Replace a Garbage Disposal
Swapping a plug-in disposal on an existing sink is a realistic DIY. Hardwiring a new circuit, or a unit that leaks from the bottom, changes the call.
This is a judgment page, not a step-by-step how-to. The procedure lives in the vetted links at the bottom.
The call
DIY a plug-in replacement on a sink that already has a disposal outlet, if you are comfortable working under the sink and the dishwasher hose is a simple reconnect. Hire a pro if the unit is hardwired and you are not comfortable at the breaker, if you need a new circuit, or if the leak is coming from the bottom of the housing (that unit is done).
- Difficulty
- Time
- 2–4 hours
- DIY estimate
- $120–$300 for the unit
- Pro estimate
- $250–$650 installed
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Rough national estimate, not a quote. Prices move with the city, the brand, and whatever the job turns into once you open it up.
Tools
- TODO: affiliate link
Screwdriver and adjustable pliers
- TODO: affiliate link
Bucket and towels
- TODO: affiliate link
Hacksaw, if the discharge tube needs a trim
- TODO: affiliate link
Non-contact voltage tester, if the unit is hardwired
Materials
- TODO: affiliate link
New disposal sized for the sink
A continuous-feed unit with a cord is the straightforward swap.
- TODO: affiliate link
Plumber's putty for the flange
- TODO: affiliate link
New discharge tube or gasket, if the old one doesn't line up
Affiliate slots are placeholders. A live shop link will be marked as sponsored. See the affiliate disclosure.
Safety notes
- Unplug the disposal before you touch it. If it is hardwired, shut the breaker off and confirm the wires are dead with a tester.
- A disposal is heavy. Support it before you turn it off the mounting ring, or it will drop on you.
- Never put your hand in the grind chamber. Use the hex key in the bottom or tongs from the top.
- If you are not confident identifying line, neutral, and ground on a hardwired unit, hire an electrician. A reversed connection is not a leak you can wipe up.
Do I need a permit?
The disposal is plumbing. The power is the question.
A cord-and-plug swap on an existing outlet is often a homeowner repair. A new outlet or a new circuit is electrical work, and some states limit who can do it even in their own house. Your state page groups outlet and GFCI work with ceiling fans. Read that line, then confirm with the building department if you are adding wiring.
On each state page, read: Ceiling fan, outlet, or GFCI.
Permit triggers are local. This is general information, not legal advice. All state pages · Disclaimer
Best How-To Videos & Articles
We link to guides that already exist. We don't rewrite them.
- How to Replace a Garbage Disposal
Family Handyman · Article
- How to Wire a Garbage Disposal
Family Handyman · Article
TODO: add a verified YouTube link for this project.
Questions people ask first
- Can I replace a garbage disposal myself?
- A plug-in swap is DIY for many homeowners. Hire an electrician or plumber if the unit is hardwired and you are not comfortable killing the breaker and remaking the connections.
- How much does a garbage disposal replacement cost?
- The unit is often $120–$300. Installed, a typical job is often $250–$650. Those are rough estimates, not a quote.
- Do I need a permit to replace a disposal?
- Often no for a same-location, plug-in swap. A new circuit can require an electrical permit. Check your state page and the local building department.