In sink disposal installation can be a great way to save money on that new disposal you want. Perhaps you have a broken disposal on your hands and you need to know how to install a new one. Do it yourself disposal installation projects should be done carefully and correctly so that your new sink garbage disposal works properly. That being said, installing a sink disposal is easily within reach of the average do it yourself-er.
Basic Disposal for Kitchen Sinks
Sink disposal installation for a broken disposal or a new disposal is fairly straightforward. A new installation is going to be more difficult than replacing a broken disposal. This is because everything is already there when the disposal is being replaced, but if you are installing a new one, you have to do a few more things.
Do it yourself disposal preparation
Measure the dimensions under your sink because all disposals need a certain amount of room for the mechanism to fit.
You will need to properly install a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet, also called GFCI. This will be needed to give power to your new disposal and it makes the off/on switch available for easy access once connected. You can choose from any kind of switch from a traditional house switch to a wireless remote switch that can be placed anywhere. If you are replacing an old disposal, this step will already be done. Most newer homes are pre-wired with a GFCI under the sink.
Always turn the circuit power off before beginning the installation.
Basic Sink Disposal Installation
- Completely remove the sink's waste assembly. This will be located in the flange trap area of your sink. Having a bucket and towels around can help with cleaning any mess. Attach the new flange, which should have come with your new disposal. Have some plumbing putty so that you can put a bit around the flange for a perfect fit.
- Attach the new mounting mechanism to the flange and use a thick book to hold it in place. Following the guide and instructions that you got when you purchased the sink disposal for placement.
- Once mounted, attach the actual disposal and mounting mechanism together by first attaching the discharging tube.
- Put your disposal right underneath the mounting part. There are metal tabs on the neck of the disposal that should easily slide onto the tracks. Rotate the ring for mounting as many times as it takes to lock the ridges on the mounting ring.
- Adjust the entire mechanism until the discharging tube is completely lined up with the draining trap. Make sure that everything feels tight and secure. Remove any tools from the area so that you can turn the power back on.
- When replacing a sink disposal, try using the "working backwards" method. When taking each part off, remember how it was so that you can fix your broken disposal problem as fast as possible by assembling the new unit in reverse.
