How To Install A Garbage Disposal – If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, it may not seem that difficult at first, until you start to consider all of the little tasks that will need to be undertaken, such as installing a new garbage disposal.

This is an activity that everyone will need to participate in at some point in time, especially considering the fact that the typical garbage disposal only lasts around 12 years.

If you’ve found yourself in a position where you need to install a new garbage disposal, but aren’t sure where to get started, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered.

Simply keep reading below as we outline all of the necessary steps to take when installing your garbage disposal. I thought I would throw in a video too.

The Items You Will Need To Install Your Garbage Disposal

Before we get started on the instructions, let’s make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment for the job.

Below, you’ll find a list of all the items you’ll need to successfully install your new garbage disposal. 

• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Rags
• Drain Pipe Extension Pieces (depending on your specific sink setup)
• Plumbers Putty
• Plug In Power Cord
• Wire Nuts (they should come with your new disposal)
• The New Garbage Disposal. 

How To Install The New Garbage Disposal

Now that we’ve gathered all of the materials that we need for the job, let’s get started on the actual installation. 

Step 1

First of all, you will need to familiarize yourself with the disposal.

The box that contains your new disposal will have all of the parts that you need for assembly, so don’t be afraid to take a little bit of time to make sure that you know where each item is supposed to go.

Your job will be far easier further along in the process if you’re more familiar with the assembly. 

Step 2

Next, you can actually get started with removing the old disposal. Make sure that before you begin working, you’ve disconnected the electrical source for your own safety.

This is often as simple as merely unplugging it from the outlet.

You can go ahead and disconnect the attachments to the disposal, before disconnecting the entire disposal from the flange assembly area.

Take this away from the drain of the sink. 

Step 3

Next, you will need to install the mounting ring, and also the drain fitting. These are both of the items that will help your disposal stay secure when mounted.

Locate the opening of the drain in the sink, then take your plumber’s putty around the opening. Don’t be afraid to press this down so that it’s really on there. 

You can then go ahead and put the new flange in from the top, while you carry on and work from the bottom area of the sink.

Take hold of the triangular ring and the fibrous gasket, and put them on the end of the flange. You can then snap your ring onto the tail of the flange. 

Step 4

Now you need to make sure that you weigh down the flange. After you’ve installed it, it could be detrimental to the process if it begins to shift as you are tightening the whole assembly.

You can prevent this from happening by asking somebody to press down on the flange from the top.

Be sure to put a towel underneath the flange too, so that it doesn’t cause any unwanted marks on the surface of your sink. 

Step 5

Next, you will need to tighten the mountain assembly with your screws. Tighten these slowly and gently, so that you find the perfect level.

You can do this until the overhead flange feels as if it’s really securely attached. 

When you do this, some of the putty might escape down the edges, but that’s okay, it means that it’s nice and tightly fitted.

Simply take a rag and get rid of the excess. 

Step 6

Now you can go ahead and start working on installing the power cord, which will need to be in place before mounting the disposal.

Begin by lifting the cover plate, and then inside the hole, install your strain relief fitting. This will travel all the way through, and then you can begin to move the cord through. Be sure to tighten the nut after with your pliers. 

Through the strain relief you can put the end of the wire that is loose through, using a screwdriver to tighten the clamp of the strain relief.

Connect the white lead to the neutral wire, and the black lead to the black wire. The green lead will then go to the green ground wire. Place them all in then cover them with the plate. 

Step 7

You are now ready to mount the actual disposal. Take care not to hurt yourself in any way during the process, because garbage disposals are incredibly heavy items to handle, so take care not to overdo it. 

Hold your disposal, then put its top collar in line with the mounting ears. You can then move it to adjust the disposal until it fits in with the mounting ears. 

Step 8 

Next, you can then process to make sure that the drain lines are all connected up properly, as well as locking the disposal in place.

Once it has been secured properly either with a wrench or a screwdriver, you will hear a clicking sound that signifies that the disposal is in the correct position. 

You can then proceed to turn the water on to check if there are any leaks. 

Can I install a garbage disposal myself?

If you’re an experienced DIYer, or if you are committed to trying something new, installing a garbage disposal is relatively easy. Grab some basic tools and follow the steps above to learn how.

Is it hard to install a new garbage disposal?

You can install a garbage disposal on your kitchen sink by following the above steps. As long as you follow all instructions and have all garbage disposal parts in working order, the disposal will do its job perfectly.

Can you add a garbage disposal to any sink?

There are two basic types of garbage disposals: one for a single sink and one for a double sink with a strainer basket for the second sink.

Final Thoughts – Installing A Garbage Disposal

Installing a new garbage disposal can be a daunting thought at first, but when you follow the correct procedures, it’s not actually that time-consuming.

As garbage disposals tend to only last approximately 12 years, it’s something that we all will have to deal with at some point.