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How to Install a Garbage
Disposal
Garbage disposals have become increasingly essential to the way
we live. As meal times grow ever more hectic and homeowners find
themselves making regular use of leftovers, it seems like we
rely more and more on this simple device to keep our sinks and
plumbing clear. If the system fails or begins operating at
something less than peak efficiency, the resulting blockages can
quickly lead to leaks, odors and sitting water – ideal breeding
grounds for the kind of mold and mildew regularly associated
with poor health. Thankfully, installing a new garbage disposal
is far easier than you may imagine, meaning you could save
hundreds on the expense and inconvenience of having a plumber in
your home. |
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Before you begin,
however, you will want to select a device with the proper power
rating for your wiring. Too many homeowners naturally assume bigger
is better with machines such as these, when the truth is that a
poorly matched device can quickly overwhelm the circuit. Stick with
the recommended wattage you have on your existing garbage disposal –
or in the case of a first-time installation, check the
manufacturer’s rating first. You always want to avoid choosing
anything that requires more water pressure than your pipes have to
give – inadequate saturation can lead to dry operation, which may
cause the machine to break down or even catch fire.
Once you have the right product in hand, you want to cut off the
water to this part of the house and remove the entire drain
assembly. Most plumbers keep a bucket on hand to catch any errant
leaks that may be hiding in the kinks of your pipe, particularly if
the cabinet below is prone to mildew. Remove the flange, washers and
trap, being careful to use blunt tools if your sink has delicate
chrome or ceramic parts. Once everything is clear, you are ready top
attach the mounting assembly that comes with your new garbage
disposal.
Attaching the mounting assembly is a fast and simple process for
most sinks, especially with newer models that include detailed
instructions for the flange and mounting ring. Most brands simply
snap into place, though a few may require some additional force or
even three screws for a solid fit. Once everything is in place, you
ay also want to turn the flange to see if you can get a tighter seal
– a few designs are intentionally asymmetrical to allow for subtle
variations in the sink basin.
This is a good time to double-check the S-trap or P-trap under your
sink, as unwanted waste may get in the way while you attach disposal
to mounting assembly. If the pipes are clear and the flange is
secure, you are ready to remove the discharge tube and fasten the
mounting rings together. It can be tough to get purchase in such an
unusual position, so consider getting a mechanical screwdriver to
relieve your back and shoulders from excess straining. Once the
screws are in place, you can tighten the ring itself to ensure the
metal pieces are lying perfectly flush.
Attaching the discharge tube to your waste line is the easiest part
of the process. Line the edges up and be sure to leave appropriate
clearance in the case of vibration. Garbage disposals are designed
to minimize such forces with total symmetry, but it’s not unusual
for age and wear to render them unusually active. Tighten the
brackets on the discharge tube and check the safety on the bottom of
your unit. If everything seems aligned and ready to go, you can
attach the power source, turn the water back on and run a quick
test.
One final note: garbage disposals draw a tremendous amount of power,
and keeping such machinery in close proximity to running water may
pose a fire hazard. Check with a licensed, bonded electrician if you
need to run a power line directly from the wall – often you can
bypass such pricey installation costs simply by adding a certified
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in the outlet you use. You
may also want to keep the water running for a minimum of 45 seconds
after each use of the disposal, as clearing this slurry effectively
is the surest way to maintain the health of the machine. |
