There are more and more people deciding to install a garbage disposal in their kitchen sink. If you are one of these people, here are some guidelines for garbage disposal installation you need to check out, especially if you plan to install it by yourself.

To Install or Not to Install

First of all, you need to consider whether you should install it or not. There is more involved in this decision than just installing it and having maintenance done on it once in a while.

Having a garbage disposal might make it easier and faster to clean up your kitchen waste. The initial cost is cheap, while the unit itself can run for up to 12 years. Also, it is not difficult to maintain.

However, you need to remember that not all kinds of food waste can go in the garbage disposal. Meats may dull the blades and cause a foul smell. Starchy foods like pasta and rice may clog the pipes. Moreover, fibrous food waste like banana peels and asparagus may wrap around and jam the blades. You need to be aware of what types of food waste can go in the disposal and which types need to be disposed of manually.

It is also important to consider where your plumbing system goes. Food waste down the pipes would put more of a burden on your city’s sewage system. The sludge may also cause buildup in your septic system. Furthermore, the garbage disposal will cause you to use a lot more water to flush the garbage away. This is not environmentally friendly.

How to Install

Garbage disposal installation is quite simple. Most units come with step-by-step instructions. But here is the typical process:

1. Turn off the circuit breaker that connects to your kitchen sink.
2. Open the pipes below your sink.
3. Remove the sink strainer.
4. Install the top fittings, such as the fiber gasket, the drain flange, and the mounting rings.
5. At the bottom of the unit, you will find an electrical plate. Connect all the wires according to their colors.
6. Remove the drain plug from the inlet of the unit.
7. Mount your garbage disposal unit.
8. Connect all the drain pipelines accordingly.
9. Make sure that every part is securely assembled in its place.
10. Switch the circuit breaker back on.
11. Run your disposal garbage to see if it is running well already.

The Garbage Disposal Installation Cost

A garbage disposal unit typically costs $70 to $380. The cheap ones are usually noisy and require more water. Meanwhile, expensive units run faster and more quietly. They also use less water and tend to last longer.

The garbage disposal installation cost is approximately $185, mostly for labor. This explains why many people choose to install it themselves.

A garbage disposal is not too difficult to install. However, be aware that this process requires some electrical and plumbing skills. Unless you are confident in your skills, it is better to leave the job to the hands of professionals.