How to Install a Garbage Disposal

How to Install a Garbage Disposal

Think replacing or installing your garbage disposal isn't a Do-it-Yourself job? Think again! Use these simple tips to properly install your garbage disposal. 

 

1. Turn off the power and remove drain lines. The first step is to look under the sink to make sure a disposal system will fit. Then, at the breaker, turn the power off. Remove the existing drain lines. Place a rag in the main drain to prevent leakage. Next, loosen the large nut on the base of the sink flange, then let it drop down. Push the strainer body through the sink and remove.

2. Remove putty and loosen the screws. Carefully use the screwdriver to remove all the putty from around the sink opening. Use a rag to make sure none of the old putty is left and that the sink opening is clean. Turn the mounting assembly over, then using a screwdriver and your fingers to loosen all the mounting screws until you have access to the snap ring.

3. Remove the snap ring. Using a screwdriver, pry the snap ring off the sink flange. The mounting assembly will now come apart. Separate all the parts being careful not to damage the fiber gasket.

4. Apply putty. Hold the fiber gasket and backup ring in place while slipping the mounting ring over the sink flange so it seats against the backup ring. Place a wide rubber band around the flange to hold the parts in place. Be sure that it's above the snap ring groove.

5. Slip the mounting ring over the flange. Hold the fiber gasket and backup ring in place while slipping the mounting ring over the sink flange so it seats against the backup ring. Place a wide rubber band around the flange to hold the parts in place. Be sure that it's above the snap ring groove.

6. Install the snap ring.Install the snap ring by sliding it up the sink flange until it pops into the groove. Be sure to remove the rubber band. Tighten the mounting screws until the whole assembly is tight and even against the sink. Note: Be sure to clean up any additional putty that has oozed out from the sink flange. Push the plug. Before connecting the dishwasher line, knock out the plug.Turn the disposal unit on its side, then using a flat-head screwdriver push into the plug. Finally, give it a few taps all the way around causing the plug to down inside the unit.

7. Retrieve the plug. Turn the unit upright and remove the gasket and ring. Turn the unit upside down once more, and retrieve the plug. Turn the unit upright, then replace the gasket and ring. Locate the electrical hole, and insert a wire clamp.

8. Remove the access hole cover.

9. Safety Note: Make sure the power is turned off before touching any electrical wires.

10. Remove the screw that holds the access hole cover onto the bottom of the disposal system. Remove the cover, and pull out the disposal wires.

11. Connect and secure the wires.

12. Place the electrical wire into the wire clamp that was installed earlier. Once in the access hole, connect the black wire to black and the white wire to the other white wire. Secure the wires together using wire nuts. You can also use electrical tape to attach the wire nuts to the wires. Hook-up the ground wire.

13. Push the wires into the access hole. Once everything is hooked up, push the wires into the access hole and replace the cover securing it with a screw. Tighten down the electrical clamp. Mount the disposal system. Lift the disposal system and insert the top end of the mounting gasket into the mounting assembly. Turn the lower mounting ring to the right until the mounting tabs feel snug. Use adjustable pliers to lock the tabs over the ridges.

14. Install the drain lines.

15. To install the drain lines, attach the P-trap to the tailpiece and trap arm. Insert the discharge tube into the T fitting. Do not fully tighten the slip nut. Insert the other end of the discharge tube into the disposal system. Next, use a screwdriver to secure the metal flange using the bolt supplied with your disposal system. Tighten all of the slip nuts.

16. Finish Installation. Slide the disposal system's bell over the disposal drain, then clamp it up. Slide the disposal bell from the dishwasher over the barbed connection on the disposal system. Using a screwdriver, clamp the fitting securely.

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