Installing your own garbage disposal can be a fairly difficult task, depending on your own skills and experience, the size of your sink and cabinetry, as well as whether or not you also have a dishwasher. As with most home appliance purchases, step-by-step instructions, along with all the necessary parts, are usually supplied. Of course, reading and following instructions can be the difficult part for some home installers.
Disconnect and remove the p-trap and horizontal extension pipes under your sink. As your disposal will replace the strainer body in the sink, remove it. Separate the mounting assembly from the disposal, loosening the screws and remove the snap ring. After placing plumber’s putty around the drain opening, insert the new sink flange into place. From under the sink, install the mounting assembly. If you are also using a dishwasher, you will find a knockout plug on the disposal that needs to be tapped out.
Turn off all electrical power before removing the electrical cover plate and make sure that your disposal is grounded. Make the electrical connections and replace the plate to cover the wires. Align the disposal with the mounting assembly and lock into place. Install the discharge tube, turning it until it aligns with the drain trap. If applicable, connect the dishwasher tube to the disposal. Once everything is installed and in position, the disposal should be tested for leaks. Restore electrical power and test its operation.
If you are not experienced with this type of installation or are not comfortable that you have the plumbing as well as electrical skills needed, it is probably your best interests to have your local plumber do the garbage disposal installation. You can be sure the job is done right and enjoy years of trouble free operation. Furthermore, some local building codes may require a licensed electrician to make the electrical connections.
