install an outlet and wall switch if this is the first time your home will have a disposal.

Labor costs are listed, so you’ll know what your cost savings could be if you install the appliance.

Finally, garbage disposal installation cost comparisons are compiled from other estimating sites. And prices submitted by homeowners are listed too. You’re invited to return to Business Finance News to share the scope and cost of your project for the benefit of other readers.

Product and Supplies Cost Details

Garbage Disposal Price Factors

There are just a few major factors that affect the retail price of a garbage disposal unit.

  • Motor Size – The size of the motor affects how much waste the unit can handle and also its physical size. The unit should be sized to your household. Residential garbage disposals start at 1/3 horsepower (up to 3 people). The most common sizes are 1/2 HP (3-5 people) and 3/4 HP (4-6 people). 1 HP and 1 1/4 HP units are used for very large households.
  • Motor Speed – Speeds range from about 1600 RPM on base models to 3500 RPM on premium garbage disposals. The faster the grind, the quicker the job is done.
  • Material – Garbage disposals with aluminum grind chamber and components are more affordable than those using stainless steel. However, aluminum units last 7-15 years vs. 12-18 for stainless.
  • Brand Quality – Entry-level, affordable brands with basic quality include Barracuda and Waste Maid. KitchenAid, InSinkErator, Waste King, GE, Whirlpool and Frigidaire are among the brands that make both mid-range aluminum disposals and top-quality stainless steel models.
  • Warranty – The length of garbage disposal warranties varies from 1-10 years. Most are 2-5 years. Length generally coincides with the unit’s quality, but not always.
  • Features – The range of features includes 2 or 3 grind stages, power cord included, auto-reverse to clear jams, and septic support – a small reservoir you can fill with solution that will be injected into the grind tank during grinding. The solution helps break down the food in a septic tank.
  • Continuous vs Batch Feed – 90% of residential garbage disposals allow for continuous feed into the unit. Batch feed garbage disposals are filled, and a lid is applied before the unit is started. They use less water and most don’t require a wall switch, but batch feed units are more expensive.

Retail Prices

Here are common cost ranges with what type of garbage disposal you get for the money.

  • $50 – $89 | Basic 1/3 and 1/2 horsepower garbage disposals with aluminum grinding components.
  • $79 – $149 | Mid-range 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower units. There is a mix of aluminum and stainless steel models in this range.
  • $129 – $179 | Basic 3/4 and 1 HP models with aluminum parts.
  • $199 – $379 | Mid-range and Best 3/4 and 1 HP garbage disposals with stainless components.
  • $189 – $500 | Batch feed garbage disposals. Most are 3/4 or 1 horsepower.

Cost of Installation Supplies

There are a few supplies required for DIY garbage disposal replacement. If you hire a professional, these costs might be included in the estimate.

  • $0 – $30 | If you don’t have them, you might have to purchase basic tools and supplies needed for the job – a hacksaw or PVC saw, a pipe wrench, Philips screwdrivers and pipe tape to seal the connections.
  • $15 – $30 | Some units do not come with an electric plug (pigtail). It must be bought separately.

Permits and Garbage Disposal Installation Costs

You won’t need a permit for direct replacement of an existing garbage disposal. Additionally, when homes are built, many builders or electricians install a plug beneath the sink and a wall switch to activate it. Even if you haven’t had a garbage disposal, the plug and switch might be in place.

If there is no plug or switch, you’ll need to hire an electrician to install them, and that requires a permit and an inspection of the work.

  • $50 – $100 | Electrical permit, if needed

Installation Labor Costs

Plumbers can supply you with the disposal and install it for a package price, usually between $135 and $525 depending on the size, features and quality of the disposal. As noted above, the average installed cost is $277.

If you purchase the unit and hire a handyman or plumber to install it, you can expect these labor charges.

  • $40-$75 | Handyman service
  • $60 – $150 | Certified plumber

If you do not have an outlet and switch in place, an electrician can install them.

  • $100 – $225 | Outlet and switch installation by a licensed electrician

Completed Installation Time

Replacement of an existing garbage disposal is a quick job for a pro.  New installations take slightly longer.

Direct replacement: This involves unplugging the old unit and disconnecting it from the sink above and the drainpipe below. The new unit is then installed, connected to the sink and drainpipe, plugged in and tested. A section of drainpipe might need to be added or cut out if the new unit is a different size than the old.

New installation: When no garbage disposal is in place, a section of the drainpipe must be cut to accommodate the unit. The disposal is then installation, plugged in and tested.

Here are common time frames:

  • 30 minutes to 1 hour | Direct Replacement
  • 1-2 hours | New Installation
  • 1-2 hours | Installation of an outlet and switch by an electrician

DIY or Hire a Pro

Direct replacement of an existing garbage disposal is a DIY project for anyone with good skills and a willingness to get a little wet and messy. When I did the job a few years ago, it took a little more than an hour.

The unit you purchase will come with an installation manual. There’s little risk of electrical shock, but you might be more comfortable turning off power to the outlet while you switch out the unit.

Have a shallow pan and/or a thick towel in place to catch the small amount of water and food debris that might leak when the old unit is disconnected.

If you don’t have an outlet and wall switch, we recommend hiring a licensed electrician for the work. It isn’t expensive, eliminates your risk of electrocution and is the best approach to making sure installation is a success.

Of course, once the plug and switch are installed, you can tackle the installation of the garbage disposal. You’ll have the added challenge of cutting the drainpipe to make room for the disposal, but again, follow the instructions, and you’ll likely enjoy success while saving yourself the money.

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