Professional plumbing technicians charge between $50 and $100 per hour for their services. Since most standard garbage disposal replacements require approximately one hour to complete, labor costs fall within this range. For installations involving additional complexities such as plumbing modifications or electrical work, the time requirement and associated costs increase proportionally.
When evaluating garbage disposal repair versus replacement, consider both the unit's age and the nature of the problem. Minor issues with newer disposals often warrant repair, particularly if the unit remains under warranty. However, for disposals approaching the end of their five to 10-year lifespan or facing significant mechanical failures, replacement frequently represents the more economical long-term solution, offering improved performance and renewed warranty protection.
A professional garbage disposal replacement requires approximately one hour when no complications arise. More complex installations involving electrical updates or plumbing modifications may extend to several hours. The technician will remove the existing unit, position and secure the new disposal, connect all plumbing and electrical components, and test the system before completing the job.
For standard replacements where the electrical connection remains unchanged, a plumber can often handle the entire project. If your installation requires electrical modifications such as new circuits or outlet installations, you may need an electrician's services as well. Some service providers employ technicians with dual certification, allowing them to address both plumbing and electrical aspects of the installation, streamlining the process and potentially reducing overall costs.