What Does it Cost to Replace a Garbage Disposal?
A trash disposal is a highly handy method to dispose of tiny amounts of food waste rather of throwing it away and allowing it to end up in a landfill. A trash disposal breaks down waste into little particles that may be flushed into your sewage or septic system without blocking it. Because it installs beneath your sink and collects trash before it reaches your pipes, you may be wondering what the typical garbage disposal cost is. You must also choose if you want manual versions or ones that operate automatically with a switch.
These disposals are convenient since they are generally inconspicuous, and anybody glancing at your sink will not notice that they are installed. They make kitchen cleaning a lot simpler and faster, and, contrary to common perception, the installation procedure is quite simple. This is particularly true if your sink is strong enough to hold the disposal in place, and your existing piping and electrical are ready for it. All of these may help you save money on trash disposal.
This system will be available in a variety of sizes that you can simply modify to meet your requirements, and it will have many characteristics such as silent operation. These factors will have an impact on the ultimate cost of trash removal. It may cost anywhere from $250 to $400 to install, with the average cost being $300 for an aluminum disposal with a new P-trap and a 12-horsepower motor. Your trash disposal cost will be approximately $200 if you have an existing trap and add a 13-horsepower motor. On the top end of the pricing range, a new P-trap and GFCI outlet for a commercial-grade 2-horsepower disposal constructed of stainless steel would set you back $1,500.
If you’re handy with tools, you can install it yourself to save about $75.00 on your trash disposal expenses. If you’re not 100% sure in your skills or don’t have the necessary equipment, it’s a smart idea to employ a professional. This is for you if you’re curious about the typical cost of trash disposal. We’ll break down all of the major cost factors to consider for this project, which will help you establish a budget and get a thorough knowledge of everything involved.
How Does Feed Type Affect Garbage Disposal Costs?
One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is the kind of feed you want for your new disposal. They’re made to operate in one of two ways, both of which are very successful. The most significant distinction between the feed kinds is timing. They either operate on a continuous feed system, in which you fill the unit while it is running, or on a batch feed system, in which you fill the unit, cover it, and then let it run.
Batch Feeding Method
Installing this kind of trash disposal during your kitchen renovation is thought to be safer. Before you turn on this kind of unit, you’ll fill it with water and cover it. It may take some time to empty the batch if the unit becomes full. If you forget to add waste, you’ll have to wait until the current batch is finished before adding it and running it again. It’s impossible to inadvertently drop anything inside since you cover it before turning it on.
It’s also worth noting that you can’t reach inside while it’s running and injure yourself. This method is ideal for individuals who don’t use the unit often and only use it when a complete batch is available. Many of these units are priced based on their size, unique features, and horsepower rather than their kind. The cost of trash disposal will vary from $75.00 to $300.00.
System of Continuous Feeding
When you switch on this system, you don’t need to cover it since it will operate constantly. When it’s on, you’ll have to keep your water running all the time, which may waste a lot of water. As the machine goes through the initial batch of trash you put in, you’ll need to keep adding rubbish to it. This enables you to dispose of a big quantity of trash at once and at a faster rate.
Because it lacks a cover, this system is dangerous to your fingers or anything else you may inadvertently drop into it. This unit is ideal if you have a lot of garbage at mealtimes or if you have a large household. The price of your trash disposal may vary depending on the horsepower, size, amenities, and materials used, but most individuals will pay between $75 and $1,100.
Prices for Various Garbage Disposals of Various Sizes
Your trash disposal’s motor size will be stated on the box in HP or horsepower. This grade indicates how much trash your disposal can handle at one time without clogging or overheating. Larger motors increase the expense of your trash disposal, both to purchase and to operate. They may also burn out faster over time, so purchase the smallest unit that will still suit your requirements and fit beneath your sink in your kitchen cabinets. Based on family size, the following sizes are for the unit only:
- 1/3-hp — This is a smaller unit that can accommodate one to two persons. It can’t handle a lot of trash at once, therefore your garbage disposal costs will be between $75 and $150.
- 1/2-Horsepower – If you don’t mind spending $75.00 to $200 on a 12-horsepower unit, you can get one. This is strong enough to handle one to four people’s average food waste.
- 3/4-Horsepower — For a family of three to six people, you’ll want a disposal with at least a 34-horsepower engine. The device will cost between $100 and $250 on its own.
- 1-Horsepower – Larger families require larger motors to keep up with the waste products, and the cost of garbage disposal will range from $200 to $500 for this size. It has the capacity to manage the waste of five to eight persons.
- 2-Horsepower — A unit with a two-horsepower motor should be considered by any household of eight or more persons. This will increase the cost of your garbage disposal by $300 to $1,100, but it is necessary to handle all of the waste products without burning out.
