How Much Does It Cost to Replace Garbage Disposal Blades?

Despite its name, you can't treat your garbage disposal unit like a regular garbage can. Feeding hard, fibrous or non-food items into your unit is a reliable recipe for worn-out garbage disposal blades, blockages and drainage problems. However, even the most well-maintained model can develop dull blades, so it's worth knowing what to do when your garbage disposal starts struggling.

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Fortunately, replacing your garbage disposal blades is a quick, relatively inexpensive fix.

Do Garbage Disposal Blades Wear Out?

Over time, wear and tear can cause your garbage disposal blades to become dull. Dull or worn blades won't break down food waste efficiently, causing the motor to work harder. As food debris accumulates inside your garbage disposal, it prevents water from flowing down your sink and increases the risk of blockages.

Be careful about what you put through the garbage disposal to keep its blades sharper longer. Avoid using the unit to dispose of hard waste, such as animal bones and seafood shells.

Can Garbage Disposal Blades Come Loose?

As your unit ages, the blades may loosen due to normal wear and tear. However, this issue is far more likely if you don't maintain your garbage disposal correctly or use it to grind hard or fibrous waste.

Loose garbage disposal blades often cause a loud, screeching sound when you switch the unit on. They also struggle to grind waste, so you may notice performance issues, slow drainage and clogs.

Can You Replace Just the Blades Inside a Garbage Disposal?

You can usually replace the blades inside a garbage disposal, but you should defer to the information in your user manual. Your manufacturer can recommend the most suitable replacement blades for your model. Installing the wrong blades could stop your unit from working properly and may void your warranty.

Alternatively, you could consider sharpening your existing blades. Some people believe placing ice cubes inside a garbage disposal sharpens the blades and helps flush away food debris. However, experts disagree about whether DIY sharpening techniques actually work. If your garbage disposal frequently clogs or struggles to tackle waste, replacing the blades altogether is probably the safest option.

Occasionally, replacing your entire garbage disposal can be the most cost-effective choice. You may require a unit replacement if your existing model is near the end of its lifespan (around 10 to 12 years for most garbage disposals) or develops additional faults, such as leaks or electrical problems. You may also be better off replacing your unit if it isn't powerful enough for your needs.

More Related Articles:

• How to Install a Garbage Disposal on Your Own

• Why is My Garbage Disposal Leaking?

• How to Unclog Your Garbage Disposal

• How to Deep Clean a Garbage Disposal

• How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Garbage Disposal?

How Much Does Garbage Disposal Blade Replacement Cost?

The cost of garbage disposal replacement parts varies significantly between models and manufacturers. According to Fixr, replacing garbage disposal blades costs between $65 and $125 (CAD 93 and CAD 180) on average. These figures include the price of replacement blades and labor costs.

You could pay slightly less if you install the new blades yourself. Replacing the blades on a garbage disposal is relatively straightforward, but the process varies between different makes. If you don't feel confident in your ability to remove and replace the blades, hire a professional plumber to do it for you. A plumber can use the most appropriate tools and techniques to get your unit running effectively again.

Repairs could be more expensive if your plumber detects other problems with your garbage disposal or recommends a total replacement. Garbage disposal repairs start from around $60 (CAD 86) for minor issues, such as broken seals or gaskets. However, you could pay up to $400 (CAD 575) to replace a faulty motor. Expect to pay around $500 (CAD 719) to remove your existing unit and replace it with a new model.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.