Nothing beats dumping vegetable scraps into the base of the sink and activating a switch for quick and simple cleanup for a harried home chef. However, if your garbage disposal is getting on in years or if you've always wanted to install one, it's time to think about how much you can expect to pay.
Depending on the model, scope, and local labor rates, the typical cost of a garbage disposal is $400.
Garbage Disposal Installation Price Breakdown by Job Size
Uncommonly, garbage disposals operate somewhat differently. For instance, there aren't any chopping blades near the drain's entry. Instead, food is sent to a rotating disc with a ring of cutting shredders. Then, these shredders reduce it to a size that can fit within your wastewater pipe.
It can be time for a replacement when a garbage disposal leaks, the motor burns out, or if it simply stops turning back on when you press the reset button.
Nevertheless, the size of the project and the extent to which the system requires installation or repair will greatly influence the price of a garbage disposal. Let's examine several projects and their typical costs.
Replacement
If you already have a garbage disposal installed, you probably won't need to spend extra money on wiring or piping, which we'll discuss later. A new garbage disposal typically costs $400, including labor and parts.
Insert new wiring
First-time garbage disposal installers could also require the assistance of an electrician. For instance, a grounded electrical outlet must be used for the disposal. If you don't have access to local wiring, increase your material and hookup costs by roughly $90, bringing your whole cost to about $490. Expect to spend an additional $50 to $100 on supplies if the new electrical cable is longer than 10 feet.
Put in a new sink
Think about the expense of a new sink while building a new house or constructing a kitchen. In addition to the price of the garbage disposal itself, sink installation is about $400.
How Can I Get the Best Garbage Disposal for My Money?
The first thing you usually ask when starting a home improvement project is, "How much can I afford?" The price of garbage disposal varies according to the brand, size, and amount of installation work required. Let's examine a couple typical ranges.
$50 to $350
This is the typical range when doing a garbage disposal installation yourself. Your average cost will fall on the lower end of this range if you select a tiny motor and brand in the lower price bracket.
$350 to $600
You may anticipate paying somewhere in this pricing range for a regular garbage disposal installation whether you are in the center of Manhattan or the Nebraskan prairies. The disposal itself, installation labor, and occasionally additional wiring are all included in the cost. If your home uses a septic system to manage its wastewater, you'll need a slightly different garbage disposal.
$600 and Up
Include expenditures for greater horse-power motors, elaborate wiring, and sink installation once you pass the $600 threshold. This is the typical pricing range for refurbishment projects with add-ons.
Cost of Doing Your Own Garbage Disposal Installation
Choose to install a garbage disposal yourself to save $90 to $250. Only the model itself will cost you anything; prices range from $50 to $350, depending on the brand, size, and type of machine. You're set to go once you include in the $30 price of basic tools.
If the wiring and piping are already in place, installing or replacing a garbage disposal yourself is an option. It's critical to contact a professional as soon as you enter the electrical and plumbing area.
According to Raleigh, North Carolina-based general contractor Bob Tschudi, "The most typical DIY error we find when someone installs a new trash disposal is neglecting to knock out the dishwashing plug in the new machine." Therefore, be sure to carefully follow the instructions if you have a dishwasher.
Cost Breakdown for Installation of Garbage Disposals
If you have all the necessary components, installing a garbage disposal is simple and quick. When you get an estimate from a professional, it usually contains:
- Materials
- Labor
- Cost of removing outdated components
- Hourly wage for an electrician
- Hourly rate for a plumber
How Much Does Each Type of New Garbage Disposal Cost?
Continuous feed and batch feed disposals are the two primary varieties that have gained popularity over time. Most residences have continuous feed garbage disposals. Turn on a switch next to the sink, start the water running, and then add the food scraps as you choose.
Typically, batch feed garbage disposals turn on after you put "batches of food" down the drain and then turn the grinder on by pushing or twisting the cap. These sometimes forego the requirement for a difficult wiring hookup, although they are typically 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?
Which foods are safe to flush down the drain depend on the horsepower of your garbage disposal engine, just like a car. Higher horsepower results in stronger grinding capabilities and, often, higher model prices.
Motor Strength: Cost:
⅓ Horsepower $50 – $100
½ Horsepower $75 – $125
¾ Horsepower $125 – $200
1 Horsepower $150 – $300
What Elements Affect the Price of Installing a Garbage Disposal?
Finally, pick the waste disposal that improves your cooking experience while also fitting your budget. Consider a machine with additional horsepower if you intend to feed it more fibrous materials.
Your find cost is primarily affected by the following:
- The installation's size (plumbing, wiring, etc.)
- Your residence
- Whether you're installing a new garbage disposal or replacing an old one
- The motor's dimensions
- Your favorite brand
Installation Questions for New Garbage Disposals
How can I tell when a garbage disposal has to be replaced?
Since garbage disposals typically last around 10 years, it could be time for a new model if yours is getting on in years. Other indications that hiring a local garbage disposal expert is necessary include:
- Leaks available to you
- Recurring obstructions
- Persistent odors
- Absence of electricity
- Unidentified noises
Why should I choose a garbage disposal with continuous feed?
There is a good reason why continuous feed garbage disposals are the style that most homeowners prefer. Add food scraps down the sink anytime the disposal is running as opposed to batch feed models. Additionally, this version is often more practical, less expensive, and cleaner.
What other tasks should I complete concurrently?
Consider paying to have a kitchen sink faucet installed, updating the spray hose on your sink, or even repairing plumbing pipes that have been giving you trouble if changing your trash disposal ignites your desire for improvement.