Different Materials’ Price Points
When it comes to trash disposals, you won’t discover that you have a lot of material options since the most of them are made of stainless steel or aluminum. Both materials are available in batch and continuous feeds, with various speeds and sizes. These materials are preferred because they are less prone to rust or corrode when exposed to moisture, but stainless steel will increase your trash disposal costs since it is more robust.
Aluminum
Of the two materials, this is the most cost-effective choice. Aluminum, on the other hand, cannot tolerate continuous water exposure or acid from food without leaking or corroding, thus you may need to replace them much sooner than a stainless one. They usually have a ten-year lifetime, thus the high expense of trash disposal does not deter people from using them.
For many single-person homes or small families, aluminum is a common choice. Both bath and continuous feed variants are available. Garbage disposals cost between $75.00 and $300 on average, depending on the model.
Stainless Steel
Consider buying a stainless steel disposal if you’re prepared to spend a bit extra. They have little chance of leaking or corroding, and they may endure far longer than aluminum. These units are popular in high-volume homes with eight or more people, as well as commercial settings and for individuals who like to party on their patios or porches.
Almost all stainless steel units are continuous feed, but if you search hard enough, you may locate a batch feed system. Because they last longer, the cost of your trash disposal machine will rise, and you may anticipate to spend between $400 and $1,100.
Brands of Garbage Disposal and Their Prices
When it comes to garbage disposals, there are several well-known brands to choose from, and each company has its own set of features and attributes that can make it appealing to your home. Choosing a well-known brand will help you get high-quality materials and a long-lasting build, and some of the most popular brands include:
InSinkErator
This is one of the most well-known and well-established trash removal companies in the world. This was most likely the brand you had if you had a trash disposal in the early years. You can pick from a variety of units, including specialty models with different speeds and sound-dampening features to help the unit run more efficiently. They are available in both continuous and batch feed systems, and the average cost of garbage disposal for this brand is between $100 and $200.
Moen
This is a well-known brand in the plumbing industry, and most plumbers will recommend it if you ask. This brand offers a wide variety of kinds, styles, and sizes, as well as a number of useful features. Some trash disposals have sound reduction and power cables, allowing you to keep your garbage disposal expenses down by avoiding the need for an electrician during installation. The prices range from $80.00 to $300.00.
King of Waste
These garbage disposals are designed to be simple to use and install, and they come in a variety of sizes. Each model comes with a built-in plug, allowing you to install it without having to hardwire it. A majority of them come with a minimum five-year guarantee, which assures that you receive continuous performance. They provide continuous and batch-feed versions, and the size of the machine determines the cost of trash disposal. It may cost anything from $75.00 to $400.00.
Installing a Garbage Disposal
Installing a trash disposal may take anywhere from two to four hours on average. The time will vary depending on whether you have existing disposal piping, the size and type of disposal, the present plumbing and sink conditions, and if you have an electrical socket or outlet nearby. To assist avoid issues, it’s a good idea to run a drain cleaner through your pipes before the professional arrives.
Your contractor will turn off the water and power to the area during the installation. Before cleaning it of any old putty, they’ll remove the existing sink flange and piping. They’ll then replace the mounting ring on the bottom of your sink before installing the disposal. This is when they’ll connect it up to the power and, if necessary, your dishwasher.
They’ll connect the drain before attaching the disposal to the mount after they’ve completed these procedures. The remainder of your plumbing will be connected to the dishwasher and disposal after that. They’ll connect the power before checking everything to make sure it works. Finally, the contractors will install a leak-proof seal. Labor costs for trash disposal range from $200 to $1,500.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Kitchen Sink with a Garbage Disposal?
When you install a new kitchen sink, such as a stainless steel choice, you should think about upgrading or installing a disposal if you don’t already have one. Kitchen sinks come in a wide variety of installation methods, sizes, and shapes, and these may affect the price of your trash disposal. It is not feasible to install the disposal on the same day if you have an undermount sink. Because the epoxy needs time to cure, the plumber will need to return to your house 24 to 48 hours after the first installation to connect up the disposal. With a surface-mounted sink, you may install the disposal the same day.
For a drop-in type, your new kitchen sink installation will cost about $400 on average. When you include in the expense of trash disposal, the total comes to approximately $700. Your plumber may give you a discount if you install both.
Because the plumber must return a second time to install an undermount sink, you’ll have to include an extra trip fee into your trash disposal cost. It’s worth double-checking since some plumbers may not charge an additional cost. If they do, increase your overall trash disposal expenses by $20.00 to $50.00.
The cost of the Garbage Disposal Mount is as follows:
The garbage disposal is installed directly beneath the sink opening. When you look down into your sink, the flange and mounting hardware are visible on the side. The ring is put into place extremely securely on top of your sink. This is the location where your garbage disposal will be placed. The device will arrive with a ring, but owing to normal wear and tear, you will need to replace it sooner or later. This will increase the cost of replacing your trash disposal by $15.00 to $25.00.
