How To Install A Sink Garbage Disposal

Installing a garbage disposal unit (GDU) under your kitchen sink is a relatively simple plumbing project that you can complete in a few hours with the right tools and materials. Follow these steps to learn how to install a kitchen sink garbage disposal unit.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you start, gather all the necessary materials for the job. You will need:

Garbage disposal unit
Mounting bracket
Sink flange
Dishwasher drain hose adapter (if needed)
Putty knife
Adjustable wrench
Channel-lock pliers
Screwdriver
Plumber's putty
Flashlight
Safety glasses

Step 2: Turn Off the Water and Power

Before you begin working on the garbage disposal, turn off the water supply to the sink and the power to the garbage disposal at the circuit breaker panel.

Step 3: Remove the Old Garbage Disposal (If Necessary)

If you are replacing an old garbage disposal, you will need to remove it before you can install the new one. To do this, disconnect the power cord, water supply line, and drain hose from the old garbage disposal. Then, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the mounting bolts that hold the garbage disposal in place. Once the bolts are loose, you can remove the old garbage disposal from the sink.

Step 4: Prepare the Sink Flange

The sink flange is a metal ring that fits over the drain hole in the sink. It provides a seal between the sink and the garbage disposal. To prepare the sink flange, apply a bead of plumber's putty around the outside edge of the flange. Then, place the flange over the drain hole and tighten the screws to secure it in place.

Step 5: Mount the Garbage Disposal

To mount the garbage disposal, first insert the mounting bracket into the garbage disposal body. Then, align the mounting bracket with the holes in the sink flange and insert the bolts. Tighten the bolts to secure the garbage disposal to the flange.

Step 6: Connect the Water Supply Line

To connect the water supply line to the garbage disposal, first attach the dishwasher drain hose adapter to the water supply line. Then, connect the adapter to the inlet port on the garbage disposal. Tighten the connection with an adjustable wrench.

Step 7: Connect the Drain Hose

To connect the drain hose to the garbage disposal, first attach the hose clamp to the hose. Then, slide the hose onto the outlet port on the garbage disposal. Tighten the hose clamp to secure the hose in place.

Step 8: Turn On the Water and Power

Once you have connected all of the hoses, turn on the water supply to the sink and the power to the garbage disposal. Check for leaks at all of the connections. If you find any leaks, tighten the connections until the leaks stop.

Step 9: Test the Garbage Disposal

To test the garbage disposal, turn it on and run water into the sink. The garbage disposal should start running and grinding the water into small particles. If the garbage disposal does not start running, check the power cord and the circuit breaker to make sure that the garbage disposal is getting power. If the garbage disposal is still not running, you may need to call a plumber for assistance.

Step 10: Clean Up

Once you have finished installing the garbage disposal, clean up the work area and put away your tools. Your kitchen sink garbage disposal is now ready to use.