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How to Budget for a Kitchen Garbage Disposal

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How to Budget for a Kitchen Garbage Disposal

A broken disposal is a mess, so here is how to handle the replacement costs without blowing your budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $350 before anything else
Across the 0% window $19.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $350 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A kitchen sink that does not drain properly changes your daily routine fast. Replacing a disposal is usually a two-hour job for a pro, and hardware stores tend to run their best deals over holiday weekends when they push home improvement bundles.

Get at least three quotes from local handymen or plumbers before you buy the unit. Getting multiple bids keeps the labor costs honest, as some pros charge a flat fee while others bill by the hour.

Remember that the 18 months is a deadline, not a gift. If you have any balance left after the 18-month intro window ends, the standard interest rate will apply to what you still owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop the holiday sales

    Wait for a holiday weekend to hit the hardware store. You can often save twenty percent or more on the unit itself during these sales events.

  2. 02

    Get your three quotes

    Call three local plumbers for installation estimates. Tell them exactly which model you are buying so they can give you a firm labor price.

  3. 03

    Use the card for the purchase

    If you pay with the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you stretch that $350 cost into payments of $19.44 per month for 18 months.

  4. 04

    Clear the area

    Empty the cabinet under your sink before the pro arrives. It saves them time, which might save you money on labor if they bill by the hour.

  5. 05

    Test the install

    Run the disposal with plenty of water for a minute before the plumber leaves. Check for leaks around the mounting flange while the unit is running.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I try to install it myself?

If you are comfortable with plumbing and electrical wiring, it is a doable DIY project. If you have any doubt, hire a pro to avoid leaks or electrical hazards.

How much should I spend on the unit?

A mid-range model is usually plenty for most households. You do not need the most expensive unit, but avoid the cheapest one as they are often louder and less durable.

Do I need a plumber or a handyman?

Either one can handle a swap. A handyman is often cheaper, but a plumber is better if the existing pipes under your sink look corroded or need adjustments.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can end your promotional terms early and trigger late fees. Set up autopay for at least the minimum amount to stay on track.