Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Before You Get Started
Whether you're doing a garbage disposal replacement or installing one for the first time, it'll attach to the sink and have a discharge that attaches to the drainpipe. Your dishwasher outlet hose attaches to the disposal.
Garbage disposals are typically available in 1/3 horsepower up to 1 horsepower. If you have a septic system, you'll need to purchase a septic-safe disposal. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your needs.
What Type of Garbage Disposal Should I Get?
Before you install or replace your new garbage disposal, it is important to think about what type of disposal you need. There are two primary types of disposal feed types, batch feed and continuous feed.
Batch feed disposals can operate only when the magnetic stopper is in place, preventing accidental items from being dropped into the disposal. You can insert food in larger batches for running all at one time. This type is also good for homes where an electrical switch isn’t readily available.
Continuous feed disposals operate when the switch is turned on and the water is running. A power outlet is necessary to turn the unit on and off. This type is the most commonly installed model in homes.
Garbage disposals also are available in a range of horsepower (HP) ratings. 1/3 to ½ horsepower is the basic model, able to manage everyday food waste. For larger households or upgraded features, a 1 HP unit is the choice.
How to Remove the Garbage Disposal
How to Change a Garbage Disposal
If you don’t already have a disposal, you’ll need a nearby outlet and switch. Call a licensed electrician for installation, and find out if a permit is required.
Instructions
Test the Disposal
Test your connections by placing the stopper into the sink drain and filling the sink with water. Check for leaks. Finally, plug in the disposal and turn on the power.
Don't have time to do this project yourself? Check out our professional garbage disposal installation service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked question on garbage disposal installation.
Can I Install a Garbage Disposal Myself?
Installing or replacing a garbage disposal as a DIY project is not an overly complicated task. If you follow the manufacturer’s install directions and have the required tools and parts, it can usually be done in less than 3 hours.
What Are the Two Common Installation Methods for a Garbage Disposal?
There are two mounting methods for a garbage disposal. You will either have an EZ mount or a 3-bolt mount that will secure your disposal to the sink. Both are fairly easy to attach and mount the disposal to.
What Tools Do You Need to Install a Garbage Disposal?
The most common required tools for installing a garbage disposal are a hammer, screwdriver (Phillips and regular), putty knife, safety glasses and a quart bucket.
Are Garbage Disposal Hookups Universal?
Sink drains are a standard size, anywhere between 3-1/2 and 4 inches. Your new garbage disposal will fit your sink drain since it is a standard size. The drain outlets for the disposal is also a standard size, 1-1/2 inches. So the main hookup connections are an industry standard and are universal.
One thing to be aware of is that not all kitchen cabinets are the same size height-wise. If you buy a larger disposal with more horsepower, it might not fit underneath a shorter kitchen cabinet.