How to Cap Off Dishwasher Drain On Garbage Disposal? Complete Guide

After many years of using the dishwasher and garbage disposal together, I received no complaints. But now the dishwasher drain start misbehaving and often leaks into a garbage disposal. On my way to finding a foolproof solution to the problem, I learn How to Cap Off the Dishwasher Drain on the Garbage Disposal which not only disconnects both appliances but make my kitchen mess-free as before. 

The easiest way to cap off the dishwasher drain on a garbage disposal is by using a conical rubber plug of ¾ inches wide. The capping process begins by turning off the devices and pushing the plug into the drain hole of the garbage disposal. You can also grab a hammer and tap the plug for a tight fit. 

The article aims to make you learn the step-by-step guide on how to cap off the dishwasher drain on the disposal. In addition, you will also learn the types of material through which you complete the capping process without hassle. 

Steps to Cap Off a Dishwasher Drain on a Garbage Disposal

Although garbage disposal and dishwasher when united together, do magic in effective cleaning and food disposal. At the same time, both devices are prone to create problems, such as backing up or leaking. 

In this regard, capping is a technique you can break the mutual connection between garbage disposal and dishwasher. The steps are as follows:

Turn off the Disposal Unit and Dishwasher

Firstly, you must turn off the garbage disposal and dishwasher. If both appliances share the same circuit, turn off the line feeding the power to the circuit breaker. Otherwise, you can do it separately for both devices. 

Another important thing you must be careful that the disposal unit and dishwasher are completely drained to proceed with the procedure to the next step. 

Disconnect the Dishwasher Connection

How to remove dishwasher drain hose from garbage disposal? Garbage disposal contains ⅞ inches wide dishwasher inlet which is connected to the dishwasher outlet hose using a clamp. You must loosen this clamp using a screwdriver or plier to separate both plumbing appliances. 

So, lose the clamp, twist it, and remove it. However, you must place a bucket under the sink while disconnecting the dishwasher connection. 

Push a Rubber Plug

For the next step, grab a rubber plug and simply push it into the garbage disposal’s dishwasher inlet. Ensure that you push the conical plug into the drain hole leaving no inches of diameter. If necessary, use the hammer to get the job done. 

Test Garbage Disposal

As you have separated the dishwasher and garbage disposal, checking whether the garbage disposal works fine is important. So, turn off the appliance and run a lot of cold water and check for leaks if any. 

Can I Disconnect My Dishwasher From the Garbage Disposal?

Yes, you can easily disconnect your dishwasher from the garbage disposal. The above-mentioned procedure helps you in doing this using a rubber plug. Whereas, the other alternative method uses a dishwasher connector kit and a copper plug.

The connector kit and a copper plug cost you extra bucks compared to capping off with a rubber plug. I advise you to stick to the less expensive one, for it prevents leaking equally as an expensive copper plug. 

How to Open Dishwasher Drain on Garbage Disposal?

Almost all garbage disposals come with a dishwasher inlet to connect the dishwasher. There is a knockout plug to cap off the inlet so that the water and food content does not back up. In case, you want to connect a dishwasher to a dipsosal unit, removing this plug is mandatory. 

• Look for the dishwasher inlet, which is located on the side where the disposal outlet is.
• Place a screwdriver inside the dishwasher inlet hole and tap it using an everyday hammer.
• You can knock it with a little force until it falls inside the disposal unit. 
• Shine a torchlight inside the garbage disposal and remove the plug using a plier. 

You must open the dishwasher drain or take out a knockout plug before mounting the garbage disposal. Otherwise, it may be difficult after that as there is less space underneath the kitchen sink. Also, you cannot plug in the dishwasher without removing the plug. If you do it, backup content would fill the kitchen.

Why Does the Dishwasher Drain into the Garbage Disposal?

The dishwasher drains into the garbage disposal to avoid unnecessary backing into it and the kitchen cabinet. The other reason is that the dishwasher may contain food particles in the wastewater, which will catch in the disposal chamber when draining in it instead of drain pipes for further grinding. 

How Does Garbage Disposal Affect Dishwasher?

The dishwasher usually uses no separate plumbing lines, instead, it is connected with the same pipes to which the garbage disposal is installed. In any case, disposal pipes become clogged, and the consequence runs a long way to the disposal unit and dishwasher damage. 

Can Put Dishwasher Pods in Garbage Disposal?

Don’t put dishwasher pods in the garbage disposal. They’re made for dishwashers, not disposals, and might not dissolve well. The ingredients could also harm the disposal. Follow the instructions for both the dishwasher pods and the garbage disposal to avoid problems and damage.

Summing Up

Are you on the way to capping off the dishwasher drain on the garbage disposal with less stress? If yes, look no further and invest your energy in reading the guidelines of this guide. The step-by-step procedure and the suggestion of capping off with two methods are the information you grab in this guide. So, learn fast and implement it.