Cooking and food prep often result in substantial food scraps, including fruit and vegetable peels, cuttings from meat, and unwanted parts of certain produce. If you cook frequently, these scraps pile up fast. While composting is an excellent way to reuse these scraps, some folks don’t have this option. So, the next best thing?
A garbage disposal.
Key Points:
- The labor cost for installing a garbage disposal typically averages around $150, not including the unit cost.
- Costs of residential garbage disposals typically range from $150-$250.
- Lowe’s professional installation service starts at $104 and includes all necessary parts except the unit itself.
If you’re planning on installing a garbage disposal, you have a few options: hire a handyman, DIY the project, or enlist the help of an installation service like Lowe’s. Here’s what you need to know about Lowe’s garbage disposal installation service.
How Much Should Labor Cost To Install A Garbage Disposal?
The cost to install a garbage disposal typically sits around $150, not including the unit’s price. Most handymen charge around $50 to $75 per hour, while licensed plumbers often charge between $75 and $150 per hour.
Most experienced installers can do the job in less than an hour as long as there aren’t any unforeseen circumstances. More complex installations, such as those requiring wiring and plumbing adjustments, usually take longer. Those installations may take up to four hours, which can make the entire installation somewhat pricey, depending on who you hire.
How Much Do Garbage Disposals Cost?
On average, a residential-sized garbage disposal costs between $150 and $250. Smaller units may be as little as $75, while commercial-sized units can be $1,000 or more. For most residential homes, a ¾hp to 1hp garbage disposal is plenty of power.
Like many products, certain brands are pricier than others. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King tend to steal the show, but you can find other options on the market, some at lower prices.
The cost of the garbage disposal isn’t usually included in installation costs. In most cases, purchasing the unit is up to you, as your installer solely handles the installation part of the project.
How Much Does Lowe’s Charge For Garbage Disposal Installations?
Lowe’s offers professional services for all sorts of installations, from installing light fixtures to integrating garbage disposals into your kitchen. In some cases, hiring a Lowe’s professional is cheaper than hiring a licensed plumber or handyman, although it can vary.
The cost of garbage disposal installations through Lowe’s starts at $104, which can be cheaper than other options, like hiring a handyman or Home Depot’s installation service. Of course, this is simply the starting mark, so more complex installations typically cost more.
Who Does Lowe’s Garbage Disposal Installations?
Generally, Lowe’s works with verified local professionals, including plumbers and handymen, to provide installation and setup services. So, when you hire Lowe’s to handle your garbage disposal installation, you’ll usually get a local installer working on the project. These installers are licensed and registered as required by law, so you don’t need to worry about ending up with an inexperienced installer.
How Do You Purchase Lowe’s Installation Service?
If you decide to hire Lowe’s for your garbage disposal installation, you can start by filling out the contact form on Lowes.com or visiting your local store. Alternatively, you can call your local Lowe’s and ask about their installation services.
The online form asks for basic information, including your name, address, and a brief project description. Once you submit your installation request, you’ll receive a quote, and Lowe’s will contact you to set up an installation time.
What Does A Lowe’s Garbage Disposal Installation Include?
A Lowe’s garbage disposal installation includes everything necessary for the installation except for the unit itself. You have to purchase the unit yourself, which will tack on additional costs to the entire project.
Your Lowe’s installer will remove the existing garbage disposal if you have one. They install the new disposal, handling everything from connecting it to existing plumbing to hooking it up to the electrical system. They replace the plumbing trap and drain system to accommodate the new system and test the unit for proper function and water leaks.
Once the system is installed, they clean up their work area and haul away the old garbage disposal (a dump fee may apply). If your area requires permit fees, they’ll obtain the necessary permits to complete the job before they start.
The installation service includes many common parts and standard labor charges as part of every installation, but extra labor fees and part costs may apply if the situation calls for such.
So, aside from purchasing the garbage disposal, you don’t have to do anything! If you’re not particularly handy or are inexperienced with plumbing projects such as these, Lowe’s installation service is an excellent option.
Does Lowe’s Offer A Warranty On Garbage Disposal Installations?
After your Lowe’s installer completes the garbage disposal installation service, you can proceed with peace of mind, as it’s covered under warranty. Each garbage disposal installation completed by Lowe’s service team comes with a one-year labor warranty, so you don’t need to worry about incurring costs if something fails.
Of course, you have the manufacturer’s warranty too, so all of your bases are covered. The manufacturer covers defective parts, while Lowe’s covers labor flaws. It’s a win-win!
Can You Install A Garbage Disposal Yourself?
Perhaps you’d rather skip the hassle of hiring someone and do the installation yourself. If you’re a handy person and have experience with plumbing installations, you shouldn’t have any issues with this project. For most garbage disposal installations, the project is straightforward, so many people can handle it themselves.
This is particularly true with replacement installations. If you’re replacing an old garbage disposal with a similar model, you shouldn’t need to make many adjustments. So, providing the two are very similar, you can simply remove the old model and tag in the replacement. The plumbing and electrical components should already be in place, as you’re merely replacing the old disposal, so you shouldn’t have to mess with these parts.
However, if you’re installing a new garbage disposal for the first time, the process can be a bit involved. Since you’re not working with a replacement, you’ll probably have to adjust the plumbing and potentially tweak the electrical setup (if it doesn’t plug into an outlet) to accommodate the new system. This can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with electrical and plumbing projects.
In this case, hiring a professional is usually best unless you’re familiar with the project. If you’re an avid DIYer with a wealth of experience, a new garbage disposal installation shouldn’t be an issue. Conversely, if you’ve never attempted any sort of plumbing or electrical project, it might be better to leave this one for the professionals.
How Long Does It Take To DIY A Garbage Disposal Installation?
For experienced DIYers, a garbage disposal installation is straightforward. Simpler installations, like replacements, usually take two hours or less. More complex installations, like new setups or rewiring/replumbing, may take longer.
Of course, you’ll need to ensure you have the correct materials, as they’re essential for completing the process. So, before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Otherwise, you’ll end up venturing to your local home improvement store once or twice to pick up miscellaneous parts.