How Much Does It Cost to Install a Garbage Disposal?

by Team HomeServe
garbage disposal installed under a sink

Garbage Disposal Installation Costs at a Glance

  • Installation or replacement cost: $300, average; $250-400, range
  • Labor costs: $50 per hour, average; $45-$200 per hour, range
  • Garbage disposal removal: $25-$50
  • 1/3-HP unit: $75-$150
  • 1/2-HP unit: $75-$200
  • 3/4-HP unit: $100-$250
  • 1-HP unit: $200-$500
  • 2-HP unit: $300-$1,100

Many homeowners consider their garbage disposal unit a must-have. These units sit below your sink's plughole and grind food waste into tiny pieces that can safely pass through your wastewater pipes without clogging them.

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But — as it goes with all home appliances — you’ll eventually need to replace your garbage disposal. Here’s how much that’ll cost.

How Much Does It Cost to Add a Garbage Disposal to a Sink?

The average garbage disposal installation cost is around $300 for a 1/2-horsepower model, which should be adequate for most residential settings. This price includes the cost of installing a new P-trap. However, prices vary significantly depending on which model and horsepower rating you choose, resulting in an average price range of $250 to $400.

This price also includes labor. It should take around 3 hours for a professional contractor to install your unit. Most contractors charge around $50 per hour, giving a total labor cost of $150. However, you could pay between $45 and $200 per hour depending on the going rates in your area and the task complexity. Experienced DIYers could consider installing a garbage disposal themselves to reduce the costs of fitting a new unit.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Existing Garbage Disposal?

Replacing an existing garbage disposal unit is similar to the cost of garbage disposal installation on a sink for the first time. How much it costs varies widely depending on your model and the condition of your existing plumbing. Your contractor probably won't need to install a new P-trap, but they will need to remove your old garbage disposal, which should cost around $25 to $50. Also, you should factor in the cost of your new disposal unit and a few hours of labor to install it.

A couple of factors could add to the cost of replacing an existing garbage disposal unit. You may need to pay extra for repairs if your existing unit is difficult to remove and your sink gets damaged in the process. Your plumber might recommend upgrading the pipes or P-trap attached to the disposal if they're in poor condition.

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What’s the Price Difference Between Different Horsepower Ratings?

According to Fixr, the average price range for garbage disposal units increases according to the HP rating. Units with higher HP can grind waste more powerfully.

A 1/3-HP unit is only powerful enough for small households of one or two people, costing between $75 and $150. A 1/2-HP unit is powerful enough to meet the requirements of a four-person family. They cost between $75 and $200. A larger, 3/4-HP unit could be a good option if you have up to six people in your household and need a more powerful disposal, and you should expect to pay between $100 and $250.

Larger households of up to eight people may need a more powerful 1-HP garbage disposal, which costs between $200 and $500 on average. The most expensive garbage disposals are 2-HP models, coming in at $300 to $1,100. You probably don't need a garbage disposal this powerful unless you have a very large family and a lot of food waste, or you’re buying a unit for a commercial setting.

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the average garbage disposal unit has an expected lifespan of about 12 years. However, your unit may not last as long if you overuse it or don't follow the manufacturer's usage guidelines. Your garbage disposal's lifespan also depends on the quality of your unit.

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