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Installing the new garbage disposal — Install the New Garbage Disposal Unit

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

New Garbage Disposal Installation: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide · Step 3 of 4

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In this video

The plumber installs a new garbage disposal unit. He connects the disposal to the drainpipe, dishwasher hose, and power supply. He reattaches the P-trap and secures the new unit.

Goal: Fitting and connecting the replacement disposal

  • The new disposal is quiet so warn family members to avoid accidents.

Used in this video

  • Slip-joint pliers (Pliers Type: Slip-joint pliers) — Tightening slip nuts
  • Screwdriver (Screwdriver Head Type: Phillips) — Tightening screws
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FAQs

What critical safety precautions should I take before starting the garbage disposal installation?

Always begin by turning off the power to the disposal circuit at your home's breaker panel and shutting off the cold water supply valve under the sink. This prevents accidental electrical shock or water leaks during the process. Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch any residual water when disconnecting pipes.

Beyond pliers, what other tools or materials are absolutely essential for a successful new garbage disposal installation?

You'll likely need a wrench, possibly an Allen wrench (often provided with new disposals for mounting bolts), and a screwdriver. Don't forget plumber's putty for sealing the sink flange and a reliable bucket to manage water during disconnection.

After installation, I notice a leak around the connections. What are the most common causes and how can I fix them?

Leaks often stem from loose connections, an improperly seated P-trap, or insufficient plumber's putty around the sink flange. First, ensure all pipe connections are securely hand-tightened, then given a quarter turn with pliers. If the leak is at the flange, you may need to reapply plumber's putty.

As a beginner, how realistic is the 3-hour estimate, and what makes this project suitable for a DIY novice?

The 3-hour estimate is realistic for many beginners who follow instructions carefully and have basic tool familiarity. Its beginner-friendly nature comes from the clear, sequential steps and the limited number of specialized tools required. Taking your time and double-checking each step is key to staying within this timeframe.

Transcript
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so yeah basically you pull apart the p-trap I always loosen the nut that's on the disposal 90 and then the bottom nut of the p-trap and then just pull it down from there this one this sync happens to have a two-part waste so you have to loosen up the two-part waste as well the part that attaches to the flange tail piece on the other side of the sink I'm not going to be changing the strainer on this one I will at some point do a demonstration on how to change a disability and InSinkErator disposal strainer it's not really that difficult but if you don't know what you're doing it's gonna you know it can be but yeah I'll be able to I could walk you through it in the video be very easy for you so right now I'm reaching the disposal hose the dishwasher hose to the disposal that's where the dishwasher drains through which goes up through the air gap on the countertop and then back down through this rip black rubber hose into the disposal and that's where your dishwasher drains out to now most people think your disposal is like a trash compactor or something like that they think that they can just shove everything down there you know popsicle sticks and tree branches and grocery bags and I've seen it all the disposal is not meant to be taking things down like that it's not even really meant to be taking food down it's more of like if you have you know a real messy dinner and you know you guys scrape your plates off the last scrapings go down the disposal but no you're not supposed to be peeling potatoes or peeling vegetables and or you know throw and let us down the disposal it's gonna clog same with rice same with pasta any of that is gonna clog your disposal so be aware I mean look how small those drain lines are guys rice pasta noodles any type of noodles or rice is gonna swell as soon as it hits that peach wrap it's gonna sit there and swell then you're gonna get a clock so do you have to call me you be paying money nobody likes paying money right which there's a different way to pay other than money right guys alright thank you for watching my video I hope

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