Garbage disposals are a handy item to have in the kitchen. Many people install them themselves as all it takes is some basic plumbing and electrical know how. It should not take more than a couple hours to install a disposal from start to finish. Depending on your skill level and your organization, you can have it done rather quickly. Using this guide, you can have the job done in seven steps.
HOW TO INSTALL A GARBAGE DISPOSAL FOR THE FIRST TIME
Installing a garbage disposal for the first time can be a little intimidating. So, here’s a step by step guide to help you out. We are assuming that you have already picked out a garbage disposal. If you are looking for powerful yet affordable disposals, in the link below we review the top models from 2023:
Step 1: Turn Off Power And Gather Tools
If you still have an old disposer installed, you will need to unplug its power cord from the outlet before you can take it out. In the case that your disposal is hardwired into the circuit, you will have to head to the breaker box and turn off the circuit breaker connected to the area. Because a garbage disposal is an electrical unit around a sink, you want to take the proper safety precautions.
Get down under the sink and make sure that your disposal will fit into the pre-cut drain area. They are pretty standard, but you want to check and make sure. You will also need to gather the required tools. Here are the tools you will need:
- Garbage disposal unit
- Plumber's putty
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Electrical cord and wire nuts
- Plumbers' tape
If you still have an old disposer installed, you will need to unplug its power cord from the outlet before you can take it out. In the case that your disposal is hardwired into the circuit, you will have to head to the breaker box and turn off the circuit breaker connected to the area. Because a garbage disposal is an electrical unit around a sink, you want to take the proper safety precautions. Don't forget to turn off the water supply under the sink.
Get down under the sink and make sure that your disposal will fit into the pre-cut drain area. They are pretty standard, but you will want to check and make sure.
STEP 2: Disconnect Old Drains
Next, you need to remove the drains to make room for the new insinkerator or other disposal. To ensure that the main drain opening is plugged and no leakage will occur, place an old rag into the drain. At the base of the sink’s flange, there is a large nut that needs to be removed. After the nut is gone, push the strainer body through the sink until it pops out. Putty is commonly put around the sink’s opening. Using a flathead screwdriver, remove this putty. Make sure the opening is clean.
STEP 3: Remove Old Disposal
Next, the mounting assembly needs to be placed upside down into the space. You need to access the mounting ring, so you will need to loosen all the screws. The mounting assembly (consists of the mounting ring and drain flange) needs to be taken apart, so you will need to remove the ring to accomplish this. Damage to the fiber gasket can occur rather easily, so make sure when separating the parts not to damage it.
STEP 4: Prepare For New Disposal
Grab some plumber’s putty and place it all around the drain opening. It needs to be firmly in place. Slip the metal ring and gasket over the sink’s flange to prepare for installation. You may want to use a rubber band to hold the ring and fiber gasket in place while putting the mounting ring on the flange. Ensure the ring is above the ring groove and secured into place by the snap ring.
STEP 5: Install New Disposal
Once everything is in place, tighten the mounting screws drawing the unit closer to the sink. Place the flange in the sink and tighten it in place with the screws. When complete, the unit should be firmly in place. If any additional putty came out from the drain opening flange during these various steps, make sure to clean that up too. Now, you are ready to hook up the electric to the unit. There are a few screws that hold an access cover on the unit. This is located on the bottom. Just unscrew the screws and remove the wires.
STEP 6: Connect Power
Using a wire clamp, pull the electrical wire through the clamp. It's simply wiring from this point on. Line up the black and white wires to the coordinating ones, and be sure to secure them with wire nuts and some electrical tape. The white lead should go with the white wire from the power cord while the black lead should go with the black cord wire. Lastly, hook up the ground wire. The wires need to be pushed into the access hole and should be tightened with an electrical clamp.
STEP 7: Connect Dishwasher
This optional step is meant for garbage disposal installations where the dishwasher drain water runs through the disposer. First, you need to locate the dishwasher inlet in the disposer. Once you found it, remove the knock-out plug from the unit.
STEP 8: Connect Drain
Connecting the unit to the drain is the final step. To accomplish this, you need to have a PVC P-trap or discharge tube. Place all the pipes together and tighten. See to it that the discharge tube is aligned with the waste trap from the sink drain. You may now connect the dishwasher line. Take the dishwasher hose and slide it into the nipple. Then, secure the connection with a hose clamp or any other clamp provided for you by the manufacturer.
Also, be sure to use plumbers putty on any new connections. Now, you are ready for business. Just turn on the power, and make sure your unit works. It is a simple job that even an amateur can do.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HOW TO INSTALL A GARBAGE DISPOSAL
There is a first time for everything. In the case that you run into a problem during your installation, don’t give up easily. Retrace your steps and correct what needs to be corrected. If it still doesn’t seem to work, don’t hesitate to ask for help. After all, you don’t want to cause any permanent damage to your disposer or even your kitchen.
Stuck On Installing Your Garbage Disposal? Follow This Video Step-By-Step Guide:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to hire a professional to install a garbage disposal for the first time?
A: It is possible to install a garbage disposal yourself, but if you have never installed one before, it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional plumber to ensure that it is installed correctly and safely.
Q: Can I install a garbage disposal on my own without any plumbing experience?
A: Yes, you can install a garbage disposal on your own, but it is important to follow the step-by-step instructions carefully, especially if you have no plumbing experience. It is also recommended that you watch tutorial videos or read through manuals to gain more insight into the installation process.
Q: Can I install a garbage disposal without a sink flange?
A: No, the sink flange is an essential part of the garbage disposal installation process. It helps to prevent food waste and debris from falling into the disposal unit and causing blockages.
Q: How Do I Install An Insinkerator Garbage Disposal?
InSinkErator provides detailed installation instructions for their garbage disposals in the product manual of your specific Insinkerator that is included with your purchase. The specific steps for installation can vary depending on the model of the disposal and other factors, such as the type of sink and plumbing system. If you can't find yours, the general process typically involves the following steps:
- Turn off power: Before beginning the installation process, make sure to turn off the power to the disposal unit at the circuit breaker.
- Mounting assembly: Attach the mounting assembly to the sink and secure it in place using the necessary hardware.
- Prepare the disposal: Remove any packaging materials and mounting hardware from the disposal, and make sure it is properly aligned and level.
- Electrical connections: Connect the wiring from the disposal to the electrical supply, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Plumbing connections: Connect the discharge tube from the disposal to the plumbing system, making sure to use the appropriate fittings and seals.
- Test the unit: Once the installation is complete, turn the power back on and run water through the disposal to make sure it is functioning properly.
- It is important to read and follow the particular instructions relating to your model carefully to ensure that the installation is done correctly and safely.
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