Does a Plumber or Electrician Install a Garbage Disposal?

Generally, whenever there is any malfunction in the piping system, we call the plumber to fix it.

So, since the garbage disposal is an addition to the piping system, it might seem obvious to call a plumber to install it.

But the garbage disposal requires electrical work too while installing. You need to add the power cord and connect the garbage disposal to the electrical line, along with installing a power switch.

Even though fixing the garbage disposal is a plumber’s job, will a plumber be able to do such skillful electric work?

So, is calling an electrician to install the garbage disposal rather than a plumber a better idea?

Well, let’s find out. Go through this article, and you’ll get the answers to all the questions crossing your mind about this dilemma.

Does a Plumber Or An Electrician Install a Garbage Disposal?

Usually, most plumbers are qualified to install garbage disposal by themselves. But if your garbage disposal requires installing a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet, an electrician, along with a plumber, will be needed.

Hence, this way or that way, calling a plumber is a must for installing the garbage disposal if you don’t prefer doing it by yourself.

After all, the electrician will definitely not be able to set up and install the garbage disposal inside the drainage piping system without any essential knowledge of plumbing.

Generally, there is a GFCI outlet under most kitchen sinks. And in such kitchens, only a plumber is enough to install the garbage disposal.

Because there isn’t much electrical installation work that will be required to handle by the plumber while installing the garbage disposal.

All he will have to do is just simply plug the garbage disposal into the outlet. That’s it! That definitely doesn’t require much knowledge about handling electrical systems.

But in the case your sink doesn’t contain a GFCI outlet under it installed already, you will definitely have to hire an electrician separately to install it.

Do I Need an Electrician to Install a Garbage Disposal?

Usually, the garbage disposal is plugged into a 120-volt GFCI that lies under the kitchen sink of most houses for the convenience of installing the garbage disposal.

But if there is no GFCI outlet below your kitchen sink, then you need to install it separately.

And it is not possible for a plumber or anyone else who doesn’t have proper knowledge about electrical systems to install it by themselves. If they try to do so, it can be both tough and unsafe.

That’s why the best and most convenient option is to call an electrician to install a GFCI outlet under the kitchen sink.

Moreover, installing a GFCI outlet might not be the only case when you need an electrician while setting up garbage disposal.

Garbage disposal requires a power cord that is used to attach to the GFCI outlet to provide electrical energy to the garbage disposal.

While there are a few garbage disposals that come with a power cord already installed, most modern garbage disposal doesn’t come with it.

And so, it is required to purchase and set up a power cord with the garbage disposal unit separately in such types of garbage disposals.

Hence, to install a power cord with the garbage disposal as well, you will have to call an electrician to do it properly.

Do You Need a Plumber to Install a Garbage Disposal?

You will need a plumber to install the garbage disposal unless you want to do it yourself. Now, installing garbage disposal is not really a very tough or risky job. It can be done very easily.

But no matter how easy or small the task is, it is always important to do it with utmost caution and attention.

You don’t want to damage your new garbage disposal, do you? And thus, to avoid the fear of such accidents, it is much better to call a plumber who is an expert and experienced in this job.

But make sure before you call the plumber you have a GFCI outlet ready for the garbage disposal to be connected, as well as a power cord already attached to the garbage disposal unit.

Can a Handyman Install a Garbage Disposal?

Yes. A garbage disposal can be installable by a handyman without any problem.

Since garbage disposals are simple machines that anyone with basic handyman abilities may simply install.

It is, however, always a good idea to thoroughly study the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Also, I wanted to say that you need to take all necessary safety precautions.

Who Installs the Power Switch for Garbage Disposal?

You might think that since installing a power switch is more like an electrical task, it might be the job of an electrician. But that’s not really the case.

Installing a power switch is a very easy task that a plumber can pull off conveniently without any hassle. Also, it is an important part of their garbage disposal installation job.

That’s why they are also very experienced in installing power switches for garbage disposal. Installing a power switch is definitely far easier and less complex than installing a GFCI outlet.

Actually, installing the power switch for the garbage disposal can be easily pulled off by you yourself as well, as it is a very simple task.

All you are going to need is a proper guide to do the job and some confidence in working with electrical wires. That’s it!

Final Words

I hope I could clearly portray whom to call for installing the garbage disposal and in what terms and situation.

Now, it’s up to you to analyze the position and situation of your kitchen and garbage disposal. Check whether there is a GFCI outlet already existing under your kitchen sink.

And then, check whether your garbage disposal comes with a power cord or not. If either of these two is missing in your case, then you will have to call an electrician.

Setting up the garbage disposal in the piping system of your sink will be done by the plumber; in case you don’t want to do it yourself, prepare all the electrical work before that.

Hence, first, purchase a power cord if your garbage disposal doesn’t have one, then call the electrician, followed by the plumber, and you’re good to go!