How Much Does a Garbage Disposal Repair Cost?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Garbage disposal repair costs an average of $200, and the most common repairs you’ll need will fall somewhere between $100 and $250. Your total will depend on the type of repair you need, the underlying issue, the age of the garbage disposal and your electrical and plumbing system, and a few other cost factors.

Quick Takeaways

• The national average cost to repair a garbage disposal is $200, but prices depend on the type of repair you need.

• The most expensive type of repair is replacing a worn-out motor, which can cost up to $400.

• Repairing is usually a more affordable option than a full garbage disposal replacement, which costs an average of $500.

Garbage Disposal Repair Cost

Garbage Disposal Cost by Type of Repair

The most crucial thing to consider when budgeting for garbage disposal repair is the type of repair you need. Replacing a gasket that’s causing a minor leak can cost as little as $60, including materials and labor, while you could pay as much as $400 if you need your professional to replace a burnt-out motor.

Garbage Disposal Cost by Issue

More often than not, you’ll know the symptoms of your garbage disposal issue but not the underlying cause. In these cases, it’s best to estimate costs based on the most likely problem. The most affordable issues are usually minor leaks, which just require replacing a gasket or seal and cost between $60 and $100. You can DIY this solution if you’re comfortable, in which case you’ll pay less than $10 for the new parts.

The most expensive problem to fix is a garbage disposal that won’t turn on. This could either mean that the electrical components are worn out and need replacement, which costs between $100 and $300, or that the motor is burnt out, which costs $200 to $400 to replace.

Garbage Disposal Repair vs. Replacement

Even the most expensive repair is usually cheaper than getting a brand-new garbage disposal. The average cost of a repair is $200, and the highest repair cost you’ll see is around $400. Replacing a garbage disposal costs an average of $500, and prices can climb up to $600 for high-end, high-powered models.

With that being said, it might make more sense in the long run to replace your garbage disposal unit rather than spend the money on a repair. Here are some scenarios where a repair is likely a better option:

• Your garbage disposal is nearing the end of its life: Garbage disposals last for between 10 and 12 years. If you know your appliance is reaching the end of its life, you’ll spend less replacing it now than you would repairing now and replacing later.

• You find that your garbage disposal is underpowered: If you have a 1/2-horsepower garbage disposal, and you’re putting it through its paces with frequent use or overworking it with hard food scraps, it might be a better idea to opt for a replacement and upgrade your unit. You’ll spend more now, but you’ll be less likely to run into additional expensive repairs down the road.

• You’ve had multiple issues with it in the recent past: Garbage disposals may last a decade in most cases, but some units fail within just a few years. If yours isn’t close to 10 years old, but you still have frequent issues with it, consider replacing it to save money and frustration over time.

• You’re remodeling your kitchen: It is possible to reuse your current garbage disposal if you get a new kitchen sink, but if your unit is giving you issues anyway, you may want to consider adding the cost of a new one into your kitchen remodeling budget.

Additional Costs to Consider

Unfortunately, some garbage disposal repairs aren’t as cut-and-dry as replacing a single component. These kitchen workhorses use both electricity and water, so problems can often be more severe than they first appear. 

It’s a good idea to budget for the worst-case scenario. This way, you can be sure you have the funds ready to get your problem sorted out.

Slow-Draining Garbage Disposal

If you run into a slow-draining garbage disposal, you could have a related clog further down the line. Clearing a kitchen sink clog costs between $250 and $400, but if the underlying blockage is severe and has reached your sewer main, you could pay up to $650 to fix the issue.

If other fixtures in your home are also draining slowly, the issue is likely in your sewer main, so be prepared to call in a plumber to clear the clog.

Related Water or Electrical Damage

Appliances that use both electricity and water can also lead to more expensive problems if they leak. The cost to repair a leak in your garbage disposal may only range from $60 to $100, but addressing the resulting water damage could add $350 or more to your repair bill. Thankfully, garbage disposal won’t continuously leak water when not in use, so large-scale remediation shouldn’t be required.

However, even small leaks can cause electrical issues. Water can damage your garbage disposal’s motor and electrical components, which could necessitate a total replacement, averaging $500.

Can You Fix a Broken Garbage Disposal Yourself?

It is possible to fix a broken garbage disposal yourself, but it depends on the problem. Most homeowners can replace simple, exposed components like the stopper or splash guard themselves for under $20, in most cases, and with minimal risk and access to an Allen wrench, pliers, and a screwdriver. Beyond that, though, it’s best to call in a professional plumber, electrician, or handyperson, depending on the issue.

Replacing internal components requires that you disassemble the unit, identify the actual issue, replace the damaged part, and assemble the garbage disposal properly. This may require some special tools and demands experience, so it’s a good idea to flex your DIY muscles elsewhere.

Plus, working with electrical components — even if you shut the circuit breaker — is inherently dangerous and could lead to severe shock if you’re not careful. Making a simple mistake when disconnecting or reattaching the plumbing lines could also leave you with a leak and expensive water damage.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

The best defense is a good offense, and that’s true when it comes to garbage disposal function. Performing routine maintenance can help avoid more expensive garbage disposal repairs and extend the life of your appliance, saving you money over time. Here are a few tips for keeping your garbage disposal in tip-top shape.

• Run it regularly: Make sure you run your garbage disposal at least two or three times a week with cold water, and avoid using hot water. This will prevent food from building up and caking on the blades and interior walls, avoiding clogs and offensive odors.

• Limit what you grind: Your garbage disposal is meant to grind up small bits of food, so cut up large scraps before putting them in. You should also do your best not to overload your machine if it’s a continuous-feed garbage disposal. Avoid placing coffee grounds and other clumping foods down your disposal as well.

• Stick to the soft scraps: Avoid putting bones, hard food waste, and non-food items into your garbage disposal. These will dull the blades more quickly over time and are more likely to overwork the motor, leading to an expensive replacement.

• Don’t use chemical drain cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners are highly caustic, and repeated use can wear down the interior components of your garbage disposal, reducing its lifespan. These cleaners will also damage your drain pipes, so avoiding them is a win-win.

• Deep clean every month: Finally, do a deep clean of your garbage disposal once a month. First, run ice cubes and some coarse salt through. Then rinse with cold water and sprinkle some baking soda down the drain line. Finally, pour in a few cups of white vinegar. Let that sit and bubble for 10 minutes, and then rinse everything down the drain.

FAQ: Garbage Disposal Repair