Why can a handyman install a disposal but not a faucet?

Because the statute says so. Section 8-101(g) names the dishwasher, disposal and icemaker refrigerator hookup to existing exposed lines as home improvement, and pulls it back out when the lines have to be altered. A faucet is a fixture, which is plumbing.

What size disposal should I get?

Half horsepower suits most kitchens. Three quarter or one horsepower for a house that cooks every night and a sink that can take the weight. We bring the one the price names.

Does a disposal install need a permit in Maryland?

A like for like swap on a plug in unit does not in the counties we work. A new circuit or new drain work does, and the plumber or electrician pulls it.

Can a handyman install a garbage disposal in Maryland?

Yes, with one condition. Maryland lists connecting or installing a garbage disposal to existing, exposed household plumbing lines as home improvement work (section 8-101(g)), so an MHIC licensed contractor can do a straight swap. If the drain lines have to be altered, that part is plumbing. If the unit is hardwired instead of plugged in, the wiring is electrician work.

What Maryland law says

Maryland requires a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) contractor license for anyone who performs, or offers to perform, home improvement work for a homeowner (Business Regulation Article, section 8-301(a)). Repair and replacement of part of a house counts as home improvement under section 8-101(g), and the statute sets no dollar minimum. A handyman who charges for the work needs the license.

No second trade license is involved. The MHIC license is the whole requirement, and the contractor doing the work should be able to give you the number before the truck is loaded.

How we handle it

A swap is the common job. The old unit hums and quits, or leaks at the body seam. The new one goes on the same mount when the brand matches, or on a new mount with a new flange when it does not. We check the dishwasher knockout, the air gap where the county requires one, and run it with the sink full before leaving.

When the existing drain is a mess of mismatched tailpieces, or the disposal was wired straight to a junction box, the price names the plumber or electrician line so you know who is coming. The August job on the price list was a same day swap in Annapolis with the unit supplied.

On our side this falls under fixture and appliance installs. The finished jobs with real prices are on the price list.

Questions we get about this job

Why can a handyman install a disposal but not a faucet?: Because the statute says so. Section 8-101(g) names the dishwasher, disposal and icemaker refrigerator hookup to existing exposed lines as home improvement, and pulls it back out when the lines have to be altered. A faucet is a fixture, which is plumbing.
What size disposal should I get?: Half horsepower suits most kitchens. Three quarter or one horsepower for a house that cooks every night and a sink that can take the weight. We bring the one the price names.
Does a disposal install need a permit in Maryland?: A like for like swap on a plug in unit does not in the counties we work. A new circuit or new drain work does, and the plumber or electrician pulls it.

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