Your garbage disposal is an essential part of your kitchen sink. It helps to keep the plumbing in your kitchen running smoothly, and when there is a problem with it, it can be incredibly distressing. But when you need to install or replace garbage disposals, what options do you have? Should you attempt the project yourself or pay for plumbing professionals? Is the cost of repairing or replacing garbage disposals with a new install worth it? In this article, we will go over all of the steps, pros, and cons of DIY garbage disposal installation vs. professional garbage disposal services.
DIY garbage disposal installation
If you are planning on installing your new garbage disposal yourself, you need to make sure you have the proper tools and reliable steps to follow, since the process isn’t so straightforward. Make sure you know your way around the setup beneath the sink, such as the discharge tube that attaches the garbage disposal to the drain pipe. The garbage disposal will also attach to the sink and may also have a dishwasher outlet hose that is connected to it.
There are two main types of garbage disposals you can choose from when looking for a replacement or first installation:
These units come with a feature where they can only work when the magnetic stopper is in position so that items are not dropped by accident into the disposal. It has room for a larger amount of food scraps to be inserted at one time and works well for a setup where an electrical switch near the sink is not easily accessible.
This is the type of disposal install that works only when the electrical switch is turned on and there is water running in the sink. It is the most common model in households and does require a power outlet to be nearby.
There is also a range of horsepower ratings when it comes to garbage disposal units. The most common option is a 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower model, but larger homes might need a 1 horsepower rating model.
Remember, if your plumbing has a septic system, be sure that the garbage disposal unit you purchase is also septic-safe.
You will need to remove your old unit before installing your new garbage disposal. The first thing to do is shut off the power from the circuit breaker, then disconnect the drain tap from the discharge tube. You may also have to disconnect the garbage disposal from the dishwasher drain pipe as well. After this, you can remove the garbage disposal. If you are replacing it with a new brand, you may also have to remove the mounting ring and replace it with one that fits the new disposal.
There is an electrical assembly you will then have to disconnect. Remove the cover plate for the electrical connections to disassemble the old wiring.
After this, the last thing to do is remove the old flange from the kitchen sink drain. It is possible you will need pliers in order to remove it from below the sink.
Remember, it is important to follow the instruction manual of whatever garbage disposal model you have purchased for install and repair, or else you can always hire a plumbing professional near you to help you out.
Though DIY garbage disposal replacement is entirely doable, you may have more peace of mind having professionals complete the task for you. It can be safer since a licensed plumbing company will have the correct training and tools to handle the task, and you will not have to risk damaging any part of your sink or garbage disposal unit if you are unfamiliar with the process. Also be aware that you may have to hire licensed electrician services if you are installing a new disposal that requires a new power outlet as well.
There are several factors to consider when considering plumbing professionals for the job of garbage disposal replacement. You can indeed save a little bit of money by performing the garbage disposal installation yourself, but if you make a mistake, you could pay a lot more than you would have by hiring a plumber for the job. Typically, a garbage disposal installation done by a plumber will not cost as much as you might think, and there is the added safety of having a certified technician take care of the project. There is a level of dealing with electricity in a location where there is a lot of water, so you don’t want to put yourself in unnecessary danger.
John Owens is the answer for all homeowners looking for reliable plumbing service for garbage disposals. With a company like John Owens Services, every homeowner can rely on a secure install job. Whether it is getting rid of your old disposal or putting in an installation for the very first time, you can count on our service to always provide a top-notch job that will leave you with a highly operable garbage disposal for your kitchen sink. We also have repair services for garbage disposals that are malfunctioning but not in need of a brand new installation. We install garbage disposals under the Insinkerator brand. You can get in contact with us by phone or online, and we can send one of our professionals out to inspect and repair or replace your garbage disposal unit for you.
There are many common problems that could affect your garbage disposal that are important to watch out for. Some of these can be preventable with everyday practices, but others can simply be signs of normal wear and tear that every garbage disposal install is subject to.
A jam can occur in your garbage disposal if there is something blocking the blades from turning properly and can result in liquids being slow to drain down the sink. Some of the causes of garbage disposal jams are grease, bones, eggshells, fruit pits, and other non-food items going down the drain; not running water with the disposal; inserting too much food down the drain at once; and not cleaning the disposal often enough. It can be an easy fix if you catch it early enough, but letting it build can require professional cleaning or repair for your drains.
If you are noticing rotten food odors coming from your kitchen sink, it could mean the garbage disposal is not being cleaned often or thoroughly enough. You also might need a stronger cleaning method.
When food and water begin to back up into your sink or take a long while to go down the drain, this could be an indicator that there is a blockage in the unit, the blades in the disposal are dull, or there is a clog deeper in the pipe. You will want to try to fix this as soon as possible to preserve your drains.
A leak from anywhere in your garbage disposal could mean there are loose connections or seals, worn-out flanges or gaskets, or other parts needing repair. It is good to call on professional plumbers in the case of leaks in order to fix the problem efficiently.
If a garbage disposal does not turn on, it could mean there is a loose plug or electrical connection, the motor has gone dead, the circuit has overloaded, or the reset button popped. Typically, it is best to call for professionals to investigate.
If the disposal is making humming noises but not breaking waste down like it’s supposed to, it could be that there is a bad electrical connection that needs to be repaired, a jam in the unit, or the appliance is not adequately powered to break down the food waste.
In order for homeowners to keep their garbage disposal working for a long period of time without having to have it prematurely repaired or replaced, it is important to implement regular cleanings. Here is a good process to follow:
When looking to troubleshoot a faulty garbage disposal, here are some possible repair tips:
If you try all of the steps above and are still experiencing issues with the garbage disposal, you will want to call repair services from a licensed plumbing service.
Garbage disposals can have many different parts to keep track of, but they are vital to your house. You want it to operate efficiently and to be installed correctly. It is possible to put in a garbage disposal yourself, but you will need to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure you know your way around all of the materials well, or you may end up having to spend more than you would hiring a plumber. Hiring reliable professionals is always a safer option when replacing your disposal since plumbers will have the correct repair tools on hand and will know how to attain things like a permit if it is needed for the location of the install. Whether you are repairing or replacing the disposal yourself or hiring a plumber to complete the task, always be sure you take the proper steps to protect your house and equipment to have peace of mind that your kitchen has a functional garbage disposal that will assist in keeping your plumbing and household running smoothly through its long life.
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.
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