How Much Does a Garbage Disposal Cost?

The garbage disposal unit is one of the best innovations to feature in the kitchen. It is a typical installation in many households and works by shredding food pieces in the sink to tiny pieces, that can easily be disposed of.

So, how much does a garbage disposal cost? This is a question several homeowners have, especially if they would like to find an efficient and pocket-friendly way to handle their kitchen waste. If you have this question, you are in the right place, as this article will tackle your concerns.

The Cost of a Garbage Disposal Unit

Like with any household equipment, the cost of a garbage disposal unit will vary depending on several factors. As such, you cannot put a standard price on all of them.

One factor to look at is the material of build. There are two types that you will come across and they use either aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum units are more affordable and cost from $70 to $150 per unit. The downside with aluminum disposers is that they are prone to corrosion and leaks.

Stainless steel disposal units are sturdy and less prone to corrosion. They go for around $170 to $300.

Another factor to look at is the power of the motor. Those with a 1/3 horsepower cost around $50 to $80, while those with 1/2 horsepower costs from $70 to $180.

The 3/4 horsepower units have a range of $120 to $200, and 1 hp models can fetch up to $300. The prices will also depend on other elements such as the manufacturer and the material.

You also need to understand that there are two types of waste disposal units focusing on the mode of operation; the continuous feed and the batch feed. The former is very common in most households as it is cheaper and easy to use. It runs as long as the switch is on and has an average price of $150.

The batch feed garbage disposer is safe to use and requires you to put the waste first before turning it on. The average price of this disposer is $250.

How Much Does Installation Cost?

Once you have your waste disposal unit, you need to install it for it to serve you. The installation cost is something that you need to know for budgeting purposes. Most retailers of the garbage disposers include installation costs on the final price of the units.

The average range of the installation cost is $220 on the lower end and around $450 on the upper side. However, you need to know the earlier mentioned elements such as material, model, and speed can lower the cost significantly.

For DIYers, the cost can be low when you consider they handle the installation on their own. If you have the technical know-how, you can get an affordable unit around $90 and fix it on your own.

However, if you do not understand the installation of these kitchen units, it is advisable to leave it to the pros to avoid any mishaps. The unit can take roughly three hours to install, with labor costing you like $20 per hour. The technician should have some plumbing knowledge to avoid a fracas.

Wiring costs might also set you back if you do not have a grounded outlet for power supply. The wiring items’ prices might be around $10, about $100 to hire an electrician and $40 for labor. To be on the safe side with your budget, you need to set aside around $120 to $150 for installation.

How Much Does Replacement Cost?

The waste disposal unit will wear after long periods of use, and you need to replace it to manage your kitchen garbage. Among the telltale signs to look at to know that the unit is past its working days include low power, leakages, and the blades not cutting correctly.

In such a situation, large chunks of waste may find their way to the sewerage system, beating the kitchen disposer’s purpose.

Replacement of the unit will require you to buy a new one. In this case, the costs remain constant, maybe less wiring charges. Labor is standard, and you will have to pay for it.

At times, the cost of replacement can be higher, especially if there is structural damage to pipes and the surrounding wood or concrete. If removal is a problem, you can pay around $20 to $30 for uninstalling the old unit.

Drywall repair can be roughly $100 and countertop replacement ranging from $20 to $110 per square foot. If the flooring needs replacement, be ready to part with $5 to $25 per square foot.

If you can do the repairs on your own, you can save a lot on labor costs.

When Purchasing a New Unit

When you look at the replacement costs, you get a hint of how costly it can be. And when getting a new one, focus on quality, looking at the motors’ material and power to serve you well. It is advisable to go for a $300 unit plus installation costs, which can serve you for a long time without compelling replacements or you can choose to buy a pre-installed garbage disposal for saving installation cost.

Also, be on the lookout for jams as they can reduce the life of this kitchen equipment. Should it jam, try to open it up or call a technician to clear up the mess. You may also look at repairs that are more affordable than replacements, and can improve the longevity of the waste disposal unit.

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Final Words

The garbage disposal features in almost 50% of USA households. It has significance in maintaining the sewerage and plumbing systems, where it is responsible for reduced clogs.

This article answers questions such as how much does a garbage disposal cost, installation, and replacement costs. This information is vital for anyone who wants to install the waste disposal unit in their home or any premise for kitchen garbage management.