Installing or replacing an existing garbage disposal can be a tricky process, making the addition or upgrade a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Installation
Firstly ensure the circuit breaker for your unit has been turned off, followed by using an electrical tester. It may also be beneficial laying down a tarp under your workspace to catch any water, food debris or other items which might drop as you work.
When you’re ready, remove the plate on the bottom of the disposal and locate its wiring connections underneath. Use wire connectors to connect black and white wires together before attaching them to green grounding screws. Turning your disposer onto its side, lift up its baffle to check for jams; if one appears it must be addressed before continuing with installation.
Install the drain flange as necessary in the sink. Depending on which kit you purchase, this garbage disposal installation might involve rubber seal for underside of drain flange, metal backup ring and/or plumber’s putty for watertight seal creation. Most kits offer easy-to-follow directions; otherwise seek professional assistance for guidance.
Once the new flange has been installed, make sure the mounting ring aligns closely with the old drain flange and tighten any screws necessary. If using a plumber’s putty as sealant, test its performance by turning on your disposal and letting water run from the sink – if any sealant doesn’t hold, replace it and try again.
Simply connect the P-trap to its tailpiece and trap arm; make sure not to over tighten, as too much force could break pipe connections if overly tightened. Finally, plugging in the power cord to the unit and plugging it in; ensure all electrical connections are tightened securely before turning on the unit power supply.
Troubleshooting
Plug something else into the disposal’s outlet to check its power. If it still doesn’t work, this could indicate that there may be an electrical issue such as a blown fuse that requires professional assistance from an electrician.
Some disposals come equipped with a flywheel wrench hole at the base that can be opened with either a wrench provided with the unit, or by using a screwdriver. If this does not help clear away your jam, it may have fallen down your drain and lodged itself within its impeller (seen here) possibly becoming lodged there due to debris falling into it and becoming lodged within.
If the outlet and cord work, chances are your problem lies with the switch or wiring of your disposal. If after resetting its internal circuit breaker it still won’t start, remove its cover plate to check its terminal connections – tighten any loose ones or replace if necessary.
Maintenance
Garbage disposals can suffer wear and tear just like any appliance in your home, but there are steps you can take to troubleshoot common issues yourself and save yourself the cost and delay of calling in a plumber. Here are a few suggestions that might help.
Your disposal motor may become jammed from overwork and overheat, which in turn could trip the circuit breaker in an attempt to protect it. Before trying to dislodge anything stuck inside it, it’s vital that all power and water sources are turned off as well as unplugging it from hardwired units if applicable.
Once everything is safe again, remove any rubber baffle inside drain that just lifts out or shine a flashlight down motor shaft to check if flywheel is caught by anything before running hot water through it for good measure to make sure all debris has been cleared from inside and run hot water through it just once more to be sure all debris has been cleared from within it!
Metal on metal noises are an indicator that something may be stuck inside, or mechanical parts have worn down, possibly requiring replacement. If you can’t identify an obstruction in the machine or hear more grinding blade noises after doing this, call your plumber for a tune-up of your garbage disposal system.
Repairs
Garbage disposals can be an incredibly convenient appliance, making it easy to dispose of food scraps and other waste. However, if not properly maintained, they can present several potential challenges (source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/garbage-disposal-not-working/). One common problem is jamming, which can occur when food scraps or other objects become stuck in the blades of the disposal.
This can cause the disposal to make a loud noise and may even cause it to overheat and shut off. In most cases, jams can be cleared by turning off the disposal and using a wrench to loosen the flywheel. If the jam is more severe, you may need to call a plumber for assistance.
Another potential problem is electrical or leakage issues. If the disposal is not properly grounded, it can cause an electrical shock or even a fire. Additionally, leaks can occur around the seals of the disposal, which can damage your cabinets and flooring. If you notice any electrical or leakage problems, it is important to call a plumber immediately.
In some cases, you may also experience problems with the circuit breaker or fuse that powers your garbage disposal. If the circuit breaker or fuse is tripped, the disposal will not turn on. To check the status of the circuit breaker or fuse, turn off the power to the disposal and then check the breaker box or fuse box. If the circuit breaker or fuse is tripped, reset it and try turning on the disposal again. If the circuit breaker or fuse continues to trip, you may need to call an electrician.
Finally, you may also run into issues while trying to install a garbage disposal. The installation process can be tricky, and it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you are not comfortable installing the disposal yourself, you can hire a plumber to do it for you.
By following these tips, you can avoid many of the common problems that can occur with garbage disposals. If you do experience any problems, it is important to call a plumber immediately to prevent further damage.
