Who Installs Garbage Disposal: Plumber Or Electrician?

A well-installed garbage disposal can easily handle food waste, eliminate odors and can even help keep your kitchen cleaner. But you may be a little overwhelmed by the installation decision — who should install it anyway? Which brings me to a popular question: Who installs a garbage disposal, plumber or electrician?

A plumber is the person to call if you want a garbage disposal, but you may also need an electrician if there is no power source available under the sink.

In this post we’re going to learn how plumber and electrician work for the garbage disposal installation. Is the plumber really the one who knows everything about pipes and drains? Or the electrician who wires it safely?

Understanding Garbage Disposal Installation

There are a couple of steps for installing a garbage disposal. You start by taking out the sink drain and installing the disposal’s mounting assembly. A small amount of plumbing work is generally in order. Next, you connect the disposal to the mounting assembly and, if necessary, the dishwasher. Lastly, you plug the disposal into an outlet. This might involve plugging it into a socket, or wiring it to a new power source.

If there’s already a power outlet there, a plumber can handle the whole installation. If not, you are going to need to get an electrician to install an outlet before the plumber can come back to complete the job.

The Role of a Plumber in Garbage Disposal Installation

plumber installing garbage disposal unit in kitchen

Plumbers are the doctors of the water and pipe system in your home. They understand really well how water flows, which is extremely important for a garbage disposal.

When to Call a Plumber

If you are installing a garbage disposal for the first time, or if you have problems with this installation, you should call the plumber. Plumbing professionals are equipped to tackle jobs such as removing old pipes, installing new fittings, and checking that your disposal is properly connected to your sink and dishwasher.

Advantages of hiring a Plumber for Garbage Disposal Installation

Under most circumstance the best type of pro to install a garbage disposal would be a licensed plumber. Here’s why:

Plumbing Knowledge: Plumbers know everything about pipes, drains, and water flow. They’re equipped to perform the physical installation of the disposal so it’s connected to your sink and drain lines without leaks.
Hooking up to the existing plumbing: A large part of any disposal installation involves connecting it to your existing plumbing. Plumbers are good at this, it keeps things straight, fittings tight, not leaks.
Basic Electrical Knowledge: Most plumbers know how to connect basic electrical wiring for a garbage disposal. This may involve hard wiring the disposal to an installed receptacle, or connecting the disposal to a pre-installed 608sw or 598sf switch. This is not ‘full electrician’ level of work and is usually restricted to simple connections.
One-Stop Shop: You can streamline the installation process by hiring a plumber. They are capable of both plumbing and minor electrical work, which means you won’t have to look for and communicate with several contractors at once.
Troubleshooting: Plumber’s can address and correct pre-existing plumbing issues that may be influencing the functionality of your disposal, such as clogged drains or corroded pipes.

When You Might Need an Electrician

If your garbage disposal doesn’t come with a preinstalled power cord, or if there’s no power outlet under the sink, you’ll need to call an electrician.

When to call an electrician

New Electrical Outlets: If there is not a dedicated outlet for the disposal in your kitchen, an electrician must add one and make it to code.

Hardwiring: A few garbage disposals are meant to be hardwired to your home’s electrical system instead of plugged into an outlet. This is something that you should only do if you are a certified electrician.
Circuit Upgrades: If the electrical circuits in the home are old or too weak to meet the power requirements of the disposal, an electrician must upgrade the circuit for the disposal to work safely and reliably.
Compliance: Electricians will adhere to ESF to ensure all wiring is up to the current local codes, particularly on older homes that may not have had work done for some time.

Finding the Right Professional for Your Situation

So, how do you determine who’s the right fit for your garbage disposal installation? Here’s a simple guide:

Assess Your Setup: Take a look under your sink. Do you have an existing outlet for the disposal? Is the plumbing in good condition, or does it need adjustments?
Plumbing Adjustments = Plumber: If your plumbing needs modifications, such as replacing pipes or adjusting drain lines, start with a plumber.
New Wiring = Electrician: If you need a new outlet installed or any hardwiring done, consult a licensed electrician.
Combined Skills = Ideal: Consider hiring a plumber who also has experience with basic electrical wiring. This can streamline the process and ensure everything is done correctly.
Verify Credentials: Always check that the professional you hire is licensed, insured, and has positive reviews. Ask for references and verify their experience with garbage disposal installations.

Conclusion

While garbage disposal installation involves both plumbing and electrical tasks, a plumber is generally the most suitable professional to hire. Their expertise in plumbing systems, combined with basic electrical skills, allows them to handle most aspects of the installation efficiently and safely.

However, if your project requires new electrical outlets, hardwiring, or circuit upgrades, an electrician becomes essential. Prioritizing professional installation ensures safety, code compliance, and the long-term reliability of your garbage disposal. So, take a look under your sink, assess your needs, and make the right call to enjoy a hassle-free and odor-free kitchen for years to come!

Further Reading:
3 Bolt vs EZ Mount: Which Garbage Disposal Mount is Best?
Corded vs. Non-Corded Garbage Disposal

FAQ’s

Yes, plumbers actually do install them all of the time. They can do the plumbing hookups beneath the sink such as attaching the disposal to the drain and connecting the dishwasher drain line if required.

If your garbage disposal needs to be replaced, you’ll want to call in a plumber. They can remove the old unit and replace it with a new one correctly. If there is electrical work, such as wiring, you may also need an electrician.

A garbage disposal installation typically takes 1 to 2 hours. It might not depend on if there are complications, or extra work to be done, like adding in a new outlet.

You may also require an electrician if your disposal comes with no pre-installed power cord and/or if no power outlet is present under the sink. An electrician can install the outlet, or address the wiring to make sure that everything is safe and meets code.

A garbage disposal, in my opinion, is a little of both. It’s an appliance because it’s an electric-run apparatus, but it’s also an element of your plumbing system, attached to your sink and dealing with waste water.

Who Installs a Garbage Disposal, Plumber, or Electrician?

Understanding Garbage Disposal Installation