Garbage disposals keep clogs from appearing in your drain.
A garbage disposal, or food waste disposal, is a mechanical unit run by electricity that is fitted to the sink drain in your kitchen. The garbage disposal is fitted between the drain and the traditional drain trap. The motor of the disposal runs a set of blades that chop up food and larger food stuffs. This prevents large pieces of debris from clogging the sink drain. If you do not have the electrical and plumbing connections already installed, have those done by a professional. Once that's done, the hardest part of installing a garbage disposal is the tight, cramped space you'll be working in.
Instructions
1. Turn off the electrical supply to the kitchen at the circuit breaker to prevent shock while installing the garbage disposal. Tape down the switch for the garbage disposal in the "Off" position to prevent it from turning on while you're working.
2. Shut off the water supply at the water main valve in the basement or out at the street. Turn on the sink faucet to drain the pipes of water.
3. Place a bucket underneath the P-trap, the U-shaped pipe underneath the drain, and disconnect it with a wrench. Pour any water in the trap into the bucket.
4. Remove the drain from the sink by turning the drain assembly, using a pair of pliers. Insert the ends of the pliers into the drain and turn it counterclockwise to remove the drain.
5. Roll a bit of plumber's putty in your hands and form it into a circle. Place the plumber's putty around the drain hole. Place the new drain that comes with the garbage disposal over the plumber's putty. Press down and screw the drain in place.
6. Place something heavy over the drain assembly, such as a big book, and attach the snap ring assembly underneath the sink to the drain above. The manufacturer will have instructions included with the assembly on the correct placement of the gasket rings. Tighten the three mounting screws, using a screwdriver, until the assembly sits flush and tight.
7. Screw the garbage disposal onto the snap ring assembly until it's tight. Screw in the mounting tab, using a screwdriver.
8. Rotate the disposal so the discharge tube is aligned with the discharge tube coming out of the wall. Cut the PVC pipe for the discharge tube, using a PVC cutter. Sand the end of the pipe to remove any burrs. Attach the PVC pipe to the discharge pipe with a PVC sleeve and tighten it down, using a wrench.
9. Attach the electrical supply using the wiring diagram included with the unit.
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