Essential Guide to Garbage Disposal Installation in Santa Rosa: Step-by-Step Tips

A garbage disposal is an essential part of any kitchen. Without it, you have a higher chance of drain clog issues from built-up food waste. If your garbage disposal isn’t working, it is possible you might need a new garbage disposal installation or will have to take steps to try and fix the issue. it is recommended you hire a professional to do this work to avoid any costly accidents, but it is possible to install or fix a garbage disposal yourself with the proper steps and tools. In this article, you will learn the process for installing a garbage disposal yourself as well as troubleshooting a faulty unit.
Garbage disposal types

The first thing to do when installing a new unit is to consider the type of garbage disposal unit you need. The two common options are batch feed and continuous feed. Batch feed disposals operate only when the magnetic stopper is in place, allowing for larger batches of food waste to be inserted at once. Continuous feed disposals require a power outlet to turn the unit on and off. These are the most commonly installed models in homes.

Garbage disposals also come in various horsepower (HP) ratings, including 1/3 to 1/2 HP for everyday food waste and 1 HP for larger households or upgraded features. you will need to check the compatibility of the disposal with your sink and plumbing system before you install it. Remember to go over the manufacturer’s instructions before installing.

Pre-installation preparation

• Turn off the power to the unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box, then disconnect the dishwasher hose, drain pipe, and discharge pipe from the garbage disposal.
• Remove the disposal from the mount and disconnect the old wiring in the electrical assembly. You may have to remove the mount as well if it does not work with your new installation.
• Lastly, pry the flange from the sink drain, either by hand or with pliers. Remove any excess putty from the sink drain and drain hole, and inspect the drain pipe and drain trap for any blockages or debris.

Garbage disposal installation

Plug in and test the garbage disposal unit to ensure it’s working properly, checking for any leaks around the connections and tightening as needed.

Place a bucket beneath the p-trap before disconnecting the drainpipes and removing the sink strainer. Use the plumber’s putty to apply around the flange and press it into place on the sink.

Under the sink, stack the fiber gasket, backup flange, and mounting ring on top of one another and place them on the underside of the flange. Pull open the snap ring and snap it into place, then tighten the screws.

Attach the electrical cord to the garbage disposal replacement. Mount the garbage disposal to the sink’s drain, securing the tabs to the mounting bracket with a wrench. Insert and secure the discharge tube and the drain pipe.

Troubleshooting a malfunctioning garbage disposal

A malfunctioning garbage disposal doesn’t necessarily require a new installation. It could only mean there is an unseen issue that takes some testing to discover and fix. These are the most common problems and solutions for a faulty garbage disposal:

• Garbage disposal leaking water around the connections: tighten loose connections or replace the gaskets to stop leaks.
• Jammed garbage disposal: use a hex wrench in the hole at the bottom of the disposal and crank it back and forth with whatever force is required until it turns freely. Check the overload protector on the bottom of the garbage disposal. It has tripped if the small square red button has dropped down. Press it back up. Look inside the grinding chamber for any buildup.
• Slow draining: check the discharge pipe and drain trap for blockages. Look also in the branch drain line. If the issue persists, call for an expert drain and sewer experts.
• Loud noises: check the mounting system and tighten it as needed.

If you are unsure what the problem is with a garbage disposal that is not working correctly, here are some basic tasks you can perform to discover the problem:

• Check that the power cord to the disposal is plugged into the outlet if you do not hear a humming sound when turning on the motor. This indicates an electrical problem.
• Push the reset button at the bottom of the disposal to restore power.
• Inspect the circuit breaker at the service panel to make sure it is still switched on, or see if there is an issue with the wiring and connections. Flip the switch on again if it tripped.
• Look for any blockages or debris in the drain pipe and trap. Use a wooden spoon to dislodge any objects that may be stuck in the disposal, then use tongs or a long-handled tool to remove them.
• If the issue persists, consider calling a professional for assistance.

Maintenance and upkeep

In order to avoid any major issues that could lead to repairs or an early replacement, it is good to keep up with regular maintenance tasks to make sure your garbage disposal stays in good working condition. These are all tasks you can perform on your own without the assistance of a professional.

• Run cold water through the garbage disposal unit while it’s in use to help move food waste through the system.
• Grind up ice cubes with orange peels or lemon wedges to regularly clean the blades and freshen the inside of the disposal.
• Check the drain pipe and drain trap regularly for any blockages.
• Never put grease, fat, glass, or metal down the disposal.
• Consider replacing the garbage disposal unit every 5-10 years or as needed.

Should you call a professional?

If you’re not comfortable with the installation process or troubleshooting, it is recommended to call a professional Santa Rosa plumber for the job instead of attempting it yourself. Suppose you’re unsure about the compatibility of the garbage disposal unit with your sink and plumbing system. In that case, having a qualified plumber take on the project is a safer bet to ensure that you won’t cause unnecessary damage to any of your plumbing that could turn into an expensive garbage disposal repair. Also, suppose you’re experiencing persistent issues with the garbage disposal even after going through all of the troubleshooting steps. In that case, it’s a good idea to have a Santa Rosa plumber take a look to determine the source of the issue and to advise whether to replace it or not.

Benefits of a properly installed Santa Rosa garbage disposal

Garbage disposals are a way to perform efficient disposal of food waste, keep your kitchen clean, and reduce unpleasant odors in the sink. Garbage disposals can help dispose of food into treatment facilities rather than landfills. A properly installed garbage disposal unit can provide many benefits and reduce the risk of clogs and blockages in the drain pipe and drain trap. This reduces the risk of sewer system backups and overflows. Regular maintenance and upkeep can help extend the life of your garbage disposal and prevent costly repairs. Garbage disposal installation can be performed on your own, but consider consulting a professional in Santa Rosa plumbing if you’re unsure about any aspect of the installation or troubleshooting process.