Garbage Disposal Installation Guide for a Smooth Kitchen Upgrade

Installing a garbage disposal is a great way to upgrade your kitchen. This can be an ideal DIY project for those who feel confident with home improvement tasks. These devices, sometimes called trash disposals or food disposers, help you manage home waste and organize your kitchen. 

This guide will explain everything you need to know, from the tools you’ll need to the installation steps. You’ll learn how to set up your new under-sink disposal unit by the end.

A garbage disposal is a small appliance installed under your sink. It grinds food scraps into tiny pieces that can go down the drain easily. 

Sometimes called a sink grinder or kitchen waste disposer, it makes cleaning up after cooking much easier. It also reduces kitchen waste and is a reliable tool for any home. 

Whether this is your first time installing one or you're replacing an old unit, it’s important to understand how it works and why it’s useful.

Most sinks can work with a garbage disposal. But you’ll need to check a few things first. 

Make sure there’s enough space under the sink for the disposal and its parts. Sinks made of stainless steel or other strong materials work best. Thin or weaker sinks might not hold up over time. 

If you have a double sink, you can attach the disposal to just one basin. This leaves the other basin free for regular washing. 

Not sure if your sink will work? You can ask a professional handyman, like those at FixHome+, for advice.

Before getting started, gather the tools needed to install a garbage disposal and some supplies to make the job easier:

• Garbage disposal unit
• Installation kit (may include mounting hardware like screws, rings, and a drain flange)
• Plumber's putty
• Screwdrivers
• Adjustable wrench
• Bucket or shallow pan
• Towels or rags
• Safety gloves
• Voltage tester (for wiring) 

Having everything ready before you begin will save you time and prevent delays.

1. Turn off the power and water. Disconnect power at the circuit breaker and shut off the water supply.
2. Clear under the sink. Remove anything stored there to make enough space to work.
3. Check the sink drain. If replacing an old disposal, remove the current drain assembly. Next, remove the cover plate to expose the electrical connections and prepare for wiring.

1. Attach the drain flange. Apply the plumber's putty to the flange. Press it into place. Then, secure it with mounting screws from your installation kit. Ensure the snap ring is properly secured to prevent any leaks or movement of the flange.
2. Connect the disposal. Line the disposal up with the mounting ring. Twist it until it locks in place tightly.
3. Install the discharge tube. Attach the discharge pipe with bolts and a gasket. This pipe sends food waste to your drain system.
4. Wire the disposal. Test the electricity with a voltage tester to ensure safety. Then follow the manual to connect the wires correctly.
5. Check for leaks. Tighten all parts with a wrench to ensure nothing is loose or leaking.
6. Run a test. Turn the power back on. Run water and check if everything works as it should.

If working on electrical or plumbing tasks feels tricky, consider hiring a professional. FixHome+ handymen can help ensure everything is installed properly

When picking a garbage disposal, think about how large your household is and your budget. 

For bigger families, choose a heavy-duty model. If you have a small home, compact disposals will save space. Other features, like noise control, grinding power, and energy efficiency, should also be considered. 

Brands like Insinkerator and Waste King offer a variety of options to suit different needs. Check reviews and warranties before deciding to get a reliable product.

A typical garbage disposal lasts about 8 to 15 years with proper care. But some signs may mean it’s time for a new one. These include:

• Clogs that happen often
• Water leaking from the unit
• Strange noises, like rattling or humming
• High electric bills
• The disposal isn’t grinding food as well as it used to

If you notice these problems, replacing your disposal can save you time and money.

FixHome+ specializes in home maintenance and repairs at property located in Chicago or its suburbs. If you need help with garbage disposal installation, just add in FixHome+ app this task to your home to-do list.

With our subscription service, we offer regular handyman visits to keep your home in top condition. Our FixHome+ app makes it easy to create task lists, track repairs, and manage appointments. 

Start your upgrade today by scheduling a task with FixHome+. We help make your home projects stress-free.

Installing a garbage disposal is a simple way to make your kitchen more efficient. By following the right steps and keeping your unit in good condition, it can last for years. 

For a worry-free installation, consider professionals like FixHome+ to handle the job. Careful planning and set up will make your disposal a reliable part of your kitchen.