Replacing a garbage disposal costs about $550 on average in 2026, with most homeowners paying $200 to $625 (Angi).1 HomeGuide puts a replacement at $200 to $550 and a brand-new install at $250 to $650, and Fixr averages $500 for a new install.2,3 Prices below are national averages* for 2026.
*National averages, not local quotes. Your price depends on the unit, whether an outlet and drain connections already exist, and who does the work.
$550
average replacement, Angi
$500
average install, Fixr
$250 – $650
new install, HomeGuide
1 – 3 hrs
replacement time, HomeGuide
Replace vs install new
| Job | Installed cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Replace an existing disposal | $200 – $550 (HomeGuide); $200 – $625 (Angi) | HomeGuide, Angi |
| Install where none existed | $250 – $650 (HomeGuide); $300 – $600 (Fixr) | HomeGuide, Fixr |
| Repair instead | $100 – $250 | HomeGuide |
Angi’s $550 average sits near the top of its own $200 to $625 range, which suggests a skew toward higher-end jobs, our reading.1 HomeGuide and Fixr averages land closer to the middle of their ranges, so $350 to $500 is a safer budget for a basic swap with existing connections.2,3
Unit price by motor size
| Motor | Unit only (HomeGuide) | Unit only (Angi) | Unit only (Fixr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/3 HP | $75 – $125 | $50 – $225 (1/3 to 1/2) | $50 – $150 |
| 1/2 HP | $100 – $150 | $50 – $225 (1/3 to 1/2) | $100 – $225 |
| 3/4 HP | $125 – $300 | $120 – $310 (5/8 to 3/4) | $175 – $300 |
| 1 HP | $175 – $400 | $200 – $400 (1 to 1-1/4) | $200 – $400 |
HomeGuide says most households do well with a 1/2 to 3/4 HP unit: 1/2 HP for two or three people and 3/4 HP for three to five.2
Labor and who does it
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Handyman, replacement labor | $80 – $160 | HomeGuide |
| Plumber, replacement labor | $100 – $250 | HomeGuide |
| Plumber hourly rate | $45 – $150 | HomeGuide |
| Installer hourly rate | $50 – $100 | Angi |
| Home Depot labor, unit extra | $120 – $150 | HomeGuide |
| Lowe’s labor, unit extra | $150 – $200 | HomeGuide |
| Remove old unit during replacement | $25 – $50 | HomeGuide |
| Remove permanently, no replacement | $125 – $350 | HomeGuide |
Extras that add to the bill
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New electrical outlet | $150 – $350 | HomeGuide |
| Sink drain pipe changes | $100 – $350 | HomeGuide |
| Push-button switch kit | $50 – $100 | HomeGuide |
| Sink flange | $20 – $50 | HomeGuide |
| Baffle or mounting gasket | $10 – $15 | HomeGuide |
| Dishwasher connector kit | $5 – $10 | HomeGuide |
| Electrical permit | $50 – $350 | HomeGuide |
| Plumbing permit (new pipes) | $30 – $500 | HomeGuide |
Continuous feed vs batch feed
| Type | Unit price (HomeGuide) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous feed | $75 – $300 | Most common; needs a wall switch; open top is a hazard for fingers and utensils |
| Batch feed | $200 – $350 | Runs only with the cover in place; fewer models; slower |
Repair or replace
HomeGuide says replace when the repair would cost more than half the price of a new unit, or when the disposal is more than 8 years old.2 Lifespan runs 8 to 12 years by HomeGuide and 5 to 10 years by Angi.1,2 Aluminum units cost less but corrode sooner than stainless steel, per Angi and Fixr.1,3
DIY or hire
Angi says a skilled DIYer can install a new unit for as little as $75, and a pro job usually takes about an hour.1 The part that needs care is the wiring: Angi notes some models need a dedicated 15-amp circuit with GFCI and AFCI protection depending on local code, so call an electrician if you are unsure about the outlet.1 If you are comparing units before you get quotes, Home Depot’s garbage disposal section lists current models (plain link, not affiliate).
Related guides
Garbage Disposal Repair Cost in 2026: Prices by Problem and Part
Dishwasher Repair Cost in 2026: Prices by Part, Problem, and Brand
Sink Installation Cost
Dishwasher Installation Cost
Faucet Installation Cost
Plumber Cost
Kitchen Remodel Cost
Handyman Cost
Electrician Cost
All cost guides
Sources
1. Angi — How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garbage Disposal?
2. HomeGuide — Garbage Disposal Installation Cost
3. Fixr — Garbage Disposal Installation Cost