I was almost done setting up my new kitchen sink. The only thing left to do was to install the garbage disposal. Since my previous garbage disposal had been working fine for the past year, I thought to re-install it the way I did that time. Do not miss my guide explaining the steps of Installing a Garbage Disposal in a Single Drain Sink if you want to set up a garbage disposal in a single sink.
In this article, I briefly mention the steps on how to install a garbage disposal in a single durian sink so that you catch every detail. The steps are moderately complicated but if you pay attention, it does not take you much time. Additionally, you will know the tips and suggestions while placing the disposal unit to achieve the process in time.
Things to Remember to Install a Garbage Disposal Unit
- Confirm enough space under the sink cabinet to place the disposal unit with ease.
- You must align the pipes under the sink properly
- There must be electrical wiring underneath the basin to connect the garbage disposal.
- Also, the switch that turns on/off the appliance is accessible standard wall switch, you can place it over the sink.
Tools Required for Installation
Installing a disposal in a single-drain sink is not without some tools. Here is a list of the important ones so that you carry out each step professionally. Also, you must arrange the tools sequence-wise to avoid errors of going with the step with the wrong equipment.
How to Install a Garbage Disposal in a One Drain Sink?
Typically, it takes you two to three hours to install the garbage disposal in a single sink. However, you must go through a step-by-step procedure mentioned below.
Pro Tip: You must clear the cabinet space beneath the kitchen sink so that you have plenty of space to work satisfactorily. You can do it by shifting all the products to some other place.
1. Switch off the Circuit Breaker
Before doing anything else, you must make arrangements to keep you safe and sound. One such is the powering of the circuit breaker. You can also confirm with the non-contact electrical tester to investigate if the current stops flowing or not. Hence, turn off every other breaker so that the tester does not show any power.
2. Disconnect the Drainpipe
Another step lets you grab the slip-joint pliers to loosen the couplers that hold the P-trap’s bottom and drains’ extension pipe from the sink’s drain opening. Also, remember to keep the drains aside and cover the open mouth with a rag or a towel.
Note: Tucking a cloth is useful in restricting the emitting drain’s odors from bothering you.
The next step is to unscrew the nut that lies under the drain coupling using the slip-joint pliers. You must loosen the nut until the drain flange lifts out of the sink’s bottom. However, it can be done by pushing the coupling upwards.
3. Install the Mounting Assembly
Since you are into installing the garbage disposal in a single basin sink, removing the old plumber’s putty from the drain hole is essential. So, use a plastic knife for this purpose to avoid the trouble of fittings and get the right attachment with fresh putty.
Also, take out the garbage disposal’s new sink flange from the kit and rub some putty around it. Then insert the flange into the bottom of the sinkhole evenly. After that, slide the backup ring and a gasket into the exposed sleeve of the flange underneath the sink.
The mounting assembly you aim to prepare is not without attaching the mounting ring and a snap ring. So do it, and tighten the three screws so that the assembly gets a secure fit to the sink drain.
At this point, if you want to attach a dishwasher to the garbage disposal, push out the knock-out plug using a hammer on the side of the disposal body. Otherwise, leave it as it is.
4. Make Electrical Connections
As you are done with the plumbing part, it’s time to change your personality from an expert plumber to an electrician to make electrical connections for garbage disposal. Start doing this by unscrewing the wiring plate, which you will find below the garbage disposal body.
Take a six-inch electrical cable from the wall switch and thread it into the wire clamp of the wiring compartment. Then secure the cable tightening the clamp using the screwdriver.
The next step is to unsheathe the cable using a utility knife, hence stripping off the half-inch of insulation from the black and white wires. Here you join the wires, such as a hot with hot, neutral with neutral, and ground wire to the garbage disposal’s ground connection. The wiring is complete after tucking the wiring plate back in place.
5. Attach the Disposal Unit
Finally, you have reached the stage to place the disposal unit under a single drain sink. Simply, lift the garbage disposal and tuck it in the mounting ring. You must turn the disposer so that the outlet faces the drainpipe and rotate the mounting ring to obtain a secure fit.
6. Connect the Drainpipes
Attach the discharge tube coming from the disposer to the disposal’s outlet and tighten the coupler. Also, take the piece of fabric out of the exposed drainpipe and attach the P-trap or the extension pipe using the slip-joint pliers.
Connect the dishwasher drain hose to the disposal unit’s dishwasher inlet. Make sure all your connections are tight and secure to avoid garbage disposal leaking during its operation.
7. Test Run
Turn on the circuit breaker, let the garbage disposal consume electrical energy, and flush cold water down the drains. If you notice no leaks, your machine is ready to run with all the power to grind food into bits and pieces.
Pro Tip: As every garbage disposal model is different, so are the little changes in how it is installed. You must consult the instruction manual to grab every step attentively before mounting the unit.
Can you Install a Garbage Disposal in Any Kitchen Sink?
Yes, you can install a garbage disposal on any kitchen sink due to the standard sink drain hole size of 3.5 to 4 inches. Not only the garbage disposal is designed to attach with this size but also many of the kitchen sinks use the same standard-sized opening. So, installing is possible.
However, there are other types of sinks such as farmhouse or fireclay sinks that have thicker bodies compared to regular sinks. To make them compatible, you must extend the size of the flange up to a certain diameter of 3/4 and 1 3/4 inches.
Can Use Sink if Garbage Disposal Broken?
You can use sink if the garbage disposal is broken but be careful not to put big food pieces down the drain to avoid blockages. Put food scraps in the trash until you fix the disposal. Use a sink strainer to catch stuff and run cold water while using the sink to help wash away small bits.
Wrapping Up
Installing a garbage disposal in a single drain sink is not a highly professional task, and only needs your attention to take it as a do-it-yourself project. Still, if you find it goes beyond your understanding, the article explains every possibility to help you achieve what you want. So, do you take the initial steps to install the disposal unit in combination with a single sink?
Asad is a garbage disposal enthusiast, mechanical engineer by education, and the visionary founder of Best Pro Product. Asad’s journey has seamlessly blended his engineering acumen with his passion for kitchen gadgets, leading to the creation of a go-to online platform for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts seeking expert guidance on garbage disposals. His meticulous research, hands-on testing, and insightful reviews have established him as a trusted authority, while his commitment to sustainability resonates through his advocacy for proper waste disposal and reduced food waste. Asad’s interactive engagement with his community and his penchant for experimenting with new recipes make him not just an online resource but a friendly companion for those navigating the world of kitchen appliances and eco-friendly living.