Plumbing cost guide
Garbage Disposal Replacement Cost in 2026: Unit Price, Labor & Add-Ons
Garbage disposal replacement typically costs $200 to $625 (about $550 on average). Compare unit price by horsepower, feed type, labor, and common add-ons.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Cost Snapshot
$200 – $625
Replacing a garbage disposal typically costs between $200 and $625, with a published average of about $550, according to Angi and HomeAdvisor's 2026 data. Both pages also quote a wider $150 to $950 range in their text. The unit is a modest share of the bill: $50 to $225 for 1/3 to 1/2 HP, $120 to $310 for 5/8 to 3/4 HP, and $200 to $400 for 1 to 1-1/4 HP, while a Home Depot 1/2 HP continuous-feed unit was listed at $129.00 on 2026-10-09. Fixr, an independent publisher, reports a $500 average and a $300 to $600 range from January 2025.
Typical planning range based on the published references reviewed for this guide. Use it to prepare questions and compare written, itemized contractor proposals. Actual costs vary with project scope, materials, access, permits, and local conditions.
Parts vs. Labor Breakdown
| Component | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Materials / equipment | $50 – $400 | Disposal unit by motor size: $50 to $225 for 1/3 to 1/2 HP, $120 to $310 for 5/8 to 3/4 HP, and $200 to $400 for 1 to 1-1/4 HP (Angi and HomeAdvisor). A Home Depot 1/2 HP continuous-feed unit with power cord was $129.00 on 2026-10-09. Equipment only. |
| Labor | $50 – $200 | Plumber labor to remove the old unit and install the new one. Angi reports $50 to $100 per hour and about 1 hour for a replacement (1 to 4 hours in its FAQ); HomeAdvisor lists plumbers at $45 to $200 per hour. The 1 to 2 hour assumption and the resulting $50 to $200 are planning figures. Benchmark: BLS reports a May 2025 national median wage of $30.67 per hour for plumbers and pipefitters. |
| supplies additional | $10 – $90 | Common accessories, priced per item by HomeAdvisor: dishwasher drain connector $10 to $40, push button $40 to $90, baffle $5 to $45, septic assist cartridge $10 to $50. All optional. |
Cost by Size & Scope
| Size / scope | Typical coverage | Estimated installed cost | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical replacement (Angi and HomeAdvisor) | Most kitchen sink replacements | $200 – $625 | $550 |
| Typical replacement (Fixr) | Independent publisher, January 2025 | $300 – $600 | $500 |
| Low to high scenario (Fixr) | From a 1/3 HP aluminum unit on an existing outlet to a 3/4 HP stainless steel unit with a new outlet | $200 – $750 | $475 |
Cost by Equipment & Installation Method
| Type | Spec | Typical cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/3 to 1/2 HP | Unit price only | $50 – $225 | Entry-level motor. |
| 5/8 to 3/4 HP | Unit price only | $120 – $310 | Mid-range motor. |
| 1 to 1-1/4 HP | Unit price only | $200 – $400 | Highest-power motor. |
| Continuous Feed | Unit price only (feed type) | $75 – $1,000 | Grinds continuously while the switch is on. |
| Batch Feed | Unit price only (feed type) | $75 – $300 | Runs only with the stopper lid in place. |
| Aluminum Units | Unit price only (material; alternative to horsepower) | $75 – $300 | Lower-cost material class. |
| Stainless Steel Units | Unit price only (material; alternative to horsepower) | $400 – $1,100 | Higher-cost, corrosion-resistant material class. |
Additional Line Items Often Needed
| Item | Typical cost | Necessity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficult Removal | $50 – $100 | As Needed | Added when the old unit is hard to take out. |
| Dishwasher Drain Connector | $10 – $40 | Common | Connects a dishwasher that drains through the disposal. |
| Push-Button Switch | $40 – $90 | Optional | A push-button switch in place of a wall switch. |
| Baffle (Splash Guard) | $5 – $45 | Optional | Replacement baffle for the sink opening. |
| Septic Assist Cartridge | $10 – $50 | Optional | For homes on a septic system. |
| Anti-Jam Tool | $10 – $50 | Optional | Hand tool for clearing a jammed unit. |
| Electrician for New Outlet or Wiring | $50 – $100 per hour | As Needed | HomeAdvisor lists electricians at $50 to $100 per hour. Neither source publishes a total for wiring work. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal?
Angi and HomeAdvisor report a typical range of $200 to $625 and an average of about $550 in 2026, with a wider $150 to $950 range in the text. Fixr, an independent publisher, reports a $500 average and a $300 to $600 range from January 2025.
How much does the disposal unit itself cost?
By motor size, Angi and HomeAdvisor list $50 to $225 for 1/3 to 1/2 HP, $120 to $310 for 5/8 to 3/4 HP, and $200 to $400 for 1 to 1-1/4 HP. A Home Depot 1/2 HP continuous-feed unit with a power cord was $129.00 on 2026-10-09. Those are unit prices, not installed totals.
How long does it take and what does the labor cost?
Angi says a replacement takes about 1 hour (1 to 4 hours in its FAQ) at $50 to $100 per hour. HomeAdvisor lists plumbers at $45 to $200 per hour, handymen at $55 to $75, and electricians at $50 to $100 if wiring is needed.
Why do the sources show different prices?
Angi and HomeAdvisor belong to the same company and publish the same $200 to $625 range, so they are one source, not two. Fixr is independent but dates from January 2025 and quotes $125 per hour for 3 hours next to about $300 of labor in a $500 total, which it does not reconcile.
Is a continuous feed or batch feed disposal more expensive?
Angi lists unit prices of $75 to $1,000 for continuous feed and $75 to $300 for batch feed. HomeAdvisor lists averages of $260 and $310 and does not say whether installation is included, so the two sources define these figures differently.
Do I need a permit or an electrician?
Neither Angi nor HomeAdvisor gives a permit fee. If the sink has no outlet or the wiring is not suitable, electrician work is billed separately at $50 to $100 per hour per HomeAdvisor, with no total published. Check local code before the job.
Related Plumbing cost guides
- Gas Line Installation Cost in 2026: Cost per Foot, Materials & Permits
- Gas Water Heater Replacement Cost in 2026: Natural Gas & Propane Systems
- Main Water Line Replacement Cost in 2026: Supply Line Benchmark
How we estimate these planning ranges and the sources we review.