Who Installs Garbage Disposals? Here’s Who to Call

A garbage disposal can be a fantastic upgrade for any kitchen. Shredding food into pieces small enough to pass through the plumbing, this under-sink appliance can make maintaining and cleaning your kitchen a breeze. 

But, as a mix of plumbing and electrical, it can be confusing to figure out who to hire. Here’s why hiring a plumber to install your garbage disposal is your best bet.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber to Install a Garbage Disposal

Sure, you can try your luck at installing a garbage disposal. But here’s why hiring an expert plumber near you can make a difference: 

• Knowledge. A poor installation can lead to plumbing issues later on. An experienced plumber will avoid any pitfalls. 

• Experience. If you have an unusual sink or plumbing setup, a plumber is more likely to have the prior experience to find a solution than an average homeowner. They’ll be able to help you safely use a garbage disposal with a septic system or properly fit your sink for the right size disposal. 

• Comfort. Installing disposals can take a while if you haven’t done it before. It’s also physically demanding—you must crouch in a small area for up to a few hours.

Can I Install a Garbage Disposal?

Installing a garbage disposal yourself can save between $90 and $250. But are the savings worth it? It depends. 

It'll likely be an easy project if you’re replacing an existing garbage disposal and have some basic plumbing and electrical know-how. In that case, you’ll just need to buy and install a new garbage disposal.

But it's best to call in a pro if you’re starting from scratch and unsure about the surrounding electrical. Garbage disposals require a GFCI outlet, which should be wired and installed by a licensed professional.

Can I Hire an Electrician to Install a Garbage Disposal?

A garbage disposal includes electrical and plumbing components, so you may think an electrician is up for the job. But, installing a garbage disposal is best left to a plumber. They’ll know how to properly hook up the drain lines to avoid leaks and connect it to a power source to function properly. 

However, a garbage disposal requires power from a GFCI outlet. Often, a plumber will hook up the disposal from the same power source as a dishwasher. But if you don’t have a dishwasher, or it’s not near the sink, you’ll need to call in an electrician to wire a GFCI outlet nearby before installing a disposal. 

If the electrical in your kitchen is up to par, you’ll only need a plumber to complete the job.

How Do Plumbers Install a Garbage Disposal?

The first thing a plumber does to install a garbage disposal is shut off the outlet connected to the disposal. Then, they’ll disconnect the P-trap and any other drainpipes including the dishwasher drain hose. Next, they’ll apply putty to the flange and install it underneath the sink. From there, the snap ring, flange, and mounting ring attach, keeping everything in place. 

After the mounting hardware is installed, the plumber connects the dishwasher drain to the disposal, placing the disposal beneath the sink and shimming the drain into the disposal. At this point, the plumber can connect the electrical. They’ll remove the cover plate on the disposal, exposing the wiring. From there, they match the disposal wires to the electrical wiring, reinstalling the electrical plate when it is complete.

Finally, your plumber should test the disposal to ensure everything works properly.