Title: one of the most common repairs an installs in houses today, the garbage disposal

You may take it for granted, but if it breaks or leaks, you know instantly how frustrating a broken garbage disposal can be.  Knowing the correct procedures for garbage disposal installation can save you time and money on your initial installation as well as give you a heads up on fixing and repairing your unit. 

After you choose your garbage disposal unit, you will need to gather the tools required to complete the job.  It is also a good idea to note if your garbage disposal connects to your dishwasher.  If it does, you will need to ensure that you make those proper connections under your kitchen sink during the garbage disposal installation.  First, you will need to gather the tools required for the installation.  These tools include: a bucket, a pipe wrench, putty knife, plumbers putty, wire nuts, screwdriver, and a hammer. 

Before you begin the garbage disposal installation, you will need to make sure that there is no power running to the unit.  This is best accomplished by turning off the circuit breaker that would power the disposal.  After you are certain that there is no electric current connected to your unit, and that the circuit is off you will need to remove the waste trap and the kitchen sink strainer.  Be sure to place a bucket under the waste trap, because a lot of water will gush out once it is removed.  Using a wrench, remove the slip nuts that hold the waste trap in place and lift the trap out.  After you have removed the trap, you will see a large nut that secures the sink strainer.  Remove the nut, and clean all traces of putty from the sink strainer. 

Next you ill seal the sink opening with putty.  Just apply a coating around the sink’s opening about ½ “ thick.  Now you will install the new sink flange by pressing it into the putty.  You will need some assistance so have someone hold the sink flange in place while you attach the gasket and attachment ring from underneath the kitchen sink.  Secure the flange and mounting assembly with the snap ring.  Now that everything is assembled correctly, securely tighten the screws.  When tightening the mounting assembly, be sure that all screws have equal pressure. After the assembly and unit are locked, you will need to connect the drain lines. 

Before you place the unit in the sink, you will need to attach the power cord.  Follow the instructions with your unit to ensure that you have connected the wires properly.  They will also be placed inside the electrical box.  If your disposal has a connection to the dishwasher you will want to connect that now.  Now it is time to install the garbage disposal.  Align the unit with the mounting ears of the assembly.  After you have placed the unit in place turn the lower mounting ring until the unit and the assembly are locked into place.

Follow your unit’s instructions for their recommended procedures.  Make sure that you align the disposal with the waste trap so that the water will drain properly.  Connect the dishwasher lines after the main connection is in place.  Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for locking the disposal in place.  This is a very important step so be sure that you perform this step carefully and accurately.  Before you finish your garbage disposal installation it is important to check and test the unit for any leaks and to ensure that it is draining properly.

Author: RedBox Tools, Inc.

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