How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garbage Disposal? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to replace a garbage disposal is $550. Most homeowners pay between $200 and $625, with the spread driven primarily by the disposal unit itself, motor size, and labor costs. Keeping your sink clean and your plumbing in good shape starts with choosing the right unit and the right pro for the job.

Garbage Disposal Cost by Motor Size: How Size Affects Price

Motor size is the primary cost driver when replacing a garbage disposal, with units ranging from $50 to $400 depending on horsepower. Smaller households of one or two people typically do well with a ⅓- or ½-horsepower motor, priced from $50 to $225, while larger households of five to eight people benefit from a 1-horsepower motor, which costs $200 to $400. Costs vary by motor size, as the table below shows.

Garbage Disposal Pro Costs: What Homeowners Pay for Labor

Garbage disposal installation typically runs $50 to $100 per hour, and most jobs wrap up in about an hour since the process involves leveling, making connections, securing the exterior, and testing the unit. Most pros include haul-away of the old unit in their overall estimate, since they are already removing it to make room for the new one. If accessibility issues arise, such as a corroded unit that won't budge, expect an additional charge of up to $100 for the extra time required.

Garbage Disposal Cost Factors: What Determines the Price

Garbage disposal replacement typically costs between $200 to $625, with most projects averaging around $550, though skilled DIYers can get a new unit installed for as little as $75. Your final cost depends on the type of unit, motor size, and labor, with the sections below breaking down how each factor affects the price.

Feed Type

The two main feed types for garbage disposals are continuous feed and batch feed, with prices ranging from $75 to $1,000 and $75 to $300, respectively. Continuous feed models sit at the higher end because they let you add waste without stopping to cover the unit, making them well-suited for high-volume kitchens. Batch feed models are a better fit for households with children, since the required cover prevents accidental activation. Costs vary by feed type and intended use, as shown below.

Material 

Garbage disposals are made from either aluminum or stainless steel, with aluminum units costing $75 to $300 and stainless steel units running $400 to $1,100. Aluminum is the more common and affordable choice, though it is prone to leaks, corrosion, and a lifespan of under 10 years. Material is a key driver of overall cost, as the breakdown below shows:

Warranties

Most new garbage disposals come with a manufacturer's warranty, and your installer may offer a separate labor warranty as well, so review the fine print for both before purchasing or hiring. Warranty terms range from one to 10 years depending on the make and model, but these are limited warranties covering manufacturer defects only, meaning what you put down the disposal still matters for avoiding damage not covered by the policy.

Electrical Upgrades

Electrical requirements for a garbage disposal depend on the specific model and your local building codes, with some units plugging into an existing 120-volt outlet drawing five to 10 amps, while others may require a dedicated 15-amp circuit with GFCI and AFCI protection. GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) and AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) protection adds a safety layer by automatically shutting off the breaker when a fault is detected. If you are unsure about your home's wiring or need a new circuit installed, contact a licensed electrician before proceeding with the replacement.

Cost to Repair vs. Replace a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals last an average of five to 10 years, with some stainless steel models running for as long as 15 years. If your disposal is near the end of its life span, a replacement is the better option to avoid future service calls.

However, if your disposal is on the newer side and the maintenance issue isn’t overly complex—say it’s jammed or won’t turn on—a repair is the better bet, as replacement components cost less than a brand-new model. Talk to your pro to see if repair is an option or if they recommend picking up a new garbage disposal for a replacement.

Signs It’s Time to Replace a Garbage Disposal

Realizing your home needs a different-sized garbage disposal to handle everything might be one reason to consider replacing your existing one. However, most replacements happen due to the device's failure. Here are several cases in which a new garbage disposal may be in your near future: 

• No operation when powered

• Leaks in places that aren't pipes

• Slow or weakened performance

• Slow draining even after ensuring the drain pipes are clear

• Needing to use the reset button often

• Metal-on-metal or persistent grinding noises 

Where Do Homeowners Install Garbage Disposals?

As you can imagine, garbage disposals are overwhelmingly installed in kitchens for easy access and high functionality. According to Angi data, 96% of Angi customers report having a garbage disposal in their kitchen, with other options of outdoor kitchens and wet bars at 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively.

Check out the most commonly requested projects:

Why You Should Hire a Garbage Disposal Installation Pro

Without a solid understanding of your garbage disposal system and the connected plumbing and septic systems, it's best to leave replacement to a local garbage disposal installation pro. DIY installation is less expensive, but you risk potential leaks or other functionality issues. Pro installation is more efficient and ensures the work is up to code, often coming with a warranty.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a garbage disposal installation pro

There are several advantages to hiring a pro to install your garbage disposal, such as:

• A pro will complete the job efficiently, saving you time and minimizing disruption.

• Pros can offer advice on how to use and maintain a new disposal properly, which can be especially valuable if you have a septic system on the property.

• DIY mistakes can result in leaks and damage to kitchen cabinets, flooring, and plumbing.

• A pro has the eye to diagnose other plumbing issues that you may be unaware of.

• Some installers offer a warranty on their work to protect you in case issues occur.

How to Save Money When Replacing Your Garbage Disposal

Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your budget for a garbage disposal replacement.

• Buy used: Garbage disposals are hearty appliances, so used models are not too risky, particularly if they were taken out of service for reasons other than repairs. Buying a used model saves up to 50%, but have your technician inspect the unit before going ahead with the purchase. Better yet, have them source it for you.

• Repair if possible: If the issue is minor, repairs are more affordable than replacements. If your disposal is jammed, for instance, it likely requires a simple unclogging. If it doesn’t power on, it could mean someone accidentally pressed the reset button if it doesn't power on. Talk to your pro to discuss budget-friendly repair options. 

• Start small: The size of the motor is a primary cost factor when buying a new garbage disposal. Start small to save some money here. If you live with just one or two people, go with the smallest option available, which costs $75 to $200. 

• Prepare the area: Any work you complete ahead of time saves you on labor costs. In other words, clear the immediate area so the disposal is easily accessible. If you have the experience, remove the faulty disposal ahead of time.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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