How To Install A Garbage Disposal
You can expect to learn how to install a garbage disposal in an hour or two with the help of the instructions below or of course call Oliver and we’ll gladly tackle this project for you during the same visit. Before buying a new unit, look under the sink to see if you have an existing electrical outlet. If an outlet is present, buy a garbage disposal with an electrical cord. If your old unit was hard wired, then choose a disposal that you can wire directly to the wall plate.
You might already have these basic tools in your tool box. Buying a fresh container of plumber’s putty would be a good idea.
Tools Needed
- Measuring tape
- Pipe cutter or hacksaw
- Set of screwdrivers
- Electrician’s cutting pliers
- Plumber’s putty
Step by Step Directions:
- To begin, shut off the power supply to the electricity source.
- Take out all parts of the old garbage disposal.
- Pop the cover plate off the new garbage disposal to expose electrical posts.
- You should see white, black, and green screws.
- Use the electrician’s pliers to expose fresh wire ends if necessary.
- Match the three colored wires to their corresponding colors on the new garbage disposal.
- Tighten screws over electrical wires with a screwdriver.
- If your garbage disposal came with an appliance cord, you’ll only need to plug it into the outlet.
- Scrape old putty and dirt off of sink drain opening.
- Roll a rope of plumber’s putty long enough to encircle the garbage disposal’s drain flange.
- Stick the putty to the flange’s bottom.
- Press the flange into the drain hole.
- Find something heavy to weigh down the flange in the sink.
- Under the sink, attach the mounting ring.
- The mounting ring will have 3 screws. Tighten each screw a little at a time to pull the flange tight against sink.
- Position the garbage disposal into the mounting ring with the drain pipe lined up with the P trap.
- Tighten the lower ring to connect the garbage disposal firmly to the mounting ring.
- Measure where to cut the discharge pipe with pipe cutters or a hacksaw so that it fits into the P-trap.
- Tighten the plumbing slip nuts to secure discharge pipe.
- Use a screwdriver to gain leverage against the mounting lug and turn garbage disposal clockwise until it locks.
- Run the water to check for leaks before you put your tools away.
Let Oliver Handle Your Professional Garbage Disposal Installation
Completing a do-it-yourself project is always satisfying, but sometimes you don’t have time for it. The professional plumbers at Oliver have mastered the intricacies of how to properly install a garbage disposal. We work throughout the Delaware Valley. Ask us for a free estimate today.
