Garbage Disposal | Garbage Disposal Replacement

If you have had a garbage disposal, you probably cannot imagine living without one. Next to the microwave oven it is one of the greatest kitchen accessories inventions of the last century If you have an older model garbage disposal you should be aware that the newer models are very quiet, highly efficient, and safer to operate than the older units, therefore you may want to consider a garbage disposal replacement. Replacing or installing a garbage disposal is an easy DIY homeowner project that can completed in approximately one hour. You really don’t need a plumber to do the job. A garbage disposal replacement only takes is a couple wrenches and a screwdriver that is part of a DIY homeowners work shop tool kit to install a garbage disposal. Before purchasing a garbage disposal, shop around to insure that you get the best price and a model that is best for your situation.

If you do not live in an area that has public sewage be sure that your septic system can handle the waste from a garbage disposal. If your septic system was installed with an 800 gallon or larger septic tank it can handle a garbage disposal. If it is any smaller it may not.

How to install a garbage disposal:

1. Turn off power at the main circuit breaker panel before starting.  

2. Remove the existing drainpipes from the strainer on the bottom of your sink beneath the cabinet. Chances are that this piping is plastic with compression fittings. If they not plastic fitting consider replacing them at this time. Plastic fitting are easy to remove by unscrewing them by hand. Be prepared to catch any waste and liquid from the pipes.

3. Remove the sink strainer that is fastened to the sink bowl with a very large sink nut. Replace the strainer with the flange that is included with the disposal installation kit. Use plumbers putty under the lip of the flange.

4. Install the mounting assembly by slipping the assembly gasket, mounting, and retaining rings over the sink nut flange. Tighten the screws until they are tight. Clean off the excess plumbers putty from the flange inside the sink.

5. Make the wire connection, white to white, black to black and the bare copper wire or green wire to ground.

6. Attach the drain elbow. If you also have a dishwasher the disposer drain can be prepared at this time by simply following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Slip the slotted flange of the disposer over the mounting bolts.

7. Connect the waste pipe using a two-piece P-trap. Attach the waste pipe to the drain fitting and elbow at the wall.

8. Turn the power back on and your new garbage disposal is ready for operation.