Wiktor Wise
Garbage disposal installation is a handy skill for kitchen upgrades and can be a straightforward DIY task for most beginners. It is important to note that garbage disposals are electrical appliances, with a live current running through them at all times while the power is on. Before attempting any installation or replacement, the power to the unit must be turned off to avoid the risk of electric shock. This can be done by locating the switch corresponding to the garbage disposal unit in the main circuit breaker and flipping it to the Off position. Once this is done, you can begin the process of changing your electric garbage disposal by following the manufacturer's instructions and taking the necessary safety precautions.
How to Change an Electric Garbage Disposal
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Relatively easy for an experienced DIYer or beginner |
| Time | Less than an hour |
| Cost | $100–$200 on average for the disposal unit; $400–$1,000 for a plumber |
| Tools | Hammer, screwdriver, wrench, adjustable pliers, bucket, sturdy object, rag, paper towels |
| Steps | 1. Turn off power at the circuit breaker. 2. Disconnect the drain trap from the discharge tube. 3. Disconnect the disposal from the dishwasher connection. 4. Detach the disposal from the mounting ring. 5. Remove the electrical cover plate and disconnect the power supply. 6. Remove the sink mounting hardware. 7. Remove the flange and any old plumber's putty. 8. Install the new disposal by reversing the removal steps. 9. Test for leaks. |
| Maintenance | Use daily. Grind ice regularly. Cut large food items into smaller pieces. Don't overload. Use cold water. Clean regularly. |
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What You'll Learn
- Before changing your electric garbage disposal, check if it is working properly
- Turn off the power to the unit at the main circuit breaker
- Disconnect the discharge tube and mounting ring
- Reattach electrical wires, matching the coloured wires on the power supply to those in the disposal's electric housing
- Connect the discharge tube to the new disposal unit
Before changing your electric garbage disposal, check if it is working properly
Before changing your electric garbage disposal, it is important to check if it is working properly. Garbage disposals are often located under the kitchen sink and are powered by a cord connected to an electrical outlet or hardwired to your home's power supply.
If your garbage disposal is not working, there are a few things you can check before deciding to replace it. First, check for leaks, as garbage disposals have many parts that can be sources of leaks, such as pipe connections, flanges, and gaskets. If you find a leak, tighten the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal and replace the gasket seal if necessary. If the leak is at the bottom of the disposal, it may indicate that internal seals have failed and the unit needs replacement.
Next, check if the disposal is getting power. Make sure the garbage disposal is plugged in and reset the unit by pressing the reset button at the bottom. If this does not work, check your circuit breaker and reset it if necessary. If these steps do not restore power, there may be a wiring issue, so cut off the power and check the wiring connections.
If your garbage disposal is making an odd hum, it could be due to a clog or an obstruction. Use tongs, pliers, or a wooden object like a spoon handle to safely remove any obstructions. You can also try using a garbage disposal wrench to free a stuck impeller or flywheel.
If your garbage disposal is not working due to a burned-out motor, smoking, frequent clogging, or water leaking from the unit itself, it might be time to replace it.
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$114.11 $123.78
Turn off the power to the unit at the main circuit breaker
Before you begin to replace your electric garbage disposal, it is crucial to turn off the power to the unit at the main circuit breaker. This is an essential safety step to prevent the risk of electrical shock while you work.
Locate your home's main circuit breaker box, which is usually found near the electrical panel or the main fuse box. Once you have found the correct switch, flip it to the "Off" position. This will cut off the power supply to the garbage disposal unit, ensuring that there is no live current running through the appliance. It is important to note that the main power to the disposal should remain off until you have finished installing the new unit and are ready to test it.
By turning off the power at the main circuit breaker, you can work on the garbage disposal without worrying about accidental electrical hazards. This step is especially important if your garbage disposal is of an older model, as some newer disposals have built-in features that make them easier and safer to install.
Taking this precaution will ensure that you can safely proceed with the next steps of the replacement process, such as disconnecting the discharge tube, removing the old unit, and installing the new garbage disposal. It is always worth taking the time to review safety procedures and follow the manufacturer's instructions when working with electrical appliances.
