There are many reasons why having a garbage disposal in your home can make your life a whole lot easier. Garbage disposals not only save you time, but they’re also capable of eliminating nasty kitchen odors, decreasing the amount of trash you put into the landfill, and saving you money. Needless to say, garbage disposals can be more than a nice convenience, they can also help out the environment. If you’re thinking about installing a new garbage disposal in your home, but you’ve been hesitant because you’re not the greatest DIY’er, then keep reading to learn how simple installing your own garbage disposal can be.
While some people have never had a garbage disposal in their home before, there are others who are having to replace the one that they’ve been using for many years. Just like everything else in this world, garbage disposals need to be replaced after many years of use. If you’re getting ready to install a new garbage disposal in your double sink, there are a few things that you’ll need to get started.
Tools Needed to Install Garbage Disposal in Double Sink
- Hammer
- Hacksaw
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
Necessary Materials
- The new garbage disposal unit
- Silicone
- Tailpiece
- Plumber’s putty
- Tee
- Traps tube
- Discharge tube
If you have a double sink you may be thinking that it would be easier to install a garbage disposal unit on each side of the sink. While that sure does sound perfect, it’s not exactly the ideal thing to do. Installing a garbage disposal unit on each side is not only expensive to purchase, but it costs a lot more money to operate on a regular basis, as well. It may seem a bit intimidating to install a garbage disposal unit in a double sink, but you’re about to see that it’s really not all that complicated.
Step One: Examine Your Sink
If you don’t currently have a garbage disposal, then you have to figure out the size and voltage you’ll need. You’ll also have to determine how the unit needs to be connected, how much space you have available, and the horsepower required. If you already have a garbage disposal unit installed, then you’ll want to find out the specs of the unit you’re replacing. If you’d like a more powerful unit than the one you currently have, then you would want to take that into consideration when purchasing the new unit.
Step Two: Detach the Drain Arm and Dishwasher Pipe
If you’re replacing an old unit, then you’ll need to locate the drain arm. The drain arm is a thin plastic pipe that drains from the dishwasher unit. Make sure to place a bucket under the tubes before disconnecting the pipes to catch any water that might spill out.
Step Three: Remove the Broken Disposal Unit (If Applicable)
This step only applies to those of you who have already have a garbage unit installed, but need to replace it. If you don’t have a garbage disposal unit already, then you’ll want to jump down to the preparation step. The first thing you’ll need to do is carefully disconnect the old unit. You’ll do this by starting with the electrical parts. After all of the electrical parts have been disconnected you’ll want to detach the drains that are connected to the garbage disposal. Then, you’ll detach the entire unit from the flange, which is the part of the unit that connects it to the underside of the sink drain. Once the unit is disconnected from the flange, you will need to disconnect the disposal flange mounting from the sink drains. Unless, of course, you’re installing a new unit that is the same brand as your old one. Although, most experts would advise to install a new one just to ensure that the seal is efficient. If you’re not able to use the old one you’ll have to install a new flange mounting when you install the rest of the unit. The next thing you’ll need to do is disconnect the discharge tube, as well as, the entire drainage system from the second sink. You can also replace the tailpiece, the drainage tube, and the tee if they’re faulty, but if they’re not leaking then there’s really no need to replace it.
Step Four: Preparing to Install
Luckily, there really isn’t too much that goes into preparing the area for installation. The first thing you’ll want to do is wipe down the area under the sink with clean water. Then, take a few moments to carefully read and understand the instructions that come with the new garbage disposal unit. To make the process a tad bit easier you can arrange all of the parts according to the instructions so you can grab as you go. There’s no need to be looking for parts while you’re in the middle of installing them, after all.
Step Five: Installing the New Unit
As long as you follow the procedures in the instruction manual, then installing the disposal shouldn’t be too difficult. You’ll want to start by laying the plumber’s putty about ¼ inch wide and 1-ft long around the perimeter of the sink drain. Then, put the new drain on the putty before putting a rag on the drain. Once the rag is on the drain, place the disposal unit on the rag while holding the drain into place while you attach the new mounting assembly, which should connect just like your old one. Before fitting the retaining ring into place, fix the washer and the backup ring onto the drain. If you’re satisfied with how well it’s attached, tighten the bolts and screws to hold it securely in place. Remove any excess putty from the drain.
Now it’s time to get the electrical plate and check out the wiring. Make sure that you’re able to match the wires to the correct colors, then, finish connecting the electrical components by connecting the black wire to the green screw and returning the electrical plate.
Once that part is done, install the new unit by holding it securely to the mounting assembly. Screw it on counter-clockwise using a screwdriver until it holds without any assistance.
Step Six: Connect the Drains
Attach the discharge tube with the flange using screws and bolts. Before you connect it to the dishwasher drain, make sure to unblock it using a hammer and screwdriver.
Step Seven: Test Your Unit
This step allows you to determine whether or not the installation was successful. You’ll want to fill both sides of the sink with water and run it to see if there are any leaks. Then, plug the unit in to make sure that the garbage disposal works.
As you can see, there really isn’t too much that goes into installing a new garbage disposal unit. This is especially true if you carefully follow the directions provided with the new garbage disposal. As long as you follow the directions closely, take your time, and practice using a little bit of patience, then you should have absolutely no problems at all installing your new garbage disposal unit. Just think, in no time you’ll be able to save some money and time while you’re saving the environment. Now, all you’ll need to do is find out what to do with all of that time you’re saving by not making a million trips to the trash can outside.