How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garbage Disposal?

Find out how much you need to invest for a garbage disposal replacement

Reviewed by Richard Epstein

If the garbage disposal fails, there are several steps you can take to try to repair the unit, but if minor fixes won't resolve the problem, then you may need to replace the garbage disposal. Typically, a garbage disposal replacement costs about $150 to $950 or an average of about $450. However, the cost can vary depending on a variety of factors. Use this guide to better understand how much it costs to replace a garbage disposal.

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When to Replace a Garbage Disposal

Not every issue that occurs with your garbage disposal is serious enough to warrant a full replacement of the entire unit. In fact, most garbage disposals will last for at least five to 10 years before nearing the end of its life. With this in mind, it's recommended to try to repair the garbage disposal before committing to the replacement of the unit.

Leaks, power problems, and even dull or seized blades can typically be troubleshooted and repaired by an experienced DIYer. Hitting the reset button on the disposal can help resolve intermittent power problems, similar to restarting your computer. For physical obstructions and clogs, use a hex key tool to rotate the impeller and break up any items that are preventing the blades from rotating. Replacing gaskets or tightening seals can fix minor leaks in the disposal, though major leaks may be an indication that the disposal needs to be replaced.

If the frequency of problems or the severity of the issues affecting the disposal increases, then this is generally a sign that the entire unit is beginning to fail. Consider saving toward a replacement unit before your current garbage disposal gives out entirely.

Professional Garbage Disposal Replacement Cost

Completing the garbage disposal replacement yourself can save you between $100 to $400 on labor costs, but unless you have significant plumbing experience, then the best option for garbage disposal replacement is to contact a professional plumber to complete the job. However, the cost of the disposal and the labor involved varies, depending on the garbage disposal type, material, and motor size.

You may have a continuous feed or a batch feed disposal. Continuous feed disposals are the most common option. They are controlled with a wall-mounted switch and run continuously as long as the switch is on. On average, continuous feed garbage disposals cost around $200 on average. Batch feed disposals won't turn on until a stopped has been placed into the opening, increasing the safety of the unit. They cost on average $300. While continuous feed garbage disposals are cheaper, the cost of installation is higher if an electrician is needed to connect the wiring. Batch feed units may cost more upfront for the unit but the installation should be less.

Garbage disposals made of aluminum are the most popular and will cost $75 to $300. Stainless steel garbage disposals are pricier but may last longer. These can cost between $400 to $1,100. A ⅓ or ½-horsepower (HP) motor may be priced anywhere from $50 to $225. This should be an adequate size for a small household of a couple of people. A more powerful garbage disposal for a bigger household with five or six people may need 1 HP. This can range from $200 to $400.

It's also necessary to consider the labor costs to replace a garbage disposal. Typically, a disposal technician or plumber will charge about $50 to $100 per hour in labor costs. The time it takes to complete the work depends on whether you are installing a garbage disposal for the first time, replacing an old disposal with a similar product, or replacing an old disposal with a different type of garbage disposal. Keep these factors in mind when you are researching potential professional garbage disposal installers for your home.

Additional Costs

There are some additional costs that fall outside of the expected garbage disposal replacement price, including electrical wiring installation, removal and disposal of the existing unit, warranties, and brand costs. The average cost for an electrician to install a grounded outlet for the new garbage disposal ranges from about $120 to $165, while the removal and disposal of the unit can cost an extra $50 to $100.

Things to Try Before Replacing Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can last up to ten years, so if you're having issues with a new model, there may be some things to try before shopping for a new one.

• If you're noticing the disposal is draining slowly, it may be the case of a simple clog. Check the drain trap and discharge pipe to make sure they're clear.

• Leaks can happen in several areas on the disposal. Check the flange where it connects to the underside of the sink and the hose that leads to the dishwasher, and ensure everything is secure.

• The garbage disposal may not be running at all. Check that it's receiving power. Examine your outlet as well as your fuse box, and make sure you don't have a tripped circuit breaker. Try the reset button and see if that does the trick.
  

Tips for Keeping Your Garbage Disposal In Good Condition

The garbage disposal is one of the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen. You can do a few things to keep it in good working condition.

• Use ice cubes to help loosen food residue that is stuck to the blades. Ice cubes made out of lemon juice or vinegar will clean off the blades even more.

• Put frozen citrus peels down the drain to improve the smell of the disposal. Turn on the disposal and run for 30 seconds. Turn off the disposal and flush with hot water for 15 seconds.

• Avoid putting meat, bones, starchy foods, shells, nuts, grease, oil, cooking fat, coffee grounds, and fibrous vegetables such as kale that are difficult to ground up down the drain and into the disposal. These can cause damage to the disposal and the plumbing system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ice cubes help clean a garbage disposal?

It's true that ice cubs can aid in cleaning a garbage disposal. Combine them with coarse salt for extra scrubbing or make them out of lemon juice to neutralize any odors. Turn on the disposal and run until the ice has cleared the drain.

How do you keep a garbage disposal smelling fresh?

Periodically running frozen citrus peels, ice cubes with salt or the combination of baking soda and vinegar down your garbage disposal will keep it smelling fresh and clean.

What type of technician replaces garbage disposals?

If you need to replace your garbage disposal, call a professional plumber who can properly connect any pipes and seals.

Can I replace a garbage disposal myself?

Experienced DIYers can install a garbage disposal in their home if they know the plumbing and electrical implications. Replacing with a disposal that's the same brand or model as the previous one will help simplify the process and eliminate the need to cut or reroute existing pipes.

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Read the original article on The Spruce.