How much does garbage disposal replacement or repair cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does garbage disposal replacement or repair cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does garbage disposal replacement or repair cost?

$100 – $250average garbage disposal repair cost
$200 – $550average garbage disposal replacement cost

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$100 – $250 average garbage disposal repair cost

$200 – $550 average garbage disposal replacement cost


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Sarah Noel
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Sarah Noel
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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.

Get free estimates from garbage disposal repair services near you.

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.

Average garbage disposal repair cost - Chart
Average garbage disposal repair cost - Chart
Garbage disposal repair cost
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.

Cost to fix a garbage disposal by repair type
Problem Average cost Solution
Clogged $70 – $200
  • Disassemble unit
  • Remove obstructions
  • Reset unit & flywheel
  • Inspect & clear drainpipe
  • System flush
Leaking $80 – $180
  • Tighten connections
  • Replace flange assembly with its gasket seals
  • Replace garbage-disposal dishwasher connection hose
  • Replace leaking drainpipes
  • Add putty or epoxy to seal joints
Jammed (humming sound only while running) $75 – $175
  • Disassemble unit
  • Remove obstructions
  • Reset unit & flywheel cutting plate
Won’t switch on $70 – $550
  • Remove & reset the unit
  • Fix loose wiring connections
  • Replace faulty switch, circuit, or outlet
  • Install a new motor
  • Replace the disposer unit for internal electrical problems like reset-button failure
Loose / broken impeller blades (a.k.a. “flywheel,” “shredding plate,” or “cutter wheel”) $130 – $330
  • Disassemble disposer unit
  • Remove trapped food waste that jammed the flywheel
  • Take apart internal seals with special tools
  • Replace loose or damaged parts

*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.

A leaking garbage disposal beneath a kitchen sink.
A leaking garbage disposal beneath a kitchen sink.

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.

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.

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:

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.

Get free estimates from garbage disposal repair services near you.
Activating a garbage disposal in a kitchen sink.
Activating a garbage disposal in a kitchen sink.

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.

DIY options to unclog garbage disposals
Problem DIY steps
When non-food waste falls in
  • Unplug the disposal.
  • Look inside it with a flashlight to check for any large foreign objects.
  • Remove them with pliers or tongs.
When the disposer drains too slowly
  • Pour 0.5 cup baking soda and 1.0 cup of vinegar into it.
  • Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes.
  • Rinse the mixture down the drain with boiling water.
When water won’t drain
  • Put a plunger over the drain and turn on the tap.
  • Plunge the drain until the water flows easily down the drain again.
  • When the water drains down like normal, turn on the garbage disposal for a minute or two with running water to flush the pipe.

*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:

Get free estimates from garbage disposal repair services near you.

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?