How to Install/replace a Garbage Disposal

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By Chrisparker
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InSinkerator Badger line

This article will show you how to make a seemingly complicated home repair or installation simple. Seriously, there is nothing to installing a garbage disposal... This article would not be possible without the idea from my beautiful friend Bonnie Crow...

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

screwdriver set
slip joint or channel lock pliers
plumbers putty
rags
electrical supplies(if needed)
hacksaw
New p-traps and drains for under sink

Step 1

Reset button

If you have an existing disposal we want to check it first. With power off ensure nothing is clogging your garbage disposal inlet. If not we want to push the reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit. If that does not work read my article on checking and changing an electrical switch, do this and if you still have a problem then it is safe to say your unit is bad.
Step 2

Wiring

We will either need to run power for a new installation or kill and disconnect power for existing disposal changeout. Always ensure power is off at power panel when disconnecting or even just working with electricity. If you are installing a new garbage disposal unit(I usually use InSinkerator Badger 5 models myself for the money) then you will need to read my articles about about power installations and fishing wires.
Step 3

Now that we have power installed or disconnected. We want to un-install unit or existing plumbing. We do this by disconnecting existing plumbing from unit or sink. Then holding old unit(if applicable) tap locking ring counter clockwise and unit should come down. Now either unscrew mounting bracket with screwdriver from drain basket hole in sink or with channel lock pliers turn nut at bottom of strainer basket and remove totally.
Step 4

Ring diagram

Now that under the sink is clear, lets install our new unit. With our rags we want to clean above and below our strainer hole in sink, get any and all gunk and dirt accumulated off.
Step 5

Now install rings, use directions if you cant tell what goes where. I always use a little plumbers putty around bottom of hole but you will have a gasket for the top. Be very sure you align this very well by simply getting a visual from the to side. When you have good alignment cinch rings hand tight and install lockring. Turn screws until tight all the way around...
Step 6

Notice the dishwasher connection!!!

Now lets set our unit in place. You will have to hold unit straight while twisting ring to lock position. IF YOU HAVE A DISHWASHER KNOCK PLUG OUT AT DISHWASHER INLET SPOUT AND TURN SO YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ATTACH DISHWASHER DRAIN EASILY. This is obviously a very important step you will not want to skip. You may have to tap lockring into locked position with screwdriver if you have a heavy unit.
Step 7

Let us now make our electrical connections as shown... Again, ensure power is off at panel...
Step 8

Now simply cut new drains and p-traps to fit. Be sure to use the little nylon o-rings at all necessary connections.
Step 9

Let us now turn the electricity back on. Turn your water on and check for leaks, if none are present flip the switch while water is running.
Step 10

It should look a lil' like this and work when you flip the switch with no leaks of course...

Now we should have a working garbage disposal unit.

Comments

momtchr said

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on 5/11/2009 My dear husband did this and it kept us from having to pay big bucks to have someone else install it. Five years later it is still workingfine. Thanks for the great article with step-by-step instructions!

bmerritt said

on 2/16/2009 I think a really good step on here for maintainence is to press that reset tab on the bottom of the disposal when it jams. Often times this will correct the issue - but if you have something in there that should not be (bottle cap), then look at the bottom in the center hub and use the allen wrench that came with your disposal and put it into that center chuck - then rotate the allen wrench in both directions to free up the object - this is is the most common way to solve the issue, and many plubmers are called out simply to do this! You just saved $80.

mommyhen42 said

on 2/9/2009 Great tip to knock out the dishwasher tab. I forgot to do this and after 4 months still haven't taken the thing down to do it... every time I run the dishwasher which thankfully isn't often it pours water out of the overflow into the sink, this leaks thru the sink gasket and onto my floor.. Gotta get in there and fix it!