How Much Does a Garbage Disposal Cost?
If you wish to cut down on the amount of food you put in your garbage, buying a garbage disposal can help. Instead of having to scrape extra food into the trash, which can attract bugs and cause a foul odor, you can scrape it into your sink and dispose of it down the drain.
How much does a garbage disposal cost?
- A garbage disposal cost can be between $50-$300. The price of a specific disposal will depend mostly on the size of the motor. Most motors will be 1/3 hp, 1/2 hp, 3/4 hp, or 1 hp. The larger the motor, the more expensive the disposal will be.
- Typically, a garbage disposal with a 1/3 hp motor will cost around $50 to $100. A disposal that is slightly more powerful with a 3/4 hp motor will cost around $130 to $300.
- A 1/3 to 1/2 hp garbage disposal is ideal for those who have a family of four. For anything larger, it’s recommended that you shop for something more powerful than 1/2.
- Commercial grade disposals that are designed for restaurants or for heavy use can cost upwards of $600 to $1,500. This will all depend on the horsepower of the motor.
- The Waste King L-2600 with a 1/2HP based motor will cost $80 to $160. The Waste King also has the L-8000 which has a 1.0 HP motor that costs anywhere from $125 to $300.
- The highly rated InSinkErator Evolution has a 3/4HP food waste disposer that will cost anywhere from $180 to $325. A cheaper version such as the Whirlaway 291 will cost anywhere from $66 to $100.
What is going to be included?
- All the parts needed to install the garbage disposal should be included. Installation directions will also be found in the box.
- Most garbage disposals will come with a limited warranty.
- There are two types of disposals on the market. One is a continuous feed, which will run via a wall switch. As long as the switch is on, the disposal will continue to run. The other type, known as a batch feed, will run once a cover is placed on top. While slower, this tends to be safest option.
What are the extra costs?
- If you would like to get the garbage disposal professionally installed, this will be an extra charge. Most companies will charge per hour for this service. Big box retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s offer professional installation if you purchase the disposal through their store. This will cost anywhere from $100+ for labor alone.
- If you purchase your garbage disposal online, you may have to pay extra for shipping.
- If you already have a garbage disposal but it is in need of repair, this may be cheaper than replacing the whole unit. Call a local plumber and ask for a quote on disposal repair.
- Cleaning will be required on a monthly basis to ensure that it runs properly. Smaller tablets can be placed within the disposal to break up any buildup as well as to keep it smelling fresh. If food tends to linger around, it can have a rotten odor.
Top brands to consider:
- Emerson
- In-Sink-Erator
- Kenmore
- KitchenAid
- Waste King
Tips to know:
- Over time, the blades within the garbage disposal will begin to dull. A great way to help aid the teeth is by disposing ice each month.
- Always make sure that you run water before the disposal is on as well as afterwards. Failing to do so can lead to malfunctions. The water will help lubricate the teeth inside of the disposal.
- Never put foods that can expand down your drain (rice,etc) and it’s also wise to keep from sending fats down the drain as well. Each of these can easily clog a drain, causing more damage.
- Research the warranty provided with the disposal. This will usually indicate how good of a product it is. Great companies are more than happy to back up their product.
- If you’re on a septic system, it’s best to purchase a disposal that will work with it. There are disposals on the market that are designed specifically for septic systems.
Questions to ask:
- What kind of garbage are you going to be placing in the disposal every day?
- How many people live in your home? The more people that live in your home, the more powerful the disposal should be.
- Are there any features that stick out to you? Features can include anti-jamming, quiet operations, a dishwasher connector and stainless steel.
- Do you have a septic tank?
How can I save money?
- Only buy the size motor that you actually need. Most household kitchens are fine with the smaller 1/3 hp. If you’re unsure of the size or the power that you need, be sure to check the older disposal that will installed underneath your kitchen sink.
- Install the garbage disposal yourself to save on installation costs. There are many tutorials available online on how you can install a disposal the right way.
- Purchase your garbage disposal from a local home improvement store rather than online to save on shipping.
How much did you spend?