How much does it cost to install a garbage disposal?

Garbage disposals are a convenient way of disposing of leftover food waste in the kitchen. Rather than needing to put the waste into the garbage, where it could potentially end up in a landfill, garbage disposals let you grind the waste up into tiny particles that can be flushed to the septic tank or sewer.

Garbage disposals come in many sizes depending on a family’s needs, and many offer other features as well, such as quiet operation, that can cause costs to vary. Installing a garbage disposal costs around $250 - $400, with the average homeowner typically paying around $300 to have one installed.

Garbage disposal installation

Pros and cons

Garbage disposals are convenient and handy, but they aren’t for everyone. Like all optional appliances, they have many positive attributes, as well as a few potential drawbacks to consider.

Pros

Most modern garbage disposals are extremely efficient, quick, and quiet. They help eliminate odors caused by a build-up of decaying food in the garbage, and allow users to simply scrape and rinse a plate or dish straight into the sink before washing. In some cases, garbage disposals can be seen as an eco-friendly alternative to simply putting more garbage into landfills.

Cons

However, garbage disposals are also prone to clogs, particularly if too large an item was put into them. If they aren’t properly cleaned and maintained, they can also clog up your pipes. They may develop odors if too much food is left inside of them for too long, and some cheaper models are also prone to leaks. Some models may also be loud, while other models are not meant to be used with specific sinks or with septic tanks, meaning that there is sometimes a high learning curve involved in choosing the right model.

Feed type

Garbage disposals are designed to work in one of two ways. Either through what’s known as a batch feed, where the unit is filled, then covered before it is turned on, or through a continuous feed, where the unit can be filled while it is running.

Both methods are highly effective and reducing waste and clearing it. The biggest difference is in timing. With a batch disposal, you fill the unit, cover it, then turn it on. If it’s completely full, it will take a little while to clear through the waste, and if you find you forgot something, you need to wait until it’s done to put the new waste in.

Continuous feed disposals work constantly and do not require covering. They do require constantly running water, however, which can lead to extra water waste. Once the unit is running, you can keep adding more waste to it, and it will dispose of large amounts slightly faster than a batch feed. Keep in mind, however, that because it isn’t covered, a continuous feed can be a hazard for fingers, and dropped utensils. Batch feeds are therefore considered the safer model.

In most cases, continuous feeds are best for large families and users that will have a lot of waste, while batch feeds may be the better choice for people who will use the unit less frequently.

There is little difference in price between the two styles; most costs for garbage disposals are due to size, horse power, and unit material. Both batch and continuous feed disposals start around $75, with average units costing around $150 each.

Material

Most garbage disposals are made of one of two materials - aluminum and stainless steel. Both come in continuous and batch feeds and both come in a wide range of sizes and speeds.

The biggest differences between them come down to cost and durability. Aluminum models are much less expensive than stainless steel. They start around $75 and don’t go much higher than $300 for most models. However, they are more prone to corrosion and leaks, which can mean they don’t last as long.

Stainless steel units are more expensive, with some units costing more than $1,000. They can last significantly longer, however, with no risk of corrosion or leaking. In most cases, stainless steel units are primarily used by very high volume households and commercial uses, however, where that durability will offset the price tag. Many average households will find that an aluminum unit will work well for roughly 10 years, and that the lower cost is therefore justified.

Motor size

Motor sizes for garbage disposal are given in horsepower, or HP. These correspond directly to how much waste the unit can handle, and suggested sizes are usually based on how many users are in a household.

• For households with 1-2 people, a ⅓ to ½ HP motor is sufficient. These typically cost between $50 and $150.
• For households with 3-6 people, a ½ to ¾ HP motor is needed, at around $100-$250 for the unit.
• Households with 5-8 people need at least a ¾ HP motor, but a 1 HP motor is best, at price points from $200-$500.

Keep in mind, that larger motors not only cost more to purchase, they also cost more to run. Larger units may also burn out faster over time, so it’s best to get the smallest unit that will accommodate your needs.

Installation

Installation of a garbage disposal takes between two and four hours on average, with times ranging depending on whether the existing plumbing is set up for a disposal or not, whether this is an outlet or electrical receptacle nearby, what the current sink and plumbing conditions are, and what type and size the disposal is.

During installation, water and electricity are shut off to the area. The old plumbing and sink flange are removed and cleaned of any putty.

The new mounting ¹ ring is installed on the bottom of the sink, and the disposal is readied for installation, including getting it set up for electricity and for hooking up to the dishwasher if needed.

The drain is connected, and the disposal hooked up to its mount ¹. The rest of the plumbing is reconnected to the disposal and to the dishwasher. The electricity is hooked up, and everything is sealed and tested.

