If your old garbage disposal is wearing down, then you’re going to have to go out and purchase a new one. However, don’t feel like you have to hire someone else to remove your old garbage disposal and install a garbage disposal for you. Installing the garbage disposal by yourself is not as difficult as it might sound.
Getting a New Garbage Disposal
The first thing you need to do is to find a replacement for your old garbage disposal. When looking for new garbage disposal units, consider who will be using it, whether the noise is going to be an issue and what type of plumbing your home has. If there are children in the household, you may want to consider purchasing a batch feed disposal. A batch feed disposal requires a stopper to be used prior to operation, which is safer than a continuous feed disposal that uses a switch that turns the disposal on until you switch it off. As far as motors go, it depends on how big your household is. Lower horsepower is more suitable for households that produce a small amount of waste. You can also purchase a disposal that is made especially for septic tanks if your plumbing connects to a septic tank.
Removing the Old Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is attached to your dishwasher, the first thing you should do is to detach the dishwasher hose using a screwdriver. You’ll then want to use a wrench to remove the “P” trap waste line that runs from the disposal by unscrewing the slip-nut that connects the disposal to the trap. There might be some waste-water sitting in the bottom of the trap, so be sure to place a bucket underneath while doing this. Then insert the screwdriver into the mounting ring lung and turn until it is loose in order to remove the disposal. Once the disposal unit is out, remove the sink sleeve’s ring, the sink sleeve, the fiber gasket and finally the plumber’s putty. Clean the sleeve, sink opening and flange to prepare the sink for your new garbage disposal.
Installing the Garbage Disposal
Now it’s time to install the new garbage disposal. Most disposals come with appliance wires attached. If yours does not, then remove the cover plate underneath the garbage disposal and attach the wires using the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the wires are connected, reattach the plate. The next step is to apply plumbers putty underneath the drain flange underneath the sink. Take the flange and insert it into the drain hole, attaching it with the use of the backup ring, the fiber gasket and the mounting ring. Use a screwdriver to attach everything tightly. Any plumber’s putty that has squeezed out around the flange can be trimmed away with a knife. The new garbage disposal can now be placed into the mounting ring. Make sure to tighten it until it stays in place. Once the disposal is up, connect it to the P-trap. You’ll have to measure the discharge pipe and then cut it to size using a hacksaw. Attach it to the garbage disposal’s outlet. To make sure it’s properly connected, read your manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, attach your dishwasher discharge tube.
Once your garbage disposal is installed, you’ll want to check to make sure it works. Turn your power back on and run water into the sink. Make sure the garbage disposal works by turning it on. Check underneath the disposal to make sure there are no leaks – then run food through the disposal to make sure it’s properly ground and disposed of.