Explore Some Ideas About Troubleshooting to Replace Your Garbage Disposal Unit
Garbage disposal has become an essential part of your kitchen, and you want to see it in its best functional or operational form. If it conks, you will have to manage your food waste differently until you solve the problem. It can be a headache. Problems multiply if you fail to deal with the scraps properly. You can clog your drain pipe. Since old devices suddenly stop working, you need to accept this reality. Suppose you open your tap one day and turn on the switch for the disposal. You hear a groaning sound and then nothing. The food waste has piled up in your sink, making you wonder if you should call your plumber.
Before contacting a local technician, consider getting a disposal unit and replacing it yourself. Of course, DIY skills matter. If you are one and have a few tools like putty, pliers, and screwdrivers, it can be an easy undertaking. So, gather all the things first.
Analyze the condition of the device
You can troubleshoot the problem before taking a final call on the replacement. The machine can stop working in two situations. One is the tripping of the built-in circuit. Sometimes, the plug gets accidentally removed from the socket while accessing supplies down the sink. If it is not there, connect it and run the appliance. Is it still silent? You can reset the unit by pushing its red button located underneath. Start the disposal. Doesn't it move again? You can replace it. Another scenario is a humming sound from the motor while the blades are static. Clogging can be the culprit.
You will need a flashlight to probe into the unit. A utensil, fruit pit, or other objects may have gotten stuck there, rendering the blade powerless. Take your pliers and remove those foreign materials. Avoid putting your finger into the chamber, as the sharp blade edges can hurt you. Once you clean the area, give it a fresh try: only noise and no work hint at replacement.
Wear the DIY hat
You can buy this accessory in the range of USD $200 or less from a good brand. The unit can have a stainless-steel body and advanced functions to make your food waste management job even easier. While the purchasing cost is unavoidable, you can save money on installation by doing it yourself. This job requires you to crouch down to access the area under your sink. It can demand a few hours of your time. If you hire a plumber, you can calculate the labor cost at USD $100 per hour. Nevertheless, if your back is weak, taking professional help will be much better.
Can you handle this? In that case, you would need a few essential tools and a new unit. Every brand has specific instructions, but most require using screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, plumber’s putty, flashlight, putty knife, etc. Before beginning the process, ensure you have disconnected the disposal from the electric line. Remove the plug from the outlet under the sink or close to the countertop wall. Stop the power supply from the primary circuit-breaker box.
Focus on the fundamentals of the replacement process
As mentioned, every branded unit can have its unique requirements. Still, the installation procedure can be the same or similar. You will need enough clearance down the kitchen sink area. Spread a towel under the unit to deal with dripping water. Position your flashlight well to get a clear view of the unit and its surrounding space. After taking care of these things, you can remove the metal or PVC pipe connected to the disposal and plumbing system. Two devices in old kitchens, such as a disposal and dishwasher, share the drain connection. Look for it to unscrew the pipe. Next, search for the thin metal ring that usually grips the device from three sides at the top. Hold them and move the ring anti-clockwise. Your other hand should support the unit.
Since disposals weigh around 15 pounds, you must be careful when loosening the ring. The device will be free as soon as the ring becomes loose. You can open the metal faceplate from under the garbage disposal. It's necessary to disconnect the disposal from your home's power supply. Once the electrical wires are free, you can keep your old unit in a safe place. You also have to displace the snap ring, mounting bracket, sink flange, and old putty surrounding the sink’s drain.
Start installing the new garbage disposal!
You will have fresh plumber’s putty – apply it down the sink flange and put the flange in its position to help it cover the sink drain opening. Putty takes time to harden. You need to keep a heavy object on the flange to keep it stay in its place. Your older unit will come in handy in this. Check for the rubber gasket in the packaging. You have to put this and the mounting bracket down the sink. Open the metal faceplate of the garbage disposal to connect the system to the power supply. Attach the new unit to the mounting ring and tighten it. If you hear a clicking sound, it means your disposal is safe, and put together the discharge tubes with screws.
After this, you can free your sink flange from the weight of the old device and run water. Go under the sink to check for leakage. You don't have to bother about this issue if you have fastened all the screws well. Connect the plug to the outlet and turn on the circuit breaker. The disposal should operate smoothly.
It is good to save money wherever possible. You can apply your skills and expertise in many places if you are a DIYer. Otherwise, talk to your local plumber for help. Their experience, knowledge, and tools help them finish these projects efficiently. Of course, it comes at a price that may make your replacement work slightly expensive. But you can rely on them for desirable results. Your newly installed device can run without any problem for a long. You also get rid of managing the food scraps separately.
