The Complete Guide to Garbage Disposals

Complete Guide 930 words

Created by Ryan PietrzakIllinois Licensed Plumber · In the plumbing industry since 2009

Updated February 23, 2026

What This Guide Covers

Everything you need to know about Garbage Disposals — from choosing the right type and buying smart, to installation, ongoing maintenance, and understanding costs.

Types of Garbage Disposals

There are 3 main types of Garbage Disposals to choose from:

Batch Feed Disposals$150 – $500

Activated by placing a stopper in the drain opening. Processes food in batches rather than continuously. Safer for families with children.

Continuous Feed Disposals$75 – $400

The most common type — activated by a wall switch and runs continuously while food waste is fed in. Convenient for large amounts of food prep waste.

Septic-Safe Disposals$150 – $350

Specially designed for homes with septic systems. Feature finer grinding and may include Bio-Shield enzymes to break down waste before entering the septic tank.

View all Garbage Disposals types →

Buying Guide

Continuous Feed

Flip switch, feed scraps while water runs. Standard for 90%+ of homes. Fastest workflow. Requires a wall switch or countertop air switch.

Batch Feed

Load scraps, insert magnetic stopper to start. Cannot run with drain open. No wall switch needed. Safer for homes with children. Slower batch-at-a-time workflow.

Buying Tips

Batch feed eliminates risk for homes with young children.
Continuous feed with an air switch is more convenient than a wall switch.
Both types use the same mounting system -- switching is possible without replumbing.
If remodeling and you want to skip the wall switch, batch feed saves that step.

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Installation

Dishwasher Drain Connection

How to properly connect a dishwasher drain to a garbage disposal or sink drain.

Easy $5-$20 materials

First-Time Garbage Disposal Installation

Adding a garbage disposal where one wasn't before -- electrical, plumbing, and mounting.

Intermediate $100-$200 DIY / $300-$600 with pro

Garbage Disposal Electrical Requirements

Circuits, switches, and wiring requirements for garbage disposal installations.

Reference guide

Replacing an Existing Garbage Disposal

How to swap out an old garbage disposal for a new one, including mount types and wiring.

Easy to Intermediate $0 labor DIY / $100-$200 with plumber

View all Garbage Disposals installation guides →

Maintenance

Cleaning & Deodorizing Your Disposal

How to eliminate odors and clean buildup from your garbage disposal using simple household items.

Clearing Garbage Disposal Jams

How to safely unjam a stuck garbage disposal and prevent future jams.

What to Grind & What to Avoid

The complete list of what your garbage disposal can handle and what will damage it or clog your drain.

When to Replace vs Repair Your Disposal

How to decide whether your garbage disposal needs a simple fix or a full replacement.

View all Garbage Disposals maintenance guides →

Costs

Disposal Prices by Tier

What garbage disposals cost across budget, mid-range, and premium tiers and what each level delivers.

$50-$400+ depending on tier

Garbage Disposal Installation Labor Costs

What plumbers and handymen charge to install or replace a garbage disposal.

$100-$350 labor

InSinkErator vs Waste King Value Comparison

A head-to-head cost and value comparison of the two dominant garbage disposal brands.

Operating & Maintenance Costs

The ongoing costs of running a garbage disposal -- electricity, water, and maintenance over its lifetime.

View all Garbage Disposals cost guides →

Top Garbage Disposals Brands

View all Garbage Disposals brands →

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of garbage disposals are available?

There are 3 main types: Batch Feed Disposals, Continuous Feed Disposals, Septic-Safe Disposals.

What are the best garbage disposals brands?

Top brands include Badger, Frigidaire, GE, InSinkErator.

Can I install garbage disposals myself?

Some garbage disposals installations are DIY-friendly, while others require a licensed plumber. Check the difficulty rating of each installation guide.