Garbage disposal
Photo: Additional Costs and Considerations On average, labor costs run between $50 and $200 after the cost of the disposal unit and materials. Homeowners can expect to pay higher labor costs for a more complicated job that requires additional labor hours. But when a garbage disposal is installed for the first time, pipes may need to be shortened or an outlet may need to be installed. This process results in a basic labor fee. The new unit is leveled, secured, and connected to the power supply. The steps for replacing an existing unit are fairly universal. A one- or two-person household should only need a garbage disposal with a ⅓- or ½-horsepower motor, which costs between $75 and $200, while a five- to eight-person household would benefit from a garbage disposal with a 1- horsepower motor, which costs between $200 and $500. Homeowners should aim to purchase a unit designed for their size household to avoid paying more than necessary or overworking a motor. Garbage disposals come in a large variety of sizes, with the smallest designed for single households and the largest for commercial kitchens. Motor size significantly affects garbage disposal cost. Moen features units between $80 and $300, while InSinkErator has a narrower price range between $100 and $200. Waste King offers units as low as $75 and as high as $400. Some common garbage disposal brands include Waste King, Moen, and InSinkErator. This offers homeowners plenty of options within multiple price ranges.
Just like all kitchen appliances, the best garbage disposals are available from multiple brands. The higher price tag of a stainless steel disposal can scare off consumers, but these units can stand up to the needs of high-volume households with no risk of corrosion or leaking.
Stainless steel units range from $400 to $1,100. They’re also prone to corrosion and leaks. While they’re affordable, they also tend to have a shorter lifespan (around 10 years). Both are available in continuous- and batch-feed designs, as well as in multiple sizes.Īluminum disposal models cost between $75 and $300. There are two main types of materials used to make garbage disposals: aluminum and stainless steel. A garbage disposal unit’s material significantly affects the unit’s cost.