When a homeowner called plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey for help with her new kitchen, he didn’t know what to expect. The renovation was only a few years old, but the builder forgot one critical detail: a garbage disposal. With a plan and the right parts in hand, Richard helps the homeowner solve the oversight.
How to Install a Garbage Disposal
- Place a shallow bucket or tray under the sink drain. Remove the existing drain pipes, carefully emptying the trap into the bucket.
- Use a pair of water pump pliers to loosen the basket nut holding the strainer basket in place. Once removed, a quick bump from underneath should dislodge the basket. Remove any remaining plumber’s putty from the sink.
- Roll a rope of plumbers’ putty between your palms and wrap it around the underside of the new basket. Place the strainer in the drain hole, slide the mounting collar over the basket, and install the ring clip. Tighten the mounting collar to the sink with the screws.
- Attach the air switch power controller to the back of the sink cabinet. Plug it into the outlet.
- Place some painter’s tape on the counter where the air switch will be located and mark the ideal spot. Use the drill and hole saw to drill the appropriate-sized hole for the air switch. If your countertop is stone, use a carbide hole saw.
- Slide the retaining nut over the air hose and run the switch end of the hose through the hole. Attach it to the bottom of the switch, place it through the hole, and secure it with the retaining nut. Attach the air hose to the air switch power controller.
- Attach the garbage disposal to the mounting collar, positioning the drain outlet toward the drain.
- Connect the garbage disposal to the drain system with a new trap, fittings, and PVC primer and glue.
- Install the dishwasher drain coupling to the dishwasher hose and the garbage disposal, and tighten.
- Plug the garbage disposal cord into the air switch power controller and test the garbage disposal.
Resources
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch Kit, Dual Outlet Sink Top Switch Button
Moen Host Series ¾-HP Continuous Garbage Disposal
Oatey All-Purpose Pipe Clear cleaner
