How much does garbage disposal replacement or repair cost?
How much does garbage disposal replacement or repair cost?
$100 – $250 average garbage disposal repair cost
$200 – $550 average garbage disposal replacement cost
Garbage disposal replacement costs
The cost to replace a garbage disposal is $200 to $550 on average for the new parts and labor. A new unit alone costs $100 to $300. Total replacement costs depend on the accessibility, how much piping needs replacing, and the electrical work required.
Average garbage disposal repair cost
Garbage disposal repair costs $100 to $250 on average. The cost to replace a garbage disposal is $200 to $550 total. The cost to unclog a garbage disposal is $70 to $200. The labor cost to fix a garbage disposal is $50 to $125 per hour.
| National average cost | $175 |
|---|---|
| Minimum cost | $70 |
| Maximum cost | $550 |
| Average range | $100 to $250 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Cost to fix a garbage disposal by repair type
The cost to fix a garbage disposal depends on the issue and repair type.
| Problem | Average cost | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged | $70 – $200 |
|
| Leaking | $80 – $180 |
|
| Jammed (humming sound only while running) | $75 – $175 |
|
| Won’t switch on | $70 – $550 |
|
| Loose / broken impeller blades (a.k.a. “flywheel,” “shredding plate,” or “cutter wheel”) | $130 – $330 |
|
*Prices include all labor & part replacements.
Cost to unclog a garbage disposal
The cost to unclog a garbage disposal is $70 to $200 on average, according to the blockage severity. The cost to snake a drain is $225 to $500 when using a roto rooter. Obstructions in the garbage disposal will eventually break the unit and affect other plumbing parts.
Signs of a clog include:
Slow draining
Water coming up the drain
Unusual grinding noises
Garbage disposal leak repair cost
A garbage disposal leak repair costs $80 to $180 on average. Replacing leaking sink drainpipes costs $100 to $350. Replacing an old seal or fixing a leaky flange are the most common fixes. Older units with cracked casing leaks are more cost-effective to replace.
Cost to repair a jammed garbage disposal
The cost to repair a jammed garbage disposal is $75 to $175 on average. A jammed disposal typically hums without grinding when a small object gets stuck in the grinding chamber. The technician removes the unit, frees the flywheel, and extracts foreign objects within 45 to 60 minutes.
If the metal parts inside the disposer unit have rusted badly, and the disposal hums without moving, then the internal housing is unrepairable. Replace the unit instead.
Cost to fix a garbage disposal that won’t turn on
The cost to fix a garbage disposal that won’t turn on is $70 to $550, depending on the cause of the electrical failure. Simple solutions include switch replacement or fixing a loose connection. More expensive repairs include replacing the outlet, motor, or the entire disposer unit.
Before calling a technician, try unplugging the disposal and then plugging it back in, pressing the reset button, or resetting the circuit breaker.
Labor costs to fix a garbage disposal
The labor cost to fix a garbage disposal is $50 to $125 per hour on average. Most companies have a minimum service fee of $70 to $130 for a diagnostic report only. This fee typically goes to the total repair labor if they also replace parts.
Labor rates depend on the professional and service needed:
Plumber rates are $45 to $150 per hour.
Handyman prices are $50 to $80 per hour.
Other cost factors include:
Home age – Disposers in older homes with hard-to-access wiring and plumbing take longer to repair.
Labor – Labor rates depend on the location and skill level. Extra travel fees apply outside of local service areas.
New outlet – The cost to replace an electrical outlet is $80 to $200.
GFCI circuit protection – The cost to install a new GFCI outlet is $150 to $350.
Wiring upgrade – An electrician costs $40 to $100 per hour to bring old wiring up to code.
Emergency service – After-hours fees cost $140 to $400 minimum for urgent service on weekends and holidays.
Warranty – Units under warranty have free part replacements, but homeowners typically must still pay labor fees.
DIY cost to repair a garbage disposal
DIY prices to repair a garbage disposal include:
A stopper costs $10 to $20.
A splash guard costs $10 to $15.
A knockout plug costs $5 to $10.
| Problem | DIY steps |
|---|---|
| When non-food waste falls in |
|
| When the disposer drains too slowly |
|
| When water won’t drain |
|
*These tips apply for minor clogs only. Call a plumber if none of the above works.
Garbage disposal replacement FAQs
How do you know if a garbage disposal is broken?
Signs of a broken garbage disposal include:
Failure to switch on
Disposer that runs without grinding
Leaking water under the sink
Frequent clogging
Jammed unit
Strange noises
Unusually slow operation
Who fixes garbage disposals?
People who fix garbage disposals are:
A plumber
A handyman
The local garbage disposal installation company
Electricians for faulty wiring or outlet problems
General appliance repairers
How long does a garbage disposal last?
A garbage disposal lasts 8 to 12 years on average, depending on the brand, size, and usage frequency. Ensure the longest lifespan by following the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions.
Getting estimates from garbage disposal services
Before hiring a garbage disposal repair company near you:
Examine multiple quotes from experienced installers.
Ask for proof of plumbing certification or other local training.
Check that the company has licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Keep copies of the detailed estimate, contract, and warranties.
Beware of the cheapest bids that often result in poor-quality work.
Never give a full payment before work begins.
Questions to ask
How many garbage disposals have you fixed, and which types?
What’s your minimum service and diagnostic fee?
Should I get a bigger garbage disposer unit instead of repairing this one?
Do you work with electrician subcontractors to upgrade my wiring?
What caused these damages, and how can I prevent them in the future?
Do you know all the local building code requirements for disposers?
Can you install a new wireless switch for the unit?
If you have to order a new part, how long will it take to come in?
How long will this job take?
Does this price include all materials, labor, and cleanup fees?
Will you offer a labor guarantee?