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Disconnect the discharge tube and mounting ring
Disconnecting the discharge tube and mounting ring is a crucial step in changing an electric garbage disposal. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Firstly, locate the discharge tube that connects your garbage disposal to the ground plumbing. This tube is responsible for directing waste away from the disposal unit. Once you have found it, carefully disconnect it from the valve on the side of the unit. Some units might have a discharge tube connected with flanges and bolts, in which case you will need to unscrew the bolts to remove the tube. Make sure you have a bucket and rags ready to catch any residual water or waste that might spill out.
Now, we will move on to detaching the mounting ring. The mounting ring is what holds the garbage disposal unit in place, usually beneath the sink drain. To remove it, first, twist the mounting ring in a clockwise direction to loosen it. You might need to use a wrench or a screwdriver for this step, depending on how tight the ring is. Once it is loose, carefully pull the mounting ring away from the unit. If your unit has mounting tabs, you will need to align and lock them into place before proceeding.
At this stage, your garbage disposal unit should be free from the discharge tube and mounting ring assembly. You can now proceed with further disassembly or installation of a new unit, depending on your specific situation. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and take appropriate safety precautions when working with electrical appliances and plumbing.
By following these steps, you can successfully disconnect the discharge tube and mounting ring of your electric garbage disposal, making way for further maintenance or replacement work as needed.
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Reattach electrical wires, matching the coloured wires on the power supply to those in the disposal's electric housing
Before reattaching the electrical wires, it is important to ensure that the main power to the disposal unit is switched off at the main circuit breaker. This is to ensure that you can work safely without the risk of electric shock.
To reattach the electrical wires, first, unscrew the faceplate on the underside of the new unit to reveal the disposal's electric housing. Next, match the coloured wires on the power supply to those in the disposal's electric housing. Most garbage disposals have two sets of connections: a pair of red wires and a pair of white or black wires. Any additional wires should be colour-coded for convenience. Once the wires are matched, connect them using plastic wire nuts.
Finally, slip the copper grounding wire over the green screw at the far edge of the compartment. Replace the cover and tighten the screws.
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Connect the discharge tube to the new disposal unit
Before you begin to connect the discharge tube to the new disposal unit, you must turn off the power to the garbage disposal. Locate your home's main circuit breaker and switch off the power to the garbage disposal unit. This will ensure you can work without the risk of electric shock.
Now, you can begin to connect the discharge tube. Align the end of the tube with the valve on the side of the new disposal unit. Push the tube until it sits flush over the opening. If the discharge tube is too long to connect to the plumbing valve, use a hacksaw to cut it to the right length.
If you have a dishwasher, connect the dishwasher drain. Make sure the discharge pipe is lined up properly and connect your drainpipes; use a tee pipe before your P-trap. Test your connections by placing a stopper in the sink drain and filling the sink with water. Check for leaks.
Turn on the faucet and let water run through the disposal for at least 30 seconds to check for leaks. Look for connection points around the new unit to verify that water isn't seeping out anywhere. Check for unusual sounds, such as grinding.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric garbage disposals last between 10 and 15 years. If your unit is older than this, it may be time to replace it. Other signs to look out for include unusual humming or grinding noises.
First, switch off the power to the unit at your home's main circuit breaker. Then, disconnect the discharge tube that connects the disposal to the ground plumbing. Next, twist the mounting ring at the top of the disposal counter-clockwise to disconnect it from your drain. Now, remove the old unit by detaching it from the mounting ring directly beneath the sink drain.
If your new garbage disposal didn't come with a pre-installed power cord, you'll need to attach one. Remove the cover plate on the bottom of the unit and match the coloured wires on the disposal with the ones on the power cord, connecting them with wire nuts. Reattach the cover plate. Next, insert a new sink drain flange by applying a ring of plumber's putty and pushing the flange into place. Hold it down with a heavy object for about 20 minutes while the putty dries. Now, hang the disposal by aligning the three mounting tabs with the mounting ring and lock it into place using a wrench or screwdriver. Finally, connect the discharge tube by aligning the end of the tube with the valve on the side of the new disposal unit and pushing it until it sits flush.