The Cost of Replacing Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals typically last between 10 and 12 years before needing to be replaced. They may ultimately collapse due to a variety of factors. You may notice, for example, that you have to click the reset button often to get it to function or that you have clogs. If this is the case, it may be time for a replacement unit.
Many plumbers remove the old unit at the same hourly fee as they install the new one. Garbage disposal prices may start to increase depending on the length of time it takes to install the new unit and the intricacy of the job. The state of the pipes will also factor costs, although typical removals cost between $25.00 and $50.00. It will cost more if they have to repair more pipes.
If you replace the disposal and damage the electrical or kitchen, you may have to spend extra for an electrician or contractor to come out and repair it. They may need to fix minor electrical issues, restore or replace cabinets or countertops, or resurface the backsplash or walls.
For simple plumbing, building, or cleaning tasks, hiring a skilled contractor will raise your overall trash disposal expenses by $60.00 to $90.00 per hour. They can fix damage to your kitchen walls and cabinets, as well as restore your countertops and cabinets. You’ll need a professional electrician if you have more serious electrical problems. The hourly rate will range from $40.00 to $120.
Repairing a Garbage Disposal Cost
Even though your trash disposal may endure for years, it is susceptible to issues such as jams, blockages, and broken mounts with time. The cost of replacing a broken mount in your trash disposal is usually about $100 in labor and $15.00 to $25.00 for the part. The cost of repairing a jammed or blocked device is usually about $50.00. If the machine has be dismantled to repair the clog or jam, the cost rises to $100 to $150. If the unit leaks, particularly if the housing breaks, it may be time to replace it.
How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal in Good Working Order
The amount of money it costs to maintain your trash disposal is determined by the age of the unit, how frequently you use it, and the kind of things you put through it. To maintain it clean and free of blockages, you should run it often, and you should always run water before, during, and after continuous feeds.
Because this may create blockages, you should never put entire, big, or solid objects inside the unit. Make it a habit to check beneath the sink for leaks on a regular basis. You may also clean the unit on a regular basis by putting half a cup of baking soda into it, followed by half a cup of vinegar, and then running it and washing it with water.
Price and Optional Features
You may add a variety of extra features to your trash disposal to make it more easy to operate, but they will all increase your garbage disposal prices. The following are the most popular items:
- Anti-Jamming — Anti-jamming technology is incorporated into newer disposals at no extra expense. This function may assist keep the device operating smoothly by preventing blockage. Some older models may need a specific wrench or key, which can be purchased for about $7.00.
- Baffle – A baffle may be placed around your sink’s drain to prevent objects such as cutlery from falling into the unit by mistake. They’ll add approximately $15.00 to your trash disposal bill.
- Dishwasher Drain – For about $12.00, you can simply connect your dishwasher to your trash disposal. This will clear dirt and trash from the pipes that the dishwasher would usually push through. It eases the pressure on your plumbing system.
- Push Button Safety Feature — Some garbage disposals are controlled by a light switch, while others are controlled by push buttons. The total cost of the trash disposal system will be about $100, and it may be mounted on the sink, counter, or cabinet. For about $40.00, you can get a push button system with a sink top switch to activate the disposal.
- Scent Release Flange – If your garbage disposal emits an unpleasant odor, you may wish to invest in a scent release flange. This will seal the disposal’s lid, preventing odors from entering. Most home improvement shops sell these for about $30.00.
- Disposal Treatment Dispenser – Disposal treatments will aid in the removal of foul smells from the disposal. A bottle will set you back about $8.00.
Where Can You Find Experts in Garbage Disposal Installation Near You?
When it comes to installing your trash disposal, it’s critical that you get a professional to assist you so that you don’t run into any issues.
Where Can You Find Experts in Garbage Disposal Installation Near You?
When it comes to installing your trash disposal, it’s critical that you get a professional to assist you so that you don’t run into any issues. Give us a call – (888) 758-9103
Most Commonly Asked Questions
1. Will your new trash disposal need the services of an electrician or a plumber to install?
Almost any plumber you speak with should be able to install your new trash disposal. If they need to install a new GFCI outlet to connect the disposal into, you’ll need to hire an electrician.
2. What is the average time it takes to install a trash disposal?
This project takes between one and three hours to finish on average. It may, however, last longer if you have to change the plumbing beneath the sink.
3. What should you keep out of your trash disposal?
Solid or entire objects should not be disposed of in the garbage disposal. It’s also a good idea to avoid putting inorganic debris or bones inside it, since this may create blockages or jams.
4. Is it possible to install a trash disposal beneath any sink?
If you have a fireplace sink, you don’t want to use a trash disposal. This item has the potential to break and spill the sink.
Conclusion
Your trash disposal expenses will be determined by a number of variables, and determining which ones relate to you can assist you in developing a budget. It also provides you a clear idea of the extent of the job when you phone around for estimates from plumbers in your region. Once it’s up and running, you’ll be able to cut down on waste and speed up kitchen cleaning.
This article is accurate and true to the best of SmartLiving’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.