Derrick Jensen
Installing garbage disposers seems hard and complex at the beginning, but with help of proper instruments and a concise how-to instruction manual, it should become simpler and smoother. In this section, we will explain how to install a garbage disposal in 10 quick steps. Be sure that after reading this article this task will be, approximately, a clear and achievable mission, even if you are totally an inexperienced person.
Install a Garbage Disposal in 10 Quick Steps
In this section, we will provide a concise guide on how to install a garbage disposal in just 10 quick steps. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a novice, this guide will help you complete the task with ease. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen and install a new garbage disposal, keep reading for a step-by-step guide.
Get The Tools And Materials
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have all the tools and materials you’ll need for the entire installation process close at hand.
- Tools – Flathead and Philips-head screwdriver, PVC saw, circuit tester, adjustable pliers, pigtail, wire strippers (or utility knife), garbage disposal key.
- Materials – Electrical tape, electrical caps, wire nuts, wide rubber band, plumber’s putty
Preparing The Installation
First, you have to turn off the power from the circuit breaker responsible for your kitchen. Place a bucket under the sink and remove the drainpipes. You can insert a rag in the main drain so it won’t leak. Loosen the nut under the sink and remove the sink strainer. Make sure you remove the excess putty as well, leaving the sink opening clean.
Preparing The Mounting Assembly
The mounting assembly comes with the garbage disposal unit you bought, and you should find it in the box. Turn the mounting assembly over and unscrew all the mounting screws so you will have access to the second ring, called snap ring. Use the flat head screwdriver to pry the snap ring off and remove all the components of the mounting assembly. Be careful though, you don’t want to damage the fiber gasket.
Apply Putty
Put plumber’s putty around the sink’s opening, and put the fiber gasket and metal ring over the sink’s flange.
Install the Mounting Ring
Keep the fiber gasket and the backup ring in place while you slip the mounting ring over the flange so it presses against the backup ring. Take a strip of the wide rubber band and place it around the flange so it holds the parts in place. Make sure the rubber band doesn’t cover the snap ring.
Install The Snap Ring
Remove the rubber band after screwing the whole assembly to the sink. Slide the snap ring up the flange until it enters the groove. Some of the plumber’s putty might have come out of the sink flange. If this is the case, clean it before continuing.
Remove The Plug
Push the drain plug inside the garbage disposal. You can use a screwdriver for this. Remove the plug from the disposal.
Connect The Disposal To A Power Source
Remove the access hole cover from the bottom of the disposal unit and pull out the wires. Strip the main wire to see the colors of the cords. Connect the power cords according to the wire colors. Secure the wires with wire nuts or electrical tape. Put the wires back inside and screw the access hole cover shut.
Connect The Disposal Unit
Put the mounting gasket in the mounting assembly and turn the lower mounting ring to the right until the mounting tabs are snugly shut. Use the included wrench to lock the tabs over the ridges. Connect the discharge pipeline to the drainpipes using a T-pipe before the P-trap.
Test Your Disposal Unit
Make sure you test the unit before you gather your tools. Check for links and see if the unit has power. If there are no leaks and the unit runs as it should, your job is done.
How To Replace Your Garbage Disposal In 5 Steps Without Professional Help?
If you already have a garbage disposal unit, but it’s broken and you need to change it the process will be easier and smoother than installing a new one. The following guide will explain how to change your garbage disposal unit without professional help.
Turn Off The Power
This is probably the most important step in the installation process. Make sure the power is turned off. If your broken disposal unit is plugged, unplug it. If it’s hardwired, turn off the circuit responsible for the kitchen. If the disposal unit is installed in another circuit breaker, turn that one off.
Remove The Broken Unit
Take out the drain arm and the dishwasher drain from the broken disposal unit. To remove the unit, twist it off the mounting assembly. Remove the plate cover from the bottom of the unit and take out the electrical wires. Remove the wire nuts and the grounding screw and pull the power cable out of the unit. Take out the old mounting assembly by unscrewing the mounting ring and pushing the drain flange through the sink hole. Make sure you clean the sink of any remaining putty.
- Tip: if the new disposal unit is the same model as the old one, the existing mounting assembly might match.
Install The New Garbage Disposal Unit’s Mounting Assembly
Place plumber’s putty on the drain flange’s underside and push the flange into the drain hole. Place a rubber seal on the drain flange in the underside part of the sink. Now attach the backup ring, flat side up. Attach the mounting ring using the three screws it comes with. Push the metal ring, securing it with the snap ring. Tighten the mounting screws. The mounting assembly should be tight and even now.
Connect The New Garbage Disposal Unit
Remove the drain plug from the new unit. Remove the metal cover and pull out the electrical wires. Connect the electrical cords to the main supply line, and secure them with wire nuts or electrical tape. Push the wires inside the unit and screw the metal cover back in place. Install the disposal by twisting it on the mounting assembly until it’s even and properly aligned. Attach the dishwasher drain pipe and the drain arm.
Test The New Garbage Disposal Unit
The installation is now complete. Run water through the unit for a few minutes and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, turn on the power and see if the unit’s working as it should. If it is, your job is now done.
We are sure that you will be able to install your best garbage disposal under your kitchen sink effortlessly. Remember that you should always keep your garbage disposal clean to avoid musty smell or clogging. But in case you have a problem, you can learn how to fix your garbage disposal on own by reading our article on this subject.
