Garbage Disposal Installation and Maintenance Guide

Why a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal grinds food waste into small particles that flow through your plumbing to the wastewater treatment system. Benefits: reduces kitchen waste going to landfills (food waste is 20% of landfill content), eliminates food odors in the trash, reduces pest attraction (no food scraps sitting in the garbage), and makes kitchen cleanup faster and more convenient. About 50% of American homes have a garbage disposal. It is one of the most affordable kitchen upgrades ($80-$300 for the unit).

Types

Continuous feed: The most common type. Runs as long as the switch is on. Can add food while it is running. Simpler and more affordable ($80-$200). Good for: most kitchens.

1. Batch feed: Only runs when a special stopper is placed in the drain opening. Safer (prevents accidental contact with moving parts). Quieter during operation. $150-$
2. 3
3. 5
4. Good for: homes with children or safety concerns.

Horsepower: 1/3 HP: minimal use (single person, soft foods only). 1/2 HP: light use (1-2 person household). 3/4 HP: standard (the most popular size for typical families). 1 HP: heavy use (large families, frequent cooking). For most homes: 3/4 HP. Brands: InSinkErator (most popular, EZ Connect mount), Waste King (uses universal 3-bolt mount), Moen.

Installation

Replacing an existing disposal (same brand/mount type): 30-60 minutes. New installation (no existing disposal): 1-2 hours.

Steps (replacement): Turn off the breaker for the disposal circuit. Disconnect the drain pipe and dishwasher hose (if connected). Twist the old unit off the mounting ring (InSinkErator: twist counterclockwise). Twist the new unit onto the existing mounting ring. Reconnect the drain pipe and dishwasher hose. If connecting to a dishwasher: knock out the dishwasher drain plug inside the disposal inlet (use a screwdriver and hammer). Restore power and test.

Steps (new installation): Turn off the breaker. Remove the existing basket strainer. Install the mounting assembly (flange, gasket, and mounting ring from the top and bottom of the sink). Connect the electrical wire (hardwire or plug-in cord). Mount the disposal to the mounting ring. Connect the drain pipe (P-trap to the disposal discharge). Connect the dishwasher drain hose (if applicable). Restore power and test. Electrical: most disposals are hardwired (a dedicated 15-amp circuit is code in most areas). A plug-in cord ($10-$15) can be attached to the disposal for an outlet connection.

Maintenance

Regular use: Run cold water (not hot) while operating the disposal and for 15-30 seconds after turning it off (cold water solidifies grease so it gets ground up rather than coating the pipes). Feed food slowly (do not overload). Avoid: fibrous foods (celery, artichokes, corn husks — they wrap around the blades), grease and oil (coats the mechanism and clogs pipes), pasta and rice (expand with water), bones (small chicken bones are OK, large bones are not), coffee grounds (accumulate in pipes), and non-food items.

Cleaning: Monthly: grind ice cubes and a half lemon or lime (cleans the grinding chamber and freshens odor). Weekly: run cold water and a squirt of dish soap while the disposal runs for 30 seconds. For odor: pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let fizz for 10 minutes. Flush with hot water.

Jammed disposal: Turn off the disposal. Insert the hex wrench (included with most units) into the bottom of the disposal. Turn back and forth to free the jam. Remove the obstruction with tongs or pliers (never reach in with your hands). Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit. Test.

Costs

1/3 HP disposal: $50-$80.

1/2 HP disposal: $80-$120.

3/4 HP disposal: $100-$200.

1 HP disposal: $150-$350.

Professional installation: $150-$350.