How to Install a Garbage Disposal

It's essential for the garbage disposal unit to work efficiently and properly. A malfunctioning unit can lead to sitting water, odors and bacteria growth. With a few tips, you can install a new garbage disposal yourself without having to call the plumber.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remove the drainpipe under the sink. Use a pair of channel-lock pliers to loosen the nuts that hold it in place. Next, remove the strainer and the plumber's putty around the edge of the drain opening.

2. Apply a bead of putty around the drain opening inside the sink. Position the new sink flange into the drain opening and firmly press it so that it stays in place. Look under the sink and position the fiber gasket and backup ring against the sleeve. Hold them in place with one hand, and with the other, place the mounting and snap ring in place.

3. Tighten the screws that hold the mounting assembly in place. Turn off the power supply and join the electrical wires. Join the white wires on the disposal unit with the white wires from the power supply. The black wires should join the black wires, and the ground wires should join the ground wires on the power supply.

4. Position the disposal unit so it aligns with the three mounting ears on the mounting assembly. While holding the disposal in position, lock all the mounting ears into the mounting assembly.

5. Attach the discharge pipe to the new garbage disposal unit. Turn the disposal unit so that the discharge pipe aligns with the drain trap. Attach the dishwasher hose to the disposal.

6. Use the wrench that came with the new garbage disposal to lock it to the assembly unit on the sink. Test the garbage disposal to make sure that it works properly.