Labor

The labor costs for disposal installation are mostly time related. If everything is ready, in good condition, and the disposal is on hand and easily put in, the plumber will likely only charge for an hour or two of time. If things need to be modified, replaced, or moved to accommodate the disposal, this will take longer, and will up the number of hours needed and therefore the total costs. Most plumbers charge between $45 and $65 per hour, with most disposal installations running $50 per hour for three hours total, making the labor costs roughly $150.

Replacement

Most disposals will last between 10 and 12 years before needing replacement. Signs that your disposal needs to be replaced include needing to press the reset button frequently, the blades no longer chopping up the waste well or taking longer to chop up the waste, leaking from the bottom of the unit, frequent clogs, or visible corrosion on the unit itself.

Most plumbers will remove the old unit to install the new one at the same hourly rate. This can increase the amount of time needed to install the new unit, therefore increasing costs. This really depends on what condition the rest of the pipes are in, and how hard the old unit is to remove. In many cases, removal will only add an additional $25 to $50 to the total costs, but in some cases the costs could be higher if additional pipes must also be replaced.

If there is damage to the kitchen involved when replacing your garbage disposal, you may need to pay more for additional handyman services. Some common tasks for these often-independent contractors may include repairing minor electrical connections, resurfacing walls or backsplash ², and restoring/replacing your counters or cabinets. Expect to pay a professional handyman between $60 and $90 per hour for basic construction, plumbing, and cleaning tasks. A handyman should be able to repair damage to your kitchen walls, as well as restore counters and cabinetry. As for most larger electrical issues with your disposal, only allow a licensed electrician to assess and resolve the situation. An electrician usually fetches around $65-$85 per hour.

Maintenance

The level ³ of maintenance your disposal unit will need can vary depending on how often it’s used, its age, and the type of items you’re putting in it. Make sure to run it frequently to keep it clear and always run water before and after using it, as well as during for continuous feeds.

Do not put large, whole, or solid items into the unit, as these could cause it to clog. Check it frequently for leaks, and if necessary clean the unit with by pouring in half a cup of baking soda, and following with an equal amount of vinegar before running and rinsing with water.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Anti-jamming units

New disposals come with anti-jamming technology at no extra cost. This helps prevent clogs and keeps the unit running. Some older models, however, need a special key or wrench, which can be purchased for around $7 that can help free up jams.

Baffle

Garbage disposal baffles can be placed around the drain to help prevent items from falling to the unit, such as utensils. They cost around $15.

Treatment dispenser

If your unit frequently develops odors, it is possible to purchase disposal treatments that can help clean it and keep it odor free. They cost around $8 per treatment bottle.

Push button system

Some units operate from a lightswitch, while others use a push button switch mounted ¹ nearby. They cost roughly $100 for the entire system, and can be mounted ¹ on the counter, sink, or cabinet for convenience.

For around $40,you may choose to purchase a push button kit that allows for a sink-top switch button to operate your disposal. These sink switch kits are made to be easily mounted ¹, and will usually take your plumber less than an hour to install, at average plumbing costs of approximately $45-$65 per hour.

Diswasher drain connectors

For about $12, you can route your dishwasher to the garbage disposal with a dishwasher drain connector, which helps rid the pipes of debris and waste that your dishwasher would otherwise push through your system. This can help reduce the strain on your plumbing from food particles and debris and prevent potential clogs and problems.

Scent release flange

If you notice an odor or unpleasant smell coming from your unit, which is not uncommon, consider investing in a flange that can seal up and cover the top of the disposal, where foul smells can escape. These flanges are widely available and easy to install, costing around $30 at home improvement or hardware stores.

Additional considerations and costs

• Garbage disposals must use a grounded outlet for power. If you do not have one already installed nearby, one can be added for around $120.
• You can install garbage disposals in most sinks. Fireclay sinks, however, will crack with the use of a disposal unit. If you have a septic tank, you will also need a special type of disposal used just for this purpose.
• Many models include a two year warranty, which can help protect you from manufacturer defects, which may show up in the first two years of use.
• If you live in an area with a septic system and drain field ⁴, you will need a special disposal made for this purpose. Because leach fields ⁴ must clear the water and the tank needs to be able to drain properly, the unit must cut up waste even finer to avoid clogs and environmental hazards.
• If you have the tools and some plumbing experience, it may be possible to install a disposal DIY in roughly an afternoon.
• Disposals may make a home more attractive to buyers, but do not significantly increase the resale value of a home.
• Most garbage disposals will last roughly 10 to 12 years, so their purchase price should be considered as an investment for this time.
• New disposals are equipped with overload protection. They will shut off automatically if the system clogs, overheats, or becomes overloaded. They include a button that allows you to reset the unit to get it working again. There is often no additional cost associated with this protection.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

² Backsplash: The upright surface, often made of tile, behind a kitchen counter, sink, or stove, that protects the wall from damage from splatter due to kitchen activities