A garbage disposal is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a quick, efficient way to dispose of food scraps and keeping your kitchen clean and odor-free. Whether you’re upgrading an old unit, installing a new one, or simply looking for ways to improve your kitchen’s functionality, installing a garbage disposal can be a relatively straightforward project—especially if you follow the right steps.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of installing a garbage disposal and provide tips to ensure the installation is smooth and efficient. We’ll also answer an important question: Which side of the sink should a garbage disposal be installed on? By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to complete your installation or decide whether to call in a professional.
Why Install a Garbage Disposal?
Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand why a garbage disposal is such a valuable addition to your kitchen. A well-installed disposal helps with:
- Convenience: Quickly dispose of food scraps without needing to throw them in the trash, helping to minimize odors and pests.
- Cleanliness: Reduces the accumulation of waste in your kitchen, making cleanup easier.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reduces landfill waste by turning food scraps into small particles that can flow through your plumbing and be processed at a waste treatment facility.
- Time-Saving: Simplifies food prep by allowing you to dispose of waste as you go, rather than accumulating waste that needs to be disposed of later.
Now that you know why a garbage disposal is essential, let’s walk through the installation process.
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen for Installation
Before starting the installation process, make sure your kitchen is ready:
- Turn off the power: If you’re replacing an existing disposal, unplug the unit or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
- Turn off the water supply: Shut off the water supply to avoid any leaks while working on the plumbing.
- Clear out the area: Ensure there is enough space under the sink to work, and remove any items that could get in the way.
Step 2: Remove the Old Garbage Disposal (If Replacing)
If you’re replacing an old unit, you’ll need to remove it before installing the new one:
- Disconnect the plumbing: Use a wrench to disconnect the drain line from the disposal.
- Remove the mounting bracket: Most disposals are attached to the sink with a mounting bracket. You’ll need to unscrew the mounting bolts to release the disposal.
- Unplug the electrical connections: If your unit is hardwired, disconnect the electrical wires by unscrewing the electrical cover plate and loosening the screws.
Once the old unit is removed, you’ll be ready to install the new one.
Step 3: Install the New Mounting Bracket
The mounting bracket is what holds the garbage disposal under the sink. Whether you’re replacing a disposal or installing a new one, you need to install the mounting bracket first:
- Apply plumber’s putty: Put a ring of plumber’s putty around the base of the new sink flange (the part that sits in the sink drain).
- Insert the flange: Place the flange into the drain hole in your sink and press it down firmly.
- Secure the mounting bracket: Place the mounting bracket over the sink flange and screw it into place. Make sure it’s securely fastened, as this will hold the garbage disposal in place.
Step 4: Connect the Plumbing
The next step involves connecting the new garbage disposal to your plumbing:
- Attach the drain line: The drain line needs to be connected from the disposal to your home’s waste pipe. Align the drain line with the disposal’s outlet and tighten the connection.
- Install a dishwasher drain line (if applicable): If you have a dishwasher, you’ll need to connect the dishwasher drain hose to the disposal’s dishwasher inlet. This typically involves a clamp or hose fitting.
- Check for leaks: Tighten all connections and check for leaks by running some water through the system once the disposal is mounted.
Step 5: Electrical Wiring
Electrical work is an essential part of the installation, especially for a new garbage disposal. If your new disposal requires hardwiring, you’ll need to connect the electrical wires to the unit.
- Prepare the wires: If your disposal doesn’t come with a power cord pre-installed, you’ll need to wire it yourself. Use wire strippers to expose the ends of the wires.
- Connect the wires: Follow the instructions for your specific model to connect the black wire to the live wire, the white wire to the neutral wire, and the green or bare wire to the ground screw.
- Secure the wiring: Use wire nuts to secure the connections, ensuring a tight, insulated connection.
If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, it’s always a good idea to hire a licensed electrician to handle this part of the installation.
Step 6: Test the Disposal
Once everything is connected, it’s time to test the garbage disposal:
- Check for leaks: Turn on the water and run the disposal for a few seconds. Check around the drain line and mounting bracket to ensure there are no leaks.
- Test the operation: Turn the disposal on and off using the wall switch. Listen for any unusual noises, which could indicate an issue with the installation or a loose connection.
- Flush with water: Let some water run through the disposal to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Which Side of the Sink Should a Garbage Disposal Be Installed On?
When installing a garbage disposal, one key question often arises: Which side of the sink should the garbage disposal go on? The placement of your disposal can impact both its functionality and ease of use.
Common Placement Options
- Left Side of the Sink (Most Common)
- Why This Is Preferred: Most people prefer to install the garbage disposal on the left side of the sink. This is typically the side where food scraps are scraped off plates and into the sink, making it easier to direct waste into the disposal unit.
- Convenience: The left side is often the side closest to the dishwasher, making it more convenient for food waste to flow directly from the dishwasher drain to the disposal. This setup is also the most common for right-handed people, as it allows for easier scraping and waste disposal.
- Right Side of the Sink
- Why This Might Be Preferred: Some homeowners choose to install the disposal on the right side of the sink if that’s where they do most of their food prep or if the kitchen design requires it. For left-handed individuals, installing the garbage disposal on the right side may feel more natural and comfortable.
- Dual Sink Configurations
- Why Two Disposals: In kitchens with double sinks, homeowners sometimes install a garbage disposal on both sides. This allows for more flexibility, especially in kitchens where both sides of the sink are used for food preparation or cleaning.
Considerations for Placement
- Plumbing Setup: Ensure that your plumbing configuration supports the chosen side. Moving the disposal from one side to the other may require adjustments to the drain lines and could increase installation time and cost.
- Dishwasher Drain Line: If your dishwasher drains into the disposal, the proximity of the dishwasher drain to the disposal may influence which side is best.
Final Thoughts
Installing a garbage disposal can improve the functionality and cleanliness of your kitchen, and understanding the installation process is key to getting the job done right. The actual installation typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the project. If you are replacing an old unit, the process may be quicker, but if you’re installing a new disposal in a previously unused location, it could take a bit longer.
When deciding which side of the sink to install your garbage disposal, the left side is generally the most convenient option, especially if you’re right-handed, but it ultimately depends on your kitchen layout and personal preferences.
If you’re unsure about the installation process or need professional help, Pristine Plumbing is here to assist. Our experienced plumbers can handle all aspects of garbage disposal installation, from plumbing connections to electrical wiring, ensuring your kitchen runs smoothly.