How to Install a Garbage Disposal

Installing a garbage disposal is like giving your kitchen a mini upgrade. It’s not just for easy clean-ups; it also keeps your kitchen smelling nice and cuts down on garbage. Plus, it’s a green move for the planet since less food waste ends up in the landfill.

Before jumping into the installation process, it’s good to pause and think about what you need. There’s a bunch of different garbage disposals out there, and picking the right one depends on your kitchen’s needs and how much you’re willing to spend. Whether you’re swapping out an old one or putting in your very first, you don’t need to be a pro to get it done.

We’re here to guide you step by step on how to install a garbage disposal and running it perfect. So, let’s get started:

Choose the Right Garbage Disposal for Your Home

Choosing the right garbage disposal means finding one that’s just right for your home, not just picking the first one you see. Here’s how to make sure you get it right:

• Size and Power: How much kitchen waste do you usually have? If you cook a lot or have a big family, you might need a disposal with more power and a larger capacity.
• Consider the features: Some disposals come with fancy features like noise reduction or the ability to handle tougher food scraps. Decide which features are must-haves for you.
• Compatibility: Make sure the model you choose will fit under your sink and work with your plumbing. If you have a dishwasher, you’ll want a disposal that can connect to it.
• Budget: There’s a wide range of prices, so think about how much you’re willing to spend. Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always the best for your needs.

What You’ll Need

To install a garbage disposal smoothly, you’ll need some specific tools and materials.

Equipment / Tools

Here’s a checklist of tools you’ll need for the installation:

• Adjustable Wrench: For tightening and loosening various nuts and fittings.
• Plumber’s Putty: Essential for creating watertight seals around the sink flange.
• Screwdriver: A flat-head or Phillips depending on the screws your disposal uses.
• Pipe Wrench: Useful for adjusting or holding pipes during installation.
• Hacksaw: Might come in handy if you need to cut any pipes.
• Non-Contact Voltage Tester: To ensure safety by checking for live electrical wires.
• Flashlight: To help you see under the sink.

Materials

In addition to your new garbage disposal, here are some materials you might need:

• Drain Pipes and Fittings: To connect your disposal to the plumbing system.
• Electrical Cord Kit (if not included with your disposal): For powering your unit.
• Dishwasher Connector Kit (if applicable): If you’re connecting the disposal to a dishwasher.
• Wire Nuts and Electrical Tape: For safe electrical connections.
• Plumber’s Tape: To ensure a tight seal on threaded pipes and prevent leaks.

Initial Setup and Safety Measures

Before diving into the installation of your garbage disposal, taking a few initial steps can ensure a safe and smooth process.

Safety First

• Cut the Power: First things first, switch off the electricity where you’re working. This keeps you safe from shocks.
• Look Over Your Electrical Setup: Make sure the place where you’re putting the disposal can handle it, electricity-wise. You might need a special circuit just for the disposal.

Workspace setup

• Clear the Area: Make sure the space under your sink is clean and clear of any cleaning products, supplies, or obstacles that might get in the way.
• Lighting: If the area under your sink is dim, set up a work light or use a flashlight to ensure you can see clearly.
• Lay Down a Towel or Pan: Place a towel or shallow pan under the sink piping to catch any water that might drip when you disconnect the existing garbage disposal.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for a Garbage Disposal

Here is a complete installation guide for a garbage disposal:

1. Remove the Old Disposal (if applicable)

If you’re putting in a new disposal because you have an old one, the first thing to do is to remove the old one safely. First, make sure the electricity is completely off to avoid any shocks. You can check this quickly by using a tool called a non-contact voltage tester near where the disposal’s wires are.

Then, you need to disconnect drain connections attach to disposal. Usually, there’s a pipe that goes from the disposal to your sink or the main drain line. If your dishwasher drains through the disposal, you’ll need to disconnect that hose too. Use a wrench to loosen the connections gently. Then disconnect the disposal from the flange assembly.

Remove flange assembly from the sink drain. You may use the old flange assembly, if you’re replacing the old disposal unit with the new one from the same manufacturer, but it’s good practice to replace the old flange assembly with the new one to ensure new drain seal.

If you want to learn how to replace old flange assembly with the new old in very easy steps, then take a look at this video:

2. Installing the Drain Fitting and Mounting Ring

After removing the old disposal, the next step is to set up the drain fitting and mounting ring. This is a crucial part of the process, as it ensures a tight, leak-free connection between your sink and the disposal unit.

First, you’ll want to clean the sink opening. Any residue or old plumber’s putty needs to go so you have a clean surface to work with. Then, take some plumber’s putty, roll it into a long, thin shape, and wrap it around the bottom of the drain flange. This putty acts as a sealant to prevent water leaks.

Carefully place the flange into the sink’s drain hole, pressing down to make sure the putty fills any gaps, creating a tight seal. From under the sink, you’ll need to attach the gasket and backing ring to the underside of the flange, securing them with the mounting ring by snapping the snap ring into the groove on the flange tailpiece.

3. Tighten the Mounting Ring Assembly

After setting the mounting ring in alignment with the drain fitting, it’s time to focus on tightening it properly. This is usually done by turning the mounting ring until it’s snug against the bottom of the sink, ensuring that the disposal will be held firmly in place. It’s important to do this evenly to avoid any tilt or misalignment that could cause issues later on.

While tightening, it’s a good idea to go around the ring in a circular pattern, tightening a little bit at a time on each side. This helps maintain an even pressure all around and prevents the ring from getting skewed. If your disposal seems to wobble or isn’t sitting straight, you may need to loosen the ring slightly and adjust the positioning before tightening it again.

