How to Plumb a Garbage Disposal in Champlin: Drain, Dishwasher, Power

Installing a garbage disposal is a job that many handy homeowners attempt. It is also a job where small mistakes, like a bad gasket or a missed knockout plug, cause leaks and flooding that appear days later. This guide explains the steps in order so you can decide whether to do it yourself.

Plan the install

Turn off power at the breaker, not just at the wall switch. Check that you have an outlet under the sink or a plan for hardwiring, and that a new unit fits the space. Disposals vary in height, and the trap arm must line up with the discharge.

If the sink has a dishwasher, note where the dishwasher drain hose connects. Many new disposals have a knockout plug in the dishwasher inlet that must be removed before the hose is attached.

Mount the new disposal

Drain, dishwasher and power

Attach the discharge elbow with its gasket to the disposal and align it with the trap. If a dishwasher is present, remove the knockout plug from the inlet, then attach the hose with a clamp. Forgetting the plug is the most common reason a new disposal causes a dishwasher to back up.

Wire the unit to its cord or hardwire it according to the manufacturer's instructions and local code. If you are not comfortable working with household wiring, bring in an electrician.

Test for leaks

Fill the sink with water, release it and check every joint with a dry paper towel. Run the disposal with cold water. The manufacturer InSinkErator advises running cold water during use and for about 15 seconds afterward to flush waste through the drain. If the dishwasher is connected, run a short cycle and watch the connection.

Habits that keep a disposal working

InSinkErator's guidance includes avoiding grease, fats and oils. Fibrous foods, large quantities of starchy peels and bones are common causes of jams. Using a steady stream of cold water helps move waste through the line.

If the unit jams, turn off the power and never reach inside. A plumber can free it from below. See garbage disposal repair for details.

A slow sink after install

A new disposal does not fix a clogged drain line. If the sink drains slowly after the install, the trap or the line beyond it may be restricted, and drain cleaning clears it. Grease that has built up over time may call for hydro jetting.

Choosing a disposal that fits

Disposals come in a range of motor sizes, and the larger ones handle more but cost more and take more room under the sink. Check the height, since a tall unit can collide with a trap arm or a shelf. Think about how you cook. A household that rarely puts food in the drain does not need the biggest motor.

Look for a continuous feed model with a sound-insulated housing if noise matters. Batch feed models run only when a stopper is in place, which some households prefer for safety.

Safety guidelines while you work

Never put a hand inside a disposal, and never rely on a wall switch alone when working on one. According to InSinkErator's installation guidance, power should be disconnected at the breaker before the old unit is removed. Keep the new unit's power cord unplugged until the last step.

Wear gloves when handling the old unit, since the flywheel and the housing have sharp edges. Dispose of the old disposal at a recycling facility if one accepts it.

When to hire it out

Hire a plumber when the drain does not line up, when the old plumbing is corroded, when you do not have an outlet and when you want a warranty on the labor. We install disposals across Champlin, Maple Grove and Coon Rapids. Call (855) 575-2890 and tell us the unit you have chosen.

Disposal Questions in Champlin