You'll spend anywhere between $55 and $950 for new garbage disposal installation, depending on whether you plan to DIY the project or hire a pro
For a hurried home chef, there's nothing quite like tossing veggie scraps into the base of the sink and flipping a switch for quick and easy cleanup. But if your garbage disposal is showing its age—or you're dreaming of installing one for the first time—it's time to consider what you can expect to spend.
The average cost of a garbage disposal is $400 depending on your model, the size of the job, and labor costs in your area.
Cost to Install a Garbage Disposal by Job Size
Garbage disposals work a bit differently than many think. There are no chopping blades waiting at the entrance of the drain, for example. Instead, food travels to a spinning disc surrounded by sharp shredders. These shredders then break it down small enough to enter your wastewater pipe.
When a garbage disposal develops a leak, the motor burns out, or if it's simply no longer switching back on when you hit the reset button, it may be time for a replacement.
That being said, the cost of a garbage disposal has a lot to do with the size of the job and how much of the system needs repair or installation. Let's take a look at different projects and their common costs.
Replacement
If you already have a garbage disposal in place, you can likely skip the extra costs of things like wiring or plumbing—which we'll touch on below. The average cost to replace a garbage disposal is about $400 including parts and labor.
Add New Wiring
Homeowners adding a garbage disposal for the first time may need the help of an electrician as well. For example, the disposal requires the use of a grounded electrical outlet. If you do not have access to local wiring, add about $90 to your total for materials and hookup, bringing it to a total of around $490. If the new electrical wiring is more than 10 feet in length, expect to spend another $50 to $100 in supply costs.
Add a New Sink
If you're working on a new home or installing a kitchen, consider the cost of a new sink. Sink installation costs around $400 on top of the garbage disposal itself.
What Kind of Garbage Disposal Can I Get on My Budget?
Whenever you're on the verge of a home renovation project, the first question you typically ask is, "How much can I afford?" Garbage disposal costs vary depending on their motor size, brand, and how much work you need in relation to the installation. Let's look at a few common ranges.
$50 to $350
This is the common range to install a garbage disposal yourself. If you choose a small motor and brand in the lower price range, your average cost will land on the lower end of this range.
$350 to $600
Whether you live in the heart of Manhattan or the prairies of Nebraska, assume that standard garbage disposal installation will fall into this price range. The price includes the disposal itself, installation labor, and in some cases, extra wiring. You’ll need a slightly different garbage disposal if your wastewater is handled by a septic system.
$600 and Up
Once you move past the $600 mark, include costs for higher horse-power motors, extensive wiring, and new sink installation. This is the common price range for renovation with attached projects.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Garbage Disposal Yourself?
Cut out between $90 and $250 by opting to install a garbage disposal yourself. You will only pay for the model itself, which runs between $50 and $350 depending on the brand, motor size, and type of machine. Add in the cost of basic tools for about $30, and you're ready to go.
Installing or replacing a garbage disposal yourself is an option if, and only if, the wiring and plumbing are already in place. The moment you get into electrical and plumbing territory, it's crucial to call a professional.
“The most common DIY mistake we see when someone installs a new garbage disposal is forgetting to knock out the dishwasher plug in the new unit,” says Bob Tschudi, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based general contractor. “So if you have a dishwasher, be sure to follow the directions carefully.”
Garbage Disposal Installation Cost Breakdown
Installing a garbage disposal is quick and straightforward if you have all the right parts in place. When you receive an estimate from a pro, it will typically include:
Materials
Labor
Cost to remove old parts
Electrician hourly rate
Plumber hourly rate
How Much Does a New Garbage Disposal Cost by Type?
Two main types of disposals became popular over time: the continuous feed and the batch feed. You'll find continuous feed garbage disposals in most homes. Flip on a switch near the sink, run your water, and add the food scrap at any rate you like.
Batch feed garbage disposals typically turn on after you load the drain with "batches of food," and then turn the grinder on by pushing or twisting the cap. These often skip the need for a complex wiring hookup, but are generally more expensive.
Average cost of a continuous feed garbage disposal: $170
Average cost of a batch feed garbage disposal: $220
How Much Does a New Garbage Disposal Cost by Motor Style?
The horsepower of your garbage disposal motor—yes, like a car—determines which food items are safe to put down the drain. The higher the horsepower, the stronger its grinding abilities and, typically, the higher the price of the model.
| Motor Strength | Cost |
|---|---|
| ⅓ Horsepower | $50 – $100 |
| ½ Horsepower | $75 – $125 |
| ¾ Horsepower | $125 – $200 |
| 1 Horsepower | $150 – $300 |
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install a Garbage Disposal?
In the end, choose the garbage disposal that both fits your budget and elevates your cooking experience. If you envision tossing more fibrous materials into the machine, opt for higher horsepower, for example.
The major factors that affect your find cost are:
The size of the installation (plumbing, wiring, etc.)
Where you live
Whether you're replacing or installing a new garbage disposal
The size of the motor
Your preferred brand
Frequently Asked Questions
Garbage disposals last an average of about 10 years, so it may be time for a new model if it's getting up there in age. Other signs that it's time to bring in a local garbage disposal pro include:
Leaks under your disposal
Persistent clogs
Lingering odors
Lack of power
Unexplained noises
Continuous feed garbage disposals are the favorite model for many homeowners for a reason. As opposed to batch feed models, add food scraps to the drain whenever the disposal is running. This variety is also typically less expensive, more convenient, and easier to clean.
If replacing your garbage disposal sparks your drive for renovation, consider paying to install a kitchen sink faucet, updating the spray hose on your sink, or even replacing plumbing pipes that have been giving you trouble.
