How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garbage Disposal in Phoenix, AZ?

Updated June 2024

Remodeling your kitchen or just need to replace your outdated garbage disposal? We’re here to help! Typically, garbage disposal installation costs Phoenix homeowners about $500–$1,200, with the average cost landing somewhere around $800.

We know that’s quite the price range, but that’s because the cost for garbage disposal installation in Greater Phoenix depends on a few things:

1. The size of the motor
2. The type of garbage disposal
3. The type of steel
4. The choice of plumber

In the blog below, we’ll take a look at each of these cost factors so you can get a better idea of how much it’ll cost to replace your garbage disposal and what will affect this price.

If you’d prefer to get an exact estimate from a professional, feel free to reach out to us. Or, if you’re not quite ready to schedule an estimate, you can learn more about our garbage disposal installation services.

Cost Factor #1: Motor Size

Garbage disposal motors are measured in horsepower. The more horsepower, the more expensive the disposal will be.

Garbage disposal motors typically are available in ⅓, ½, ¾, and 1 horsepower (HP).

Common garbage disposal motor’s include:

• ⅓ HP garbage disposals aren’t the most durable, so they're best for homes where the disposal is rarely used. For Arizona homeowners that can’t tolerate noise from disposals, ⅓ HP is the quietest.
• ½ or ¾ HP disposals are good options because they can adequately dispose of your kitchen waste, but they aren’t the most expensive or largest option. Either of these is the recommended garbage disposal for Phoenix homeowners.
• 1 HP disposals are very durable and can dispose of hard materials like chicken bones or fruit rinds.

Keep in mind, the more horsepower the motor has, the larger the disposal will typically be. For example, a 1 HP disposal will be larger than a 1/3 HP disposal.

Cost Factor #2: Type of Garbage Disposal

The two types of garbage disposals available are continuous feed and batch feed units. Both types dispose of food waste via a sewer/septic system, but the difference is in how they do the work.

• Continuous feed garbage disposals are the more common type of disposal and are less expensive than batch feed disposals. Continuous feed disposals turn on and off via a manual switch. Owners may prefer a continuous feed garbage disposal because they're able to put food in the disposal while it's running, making it easier to use. The biggest drawbacks to a continuous feed garbage disposal are that it's not very safe and it uses more water and electricity than a batch feed disposal.
• Batch feed disposals only run when a stopper is in place. Essentially, this disposal works by inserting a cork-like cover over the entrance of the disposal to turn the disposal on. Batch feed disposals are safer to use, and they use less electricity and water than continuous feed garbage disposals. The main drawback to batch feed disposals is that if you have a large amount of food to dispose of, you need to wait and dispose of it in batches rather than continuously feeding waste down the disposal.

Learn more about how Patrick Riley determines the cost to replace a garbage disposal or explore our garbage disposal installation services.

Cost Factor #3: Steel Type

When you choose a garbage disposal, it will likely be made with stainless steel or galvanized steel.

Stainless steel garbage disposals are more expensive than galvanized steel because they’re more durable and less susceptible to corrosion.

Despite the perks of stainless steel, galvanized steel is a very durable material and will typically last longer. In addition, most disposals have thermoplastic polymer grind chambers, which work on behalf of the steel to prevent corrosion and rust.

Cost Factor #4: Your Choice of Plumber

Usually, the more qualified and/or experienced a plumber is, the more it will cost to replace your garbage disposal in Chandler, Gilbert, or the greater Phoenix area. However, when it comes to guaranteeing a successful garbage disposal installation, hiring a good plumber is a must.

To find a quality garbage disposal installation plumber, you should look for someone who meets these criteria:

• Has great online reviews on sites like Facebook, Google and the BBB
• Provides written estimates, so you know the cost to replace your garbage disposal in greater Phoenix
• Has valid insurance and a valid license
• Provides a guarantee on their work

Need a Plumber to Install a Garbage Disposal Unit? Hire Patrick Riley

Patrick Riley professionals will match the appropriate garbage disposal with your Phoenix home’s needs and your preferred budget. If you’re looking for a reliable plumbing technician you can trust to provide a seamless garbage disposal installation, Patrick Riley is the team to call. For years, Phoenix homeowners have trusted us to give them honest, upfront pricing estimates on their homes’ systems and appliances, and we promise to do the same for you.