Installing a garbage disposal seems straightforward, but it’s one of those jobs that can quickly go south if you’re not careful. I’ve been working in Colorado for years, and whether it’s mountain homes with old plumbing or newer builds in the city, I’ve seen just about everything that can go wrong. You’re probably wondering if you can handle this on your own or if you should call a professional.

The real question is: do you need a plumber, an electrician, or both? Most people think it’s just a matter of hooking up some pipes, but there’s more to it—plumbing, electrical wiring, and even local building codes come into play. Let’s break down whether a professional is really necessary for your garbage disposal install, or if it’s something you can handle yourself.

The Short Answer: Do You Need a Plumber or Electrician?

In most cases, you’ll want a plumber for the job—especially if your sink’s plumbing needs adjusting. If your garbage disposal is hardwired or you need a new outlet, that’s where an electrician comes in. Sure, you can tackle it DIY if you’re handy and have the right tools, but for safety and long-term reliability, having a professional handle the install is usually the smartest move.

What Does the Installation Involve?

Alright, so what’s involved in installing a garbage disposal? Let me walk you through it.

First, you’ve got to make sure the disposal unit fits snugly into your sink’s drain opening. That’s not as simple as it sounds—any misalignment could lead to leaks down the road. Plumbers use specialized sealants and know how to adjust or cut pipes when needed. Once the unit’s in place, you connect the drain lines, making sure there’s no wiggle room for leaks or clogs later on.

Now, here’s where the electrician might come into play. Some garbage disposals plug into an outlet, but others are hardwired into your electrical system. If you’ve got an older home without an under-sink outlet, you’ll need to have one installed. That’s definitely a job for an electrician to make sure everything’s up to code and you’re not risking a fire hazard.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

Now, let’s get into when it’s smart to call a plumber. The big one is if your current plumbing setup needs any kind of adjustment. Maybe your old pipes don’t line up with the new disposal, or your sink’s drainage system isn’t quite right. A plumber can handle these issues and make sure everything is watertight.

If you’ve already had problems with clogs or slow drains, installing a garbage disposal can sometimes make things worse if the pipes aren’t set up properly. A plumber can assess the situation and fix any underlying issues during the installation​. Trust me, the last thing you want is to have a shiny new garbage disposal that backs up because your plumbing can’t handle it.

Another reason to call a plumber is for homes with older plumbing systems. If you’re in a home that’s been around a while, the pipes might not be in the best shape, and installing a new unit could put extra stress on an already fragile system. A plumber can spot these potential issues before they become big problems.

When Is an Electrician Required?

Now, let’s talk electricity. Most garbage disposals either plug into an outlet under the sink or they’re hardwired into your home’s electrical system. If you already have an outlet down there, great—no need to call an electrician. But if your disposal needs hardwiring, or if your home lacks an outlet near the sink, that’s when you need to bring in an electrician.

Hardwiring involves more than just connecting a few wires; it needs to be done according to local building codes. An electrician ensures that everything is properly grounded and won’t overload your circuit. Plus, they can install an outlet if needed, which is common in older homes.

Safety is key here—water and electricity don’t mix well, so unless you’ve got serious electrical experience, I’d recommend calling in a pro to handle this part.

DIY Installation: Is It Worth the Risk?

Look, I’m not going to lie—if you’re handy and comfortable with basic plumbing, you can install a garbage disposal yourself. But here’s where things can get tricky. If the pipes don’t line up right, or if you accidentally over-tighten a fitting, you’re looking at potential leaks that could cause damage to your cabinets or flooring.

Plus, like I mentioned earlier, the electrical side of things can be dangerous if you’re not familiar with wiring. I’ve seen DIY jobs where the homeowner thought they had everything connected properly, only to end up with a disposal that doesn’t work—or worse, one that trips their circuit breaker every time they flip the switch.

For most folks, it’s not worth the risk. A botched installation might mean calling a plumber (or electrician) to fix the mess, which can cost more than if you’d hired them in the first place​. Sometimes, it’s best to leave it to the pros.

Costs and Considerations

Let’s talk about the cost. Hiring a plumber to install a garbage disposal usually costs between $100 and $400, depending on where you live and how complex the installation is. If you’re dealing with older pipes that need adjustment or replacement, expect to pay more (In some cases, these costs can be as high as $950). The unit itself could cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the brand and features.

Now, if you need electrical work—like installing an outlet or rewiring—you’ll need to factor in electrician costs too. Electricians typically charge between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on the job and location​. So, if your disposal needs to be hardwired, add that to your budget.

While DIY might save you the labor cost upfront, you risk potential mistakes that could cost more in the long run if things go wrong. A leaky pipe or faulty wiring could lead to expensive repairs down the road, which is why getting it done right the first time often ends up saving you money.

Final Thoughts: Hiring a Plumber for Garbage Disposal Installation

At the end of the day, it comes down to this: if you’re confident in your plumbing and electrical skills, you might be able to install a garbage disposal yourself. But for most people, calling in a pro—whether it’s a plumber, an electrician, or both—makes sense. You’ll get the job done quickly, safely, and up to code, giving you peace of mind that it’s handled right.

Weigh the complexity of the job, your own experience, and the long-term benefits of professional installation before making your decision. After all, sometimes it’s worth paying for peace of mind. If you’re located in Colorado and needing this service, give us a call!