A new garbage disposal costs between $75 and $300 on average just for the unit. If you hire a professional for installation, total replacement costs range from $200 to $625 (including labor and removal of the old unit).
Garbage disposal replacement typically costs $200 to $550, depending on the type of unit you choose, the complexity of the installation, and whether electrical or plumbing adjustments are needed. Most homeowners spend $300 to $450 for a standard replacement, including the new disposal and professional installation.
Is it worth repairing a garbage disposal or should it be replaced? If the unit is less than five years old and the repair cost is modest, repair usually makes sense. If it is older than ten years or the repair cost approaches the price of a new unit, replacement is typically the better investment.
The average cost of garbage disposal installation is $189, with a range of $97–$339. Keep in mind our installers will not install new electrical boxes or components. New garbage disposal installations include all materials necessary to connect directly to existing plumbing and electrical.
Average lifespan: Garbage disposals typically last 10–12 years with proper maintenance. Sign 1: Slow drainage that persists after clearing clogs. Sign 2: Persistent foul odors from trapped food and bacteria. Sign 3: Water leaking from the unit.
In most cases, you'll want a plumber for the job—especially if your sink's plumbing needs adjusting. If your garbage disposal is hardwired or you need a new outlet, that's where an electrician comes in.
The best garbage disposal for the money is the InSinkErator Badger 5XP. Priced around $175 to $190, it offers the ideal balance of affordability, a robust 3/4 horsepower (HP) motor, and InSinkErator's durable construction. It is compact, comes with a pre-installed cord for easy installation, and is a trusted, reliable workhorse for everyday kitchens.
Replacing a garbage disposal is an accessible DIY project that takes about 1 to 2 hours. It requires basic hand tools and can save $200–$550 in plumber fees. The process is especially straightforward if you replace it with the same brand, allowing you to reuse the existing sink mount without re-plumbing the drain.
Garbage disposal replacement costs range from $200 to $625, with the average cost being around $550. For skilled DIYers, you could pay as little as $75 for a new unit and the tools to install it.
Horsepower is important and based on use. For light use, get a 1/3–1/2 HP. For heavier cooking, select one with 3/4–1+ HP. Features include: durable parts made of stainless steel, multi-stage grinding and noise reduction.
What Do Plumbers Think of Garbage Disposals? In general, plumbers recommend installing these devices. These professionals will be happy to help install a garbage disposal for those who find kitchen cleanup cumbersome, habitually dispose of food waste down the sink, or frequently call the plumber about sink blockages.
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.
Well, you should replace your garbage disposal if you see these 5 signs:
Instructions
Prepare for Replacing a Food Waste Disposer
Most important, turn off the main power supply, at the circuit breaker, to the room where you'll be installing the disposal. Optionally, you can also turn off the water supply. Next, give yourself easy access to the area under the sink.
The average lifespan of a garbage disposal is 8 to 12 years, though well-maintained high-end models can last up to 15 years. How long yours lasts ultimately depends on its usage frequency, build quality, and what types of food waste it processes.
Whether you purchase a garbage disposal from a Home Depot store or on homedepot.com, we can install it for you. Just call or visit the Service Desk or ask an associate at your local store about our garbage disposal installation service.
Plumbers typically charge $80 to $200 to replace an existing garbage disposal with a like model. Additionally, consider any extra fees for disposing of the old unit. Some service providers may charge extra for the removal and disposal of the old garbage disposal.
A garbage disposal helps us keep our kitchens tidy and clean. Being that it's right in the sink, it helps us get rid of our waste more efficiently and saves time. However, it does require maintenance every now and then.
A professional plumber with years of experience can ensure the unit is installed properly to prevent leakage. Garbage disposals require a power source, which can be dangerous if you're not familiar with electrical work.
No, it is highly recommended that you do not pour old soup down the toilet. Toilets and plumbing systems are not designed to handle food waste, grease, or fibrous particles.
Gather basic tools like a wrench, screwdriver, bucket, and plumber's putty before beginning. Install the new flange, mount, and disposal securely, then test for leaks and proper operation. Hiring a plumber costs $200–$500 but doing it yourself cuts costs to about $100–$250.