How long does it take a plumber to replace a garbage disposal?

Author: Adelia Gerhold Jr.  |  Last update: Saturday, November 29, 2025

On average, it takes one to four hours for a professional to install a garbage disposal. This includes removing the old unit, taking necessary measurements for positioning, removing and fitting new pipes, and installing the brand-new disposal system.

How long does it take to replace a garbage disposal?

Installing or replacing a garbage disposal as a DIY project is not an overly complicated task. If you follow the manufacturer's install directions and have the required tools and parts, it can usually be done in less than 3 hours.

How much should labor cost to install a garbage disposal?

Garbage disposal installation costs between $130 to $600 with most spending $185 to $379 on average. Prices depend on the motor size, the feed-type and brand of unit, and if a handyman or plumber is installing the unit. On average, a disposal unit costs $161, while labor runs $105.

How much does Lowe's charge to install a garbage disposal?

Lowe's garbage disposal installation cost. The Home Depot and Lowe's charge $120 to $200 to install a garbage disposal unit. These prices are for replacements with favorable site conditions.

Does a plumber replace a garbage disposal?

Even though garbage disposals are powered by electricity, 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 the majority of garbage disposal problems, even electrical ones.

How long does it take to replace a garbage disposal?

How much does a plumber cost to repair a garbage disposal?

Eventually, a clogged garbage disposal may affect other areas of your home. Trust us; you don't want to deal with an overflowing toilet or washing machine because you didn't fix the kitchen sink. The total cost should be around $150-200, depending on how long it takes to clear the line.

Does garbage disposal fall under plumbing?

That's why it's important to call a plumber if you plan to install a new garbage disposal. Plumbers have expertise in working with different plumbing systems and can recommend the best garbage disposal system for your home.

Can a handyman replace a garbage disposal?

Hiring a handyman to install a garbage disposal offers benefits such as cost-effectiveness, convenience, flexibility, personalized service, local expertise, and timely completion.

Who to hire to install a garbage disposal?

Lowe's Can Help With Your Garbage Disposal Installation

Now you can get garbage disposal installation help from trusted independent installers in your area. Get assistance with everything from installing garbage disposals to figuring out the cost to install garbage disposals.

How much does Home Depot charge to install a kitchen faucet?

For a basic kitchen sink faucet installation by a pro plumber or a qualified handyperson, you can expect the installation cost to be anywhere from $119 for faucet installation through Home Depot, $92 for faucet installation through Lowe's to $400+ on a complex project.

What do plumbers say about garbage disposals?

When discussing garbage disposals, we often have customers ask if they are bad for your home's plumbing system. The answer is generally no, but they can be harmful if not used properly. One of the biggest mistakes we see people make is overloading their disposal with too much food waste.

How often should I replace my garbage disposal?

Garbage disposal should last up to 12 years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).

Why is my garbage disposal humming but not working?

If your garbage disposal hums but doesn't turn, you know that the appliance is receiving power – it's just not operating correctly. Often, a clog or jam in the motor is the cause when you experience such symptoms.

What is the labor rate to install a garbage disposal?

You may also need some plumbing work to connect the new garbage disposal to the dishwasher. You'll need to hire a garbage disposal installer near you to do this type of work. Plumbers cost $45 to $200 hourly, and electricians cost $50 to $100 hourly.

Do you need to turn off water to change a garbage disposal?

Turn off the water supply beneath the sink as well. While water may pose less danger, it can create a mess and add another layer of complication to your garbage disposal replacement.

How many years can a garbage disposal last?

How Many Years Do Most Garbage Disposals Last? Most modern garbage disposals will last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. An average household with four or five family members can expect to replace their disposal roughly every 12 years if properly maintained.

Do you need a plumber to install a new garbage disposal?

Leave Disposal Installation to the Pros

DIY sounds nice on paper, but it isn't always the best option. Garbage disposal installation is more complex than many homeowners realize. Letting a skilled plumber handle the dirty work will ensure your kitchen sink remains clog-free for many years.

How much is labor to remove a garbage disposal?

The cost to remove a garbage disposal is $25 to $50 when replacing the unit. Permanent garbage disposal removal costs $125 to $350 on average. Installers typically include haul-away fees in the replacement labor.

How much is a garbage disposal service?

Garbage disposal repair costs $100 to $250 on average. The cost to replace a garbage disposal is $200 to $550 total. The cost to unclog a garbage disposal is $70 to $200. The labor cost to fix a garbage disposal is $50 to $125 per hour.

How long does it take a professional to replace a garbage disposal?

On average it takes between two and four hours for a professional installer to install a new garbage disposal. This includes taking measurements to position the disposal, removing pipes, installing the disposal, and fitting new pipes to make the whole system work again.

Can a garbage disposal be removed and not replaced?

Garbage disposals can be completely removed. But doing so isn't necessarily a simple task. Doing it yourself requires at least a basic understanding of both electricity and plumbing. Without that knowledge, it is better to call a licensed plumber.

How do I know if my garbage disposal needs to be replaced?

5 signs you need garbage disposal replacement
  1. You're experiencing constant clogs. Every homeowner has the experience of trying to dispose of too much food waste at once and having to wait for the disposal to catch up as it grinds its way through the material. ...
  2. Weird noises. ...
  3. Leaks. ...
  4. Bad odors. ...
  5. Inconsistent power.

Is it worth it to repair a garbage disposal?

Garbage disposals can develop leaks, either in the disposal itself or the pipes connected to it. A leaky garbage disposal can cause serious water flooding in your kitchen, and water damage is costly to repair. Fixing leaks in your garbage disposal can prevent water damage to your cabinets and kitchen floor.

Where do garbage disposals leak?

If you notice pooling water under the sink, a foul smell, or dampness, your garbage disposal might be to blame. Typically, a leak will come from one of four sources: the dishwasher connection, sink flange, drain line, or reset button.

How do I get my garbage disposal to spin again?

  1. Insert the wrench into the hole at the bottom of the garbage disposal. ...
  2. Work the wrench back and forth in both directions. ...
  3. Continue working with the wrench. ...
  4. Check the overload protector. ...
  5. Check inside garbage disposal's grinding chamber. ...
  6. Turn on the water, then the garbage disposal.

Previous article
Can covering a smoke detector set it off?
Next article
Why is my gas fireplace igniter sparking but not lighting?