So, you’ve purchased a brand new food waste disposer and you want to get it working. A quick online search shows that professional installations cost around $100 (or even more). Why would you spend the same amount you paid for your unit when you can set it up on your own? We’ll teach you how to install garbage disposal units without resorting to a pricey specialist. Follow our systematic guide below!
Step-by-step: How to Install Garbage Disposal
With the 8 easy steps we have outlined below, you’ll see that learning how to install garbage disposal units isn’t rocket science. However, you do need to be prepared.
Gather the following items prior to installing a garbage disposal in a single drain sink or a double sink:
- Garbage disposal unit (with included accessories)
- Plumber’s putty
- Allen wrench
- Putty knife
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Bucket
- Towels
* An outlet under the sink is needed to plug the disposal in.
** Continuous feed units also require a wall switch near the sink.
Step 1. Prepare Installation
Disable the disposal’s power by turning off the circuit breaker. Place a bucket under the sink and a few old towels around it to catch any leaks.
If you’re replacing a unit, remove the old disposer by disconnecting the discharge tube and mounting ring.
Unmount the drain pipes and push the sink strainer out from the top. Use your putty knife to scrape away any excess plumber’s putty from the drain opening.
Step 2. Install Sink Flange
Apply a good amount of plumber’s putty around the sink flange of your new drain. Push it down into its place, ensuring that it aligns well with your drain opening.
Put a towel down over the drain in your sink and the disposer unit on top. The setup will help fix the flange in place as you work on other steps.
Step 3. Connect Mounting Assembly
Below your sink, place the following accessories one on top of the other:
- Fiber gasket/ washer
- Backup ring/ flange
- Mounting ring
Slide the stacked items on the lower slide of the flange and snap the retaining ring on as the final piece. Use your screwdriver to firmly tighten all the bolts or screws in the mounting assembly.
Take your unit and the towel out of the sink. Remove any excess plumber’s putty from your new drain with the help of your putty knife.
Step 4. Arrange Wiring
Separate the electrical plate from the unit and connect the wires for the cord. Match the wires based on their colors, conceal them with wire covers, and press them back into their space. Screw the wire cover plate back onto the unit.
Step 5. Prepare Dishwasher Connection (Optional)
If you want to attach your disposal to a dishwasher, you have to push out the drain plug on the unit. Place a screwdriver over the plastic or rubber plug and tap the end with a hammer to make it pop out.
Step 6. Connect Drain
Place the gasket provided in the discharge outlet of the disposer. Insert the discharge tube with the flange and tighten the bolts to secure it in place.
Step 7. Mount Disposal
Put your disposal unit under the sink and screw it on until the tabs line up with the mounting ring. Lock them into place with the help of your Allen wrench. Once the disposal is locked, align and reattach the drain pipe and the dishwasher pipe.
Step 8. Run a Leak Test
After your garbage disposal is mounted, take a few minutes to test all the connections you made. Put a stopper in the sink drain and run a steady stream of water until the sink fills up. If there are leaks, tighten any screws or bolts as necessary. Repeat the process with the power back on, unplug the unit after the sink fills, and double-check for leaks as the water drains.
Conclusion
All in all, the steps we provided on how to install garbage disposal units are just what you need. Even though the process may take a bit longer than a professional installation, it will save you a considerable amount of money. We also recommend that you look into our garbage disposal maintenance tips and garbage disposals problems guides for more useful info. Make sure you let us know how your installation went!