When you install a garbage disposal in your home, you realize that it plays a vital role in ensuring a healthier lifestyle for you and your family members. The reality is that many homeowners tend to think of garbage disposal as only something they use in their kitchen, but this should not be the case. So long as the food grows, it will continue to decompose, thanks mainly to beneficial and harmful microorganisms that could thrive or even disrupt your good bacteria. For this reason, the majority of homeowners are trying to figure out ways to safely get rid of all this food waste such that it won't create foul odors or unhealthy living conditions.
So, if you don't have one or already have one that needs replacement, you must not think twice about fixing this issue. It is critical for a healthy environment inside your house and outside also. Generally, the new appliances come with a user manual that you can refer to for installing the new device. Since the modern versions tend to be user-friendly, you should not struggle. However, the work can be a little more for you if this also requires replacing a heavy-duty disposal unit already present in the kitchen. Nevertheless, here are some easy instructions to help you navigate this experience.
Removing the old waste disposal unit
Old disposal can sometimes be complex to remove because of the hardwiring. Anyway, you must find and unplug the disposal from its electrical outlet and turn off the circuit at your home circuit breaker panel if there is a switch that controls the wiring. Next, unscrew the drain attachments in the sink, which should pop out with just a little pressure. You can also remove the disposal flange assembly. Beware because some of these are very heavy and most likely require two people to remove them. The final step will have you throwing away all of your old garbage disposal parts before cleaning out your sink thoroughly, as this is where they usually attach during installation.
Mounting the drain pipes and the ring
In this process, you have first to fix the flange assembly under the sink to make sure it's stable. It may involve propping the drain ring on some stand or setting it on a thin shim. Next, seal off the area from below by applying the plumber's putty in a half-inch thick ribbon around the drain holes that encircle your new garbage disposal lid and base. Get some help because the sink flange requires proper handling from the top while you work under the sink.It would prevent inadvertently dislodgingthe assembly as you're securing it with silicone sealant and screws. Ensure the rubber gasket and attachment ring fit nicely onto the sink flange's end.
Mounting assembly involves tightening each screwwith a little bit of care and effort to ensure that you evenly apply pressure. The sink flangeshould get secured and pulled against the bottom of the sink. Please don't turn the screws too hard because it's possible to over-compress the plumber's putty and render it useless, which would mean that the seal around your sink would no longer be watertight. After tightening those screws, remove the extra plumber's putty oozing from under your sink with a rag.
Connecting the power cord
Before attaching your garbage disposal, it should have its power cord plugged in first. You will find the power cord on the bottom of your garbage disposal unit. Remove it and fix strain relief connectors in the hole using a flathead screwdriver or a suitable tool. Then you can use pliers to tighten the nut around the power cord's hole not to expose any wires that might otherwise create an electrical hazard.
Installing the grinder
In some dishwasher models, the hose that leads to the sink also doubles as a drain line. If this is your situation, locate the hose opening near the top right-hand corner of the garbage disposal's grinding chamber. With a hammer and screwdriver, tap out the plug inside by striking it with one end of your chisel-like tool; dislodge it from its socket and into the disposal's grinding chamber below. Remove the fallen disc from there. You don't have to stress about this if the dishwasher's pipe doesn't bypass the area.
You can instead focus on the installation of your disposal. The disposal can be pretty bulky, so you must be cautious about how you use your hands. While holding the unit in place, you have to see that the device’s top collar aligns withthe mounting holes of the sink mounting assembly.
Joining the drain pipes
You would need a gasket and screws to secure the rubber disposal tube to the grinder. When you're positioning the unit, it will line up with the waste trap underneath your sink and be level with it. If need be, buy some extensions or adjust the length of some pipes to make sure all of your connections are compatible and working correctly. When everything lines up and you have connected a dishwasher hose (if applicable), clamp the hose onto the disposal nipple as described in your instruction manual.
Finally, connect your garbage disposal using the oval-shaped connectors found between the main drain and the trap underneath. By putting pressure on these connector points, you will know that you have created a secure connection. You can use either pliers or a wrench to tighten these connections. Once done, you are ready to turn on your water and begin using your garbage disposal once again. But you cannot do this without testing the installation for leaks. Run water in the sink and allow it to pass through the drain to examine if there are any leaks. Leakage can happen due to loose connections. Before fixing them, you must turn off the circuit power.
If everything goes smoothly, you can enjoy the new installation in your house for a long time, provided you take all the precautionary steps for its safety. It would be best to avoid adding hard food items or larger chunks of bones and other scraps.