If you encounter resistance or if the ring won’t tighten as it should, double-check to make sure there’s nothing obstructing the ring or the sink’s underside. Sometimes, small debris or incorrect installation of the previous components can cause issues at this stage.

If you encounter any issues with installing or tightening the flange assembly, watch this complete guide video on flange assembly installation to resolve your problems:

4. Connecting the Disposal’s Power Cord

Connecting power cord to your garbage disposal demands a careful attention. Here’s how to do it right and what to watch out for:

Before anything else, double-check that the power is still off at the circuit breaker to prevent any accidental shocks. Safety first, always. If your disposal came with a power cord attached, you’re in luck, and you can skip straight to plugging it into a properly grounded outlet under the sink. But if you need to attach the cord yourself, here’s the drill:

1. Prepare the Disposal: Locate the electrical cover plate on the bottom of the disposal unit and remove it to access the electrical wiring. You’ll typically find a green (ground), white (neutral), and black (hot) wire.
2. Attach the Cord: If your disposal didn’t come with a cord, you’ll need to purchase one separately. Make sure it’s designed for use with garbage disposals and is long enough to reach your outlet without stretching. Thread the cord through the relief clamp and connect the wires from the disposal to the matching wires on the cord—white disposal wire to white cord wire, black disposal wire to black cord wire, and green disposal wire to green cord wire Secure each connection with wire nuts and make sure they’re tight.
3. Secure the Connections: Once all the wires are connected, tuck them carefully inside the disposal and reattach the electrical cover plate.
4. Clamp It Down: Don’t forget to tighten the relief clamp where the cord enters the disposal. This clamp stops the cord from getting pulled out by mistake, which could mess up the wires or the connections.

5. Preparing for a Dishwasher Connection (Optional)

If you have a dishwasher, you might want to connect it to your garbage disposal. This setup allows the dishwasher to drain directly through the disposal, making installation more streamlined and efficient. Here’s how to get ready for this kind of setup and some things to think about:

First, check if your garbage disposal has a dishwasher inlet. Most models do, but it’s usually sealed off with a knockout plug that you’ll need to remove before connecting your dishwasher drain hose. To do this, you’ll need a screwdriver or a similar tool to punch out the plug from inside the disposal unit. Be sure to do this before you install the disposal under the sink, as it’s much harder to access this spot once everything is mounted.

Once the plug is out, you can attach the dishwasher drain hose to the inlet using a hose clamp to secure it in place. Make sure it’s tight enough to prevent leaks but not so tight that it damages the hose.

For those who don’t have a dishwasher or prefer a separate drainage system, you can skip this step. However, it’s worth considering future kitchen upgrades. Even if you don’t need a dishwasher connection now, having the option available can be a plus if you decide to add a dishwasher later on.

6. Mount the Garbage Disposal

Now putting in your garbage disposal right is super important to make sure it’s attached well and ready to go. Here’s an easy way to do it, using a specific method:

First, line up the top part of the disposal with the three tabs on the sink assembly. Getting this part right helps everything else go smoothly. Hold the disposal steady and turn the top part until the three tabs snap into place on the bottom part of the sink. This step locks the disposal onto the sink tightly. You can also use screw driver to twist the locking ring until it attach with sink flange.

Make sure you keep a good grip on the disposal while you do this because it’s pretty heavy and can be tricky to get just right. If it’s not locking in place, double-check to see if it’s lined up right or if there’s something in the way stopping it from fitting properly.

7. Connect the Drain Lines

Take the drain pipe that came with your disposal or your existing pipe if it’s compatible. Line it up with the disposal’s outlet. If there’s a rubber gasket or seal, make sure it’s in place to prevent leaks. Use the clamps or fasteners provided to tighten the drain pipe onto the disposal’s outlet. It needs to be tight enough to prevent any water from escaping but not so tight that it damages the pipe or fittings.

The other end of the drain pipe usually connects to the P-trap under your sink. This is what stops sewer gases from coming up through the sink. Make sure this connection is secure and tight, using the same care as before to prevent leaks. Once everything’s connected, give the pipes a gentle shake to make sure they’re all held together firmly. There shouldn’t be any movement at the joints.

8. Lock the Garbage Disposal Unit in Place

To make sure the garbage disposal is securely attached, you need to tighten the part called the cam collar, which is on the disposal. You can use a screwdriver to help you turn it or a special wrench that might have come with the disposal. As you tighten it, you should feel a clear “click” that tells you the disposal is properly locked onto the sink’s assembly.

9. Check for Leaks

After you’ve got your garbage disposal unit all set up and locked in place, the next thing you want to do is make sure everything’s working right and there aren’t any leaks.

First, give all the connections one more look to ensure they’re tight and secure. This includes the spot where the disposal connects to the sink, the drain lines, and any other spots where pieces fit together.

Next, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker, but don’t run the disposal just yet. Run some cold water into the sink and let it flow into the disposal. Keep an eye on all the connections, especially under the sink, for any signs of water leaking out. If you see any drips or moisture, turn off the water and tighten the connections a bit more.

Once you’re confident there aren’t any leaks, it’s time to test the disposal. With the water still running, turn on the disposal. It should start up smoothly without any strange noises or vibrations.

conclusion

As we finish our guide on installing a garbage disposal, let’s go over the important parts again. We started by picking the right disposal, then got all the tools and stuff we needed, made sure our workspace was safe, and carefully put in the disposal, making sure every part was connected right to avoid leaks and make it stable.

But, don’t forget that taking care of your disposal after putting it in is just as important. Keep it clean, don’t put hard or stringy stuff in it, and always use water when you’re grinding waste to stop clogs.

FAQ’s