Disposal Installation
Considering doing a disposal installation? Ask yourself these simple questions: What do I need have to be prepared when installing a disposal? Am I replacing an existing disposal or this is a new installation? Whatever it may be the case; this page will focus on two types of garbage disposal installation: replacing an existing disposal and installing a disposal on a new location.
Things To Consider:
1 – Tools: you will need some basic tools to get the job done right and quickly the first time.
Some of the tools required to perform a disposal installation are: a pair of channel locks (18”), Phillips and flat screw driver, hammer, box cutter (if necessary) and basket strainer wrench, bucket, putting knife and rags. 2 – Parts: A new disposal, new piping (tail piece, p-trap, new basket strainer), plumber putting, new power cord (if necessary)…etc.
Before Installing The New Disposal:Before starting the disposal installation project, you must check under the sink to make that it will have enough space under the sink for the disposal; this only applies if you are adding a new disposal for a brand new location, otherwise, and it should be fine.Remove everything from under the sink and protect the flooring to prevent from getting wet, also, remember to unplug the existing disposal for the power source (if applicable), if he existing disposal is hard wired in, then, you will have to cut the power at the breaker box, make sure to turn the right breaker off.
Replacing An Existing Disposal:Removing The Old Disposal
1 – Remove all piping connected between the two sinks compartments. Make sure to have a bucket and rags ready to retain the water from the p-trap. 2 – Unplug the disposal from the wall outlet. 3 – With a Phillips screwdriver or the disposal key, insert the tool through one of the mountain tabs hole located at the disposal base and pull it clockwise until the disposal gets loose, make sure to hold the disposal in the bottom, this will prevent the disposal from falling on the floor.
5 – Remove the old plumber putting or silicone and clean really well around the hole and make sure that is dry around it. Installing The New Disposal
1 – Apply plumber putting or silicone around the sink hole, then insert the top of the flange (strainer) through it and, while holding it down, place the fiber washer, the triangle metal piece and the bracket ring through the flange.
p.s.: you might need a second person to help you with this step or, find something really heavy to put on the top of the strainer while putting the rest of the flange assembly from under the sink. 2 – Once flange is in place, tighten the screws, but you must do all three screws at the same time, a little bit at a time, this will assure that after the disposal installation the new disposer will properly aligned aligned, this step will prevent the disposal from moving or vibrating too much. 3 – If there is a dishwasher that will be connected to the disposal, make sure to pop out the plug located inside the disposal drain. 4 – Connect the power cord in the disposal, usually the wire is color coded (green, white and black), the green wire is the ground wire. 5 – It is time to attach the disposal to the mounting assembly; this is done by pushing the disposal against the mounting assembly while pushing the mounting tabs to slide over the tracks. Make sure that disposal is attached to all three tracks, then with a screw driver or disposal key, rotate clockwise until you hear the snap (click). 6 – Align the disposal drain to the other sink compartment drain, then, install all drain pipes including the p-trap, also, install the dishwasher drain hose and tighten everything accordingly. 7 – Insert the disposal power cord to the wall outlet. 8 – Run water to check for leaks, use a flashlight to check everything properly. Turn the power to the disposal on and while running water, test the disposal to see if works.
Installing A Disposal To A New Location:Installing a disposal to a new location can be a bit more challenging than when installing to an existing location, however, it can also be done by you. For this particular situation, it will needed to remove the regular basket strainer and for that, it will be necessary to have a sink basket wrench and 18” channel lock or bigger and, possibly a second person to help with this task. Another, important point to consider is that, most of the existing plumbing under the sink will have to be upgraded to fit the new disposal installation and, space will be a important factor as well. If all the above concerns have been addressed accordingly, then, just follow the rest of the above steps to install the disposal and plumbing because, everything else stays the same. Good luck! |
