Garbage disposals are a convenient appliance that makes short work of food scraps, chopping up leftovers and sending them down the drain, but like any appliance, they eventually need replacing. Garbage disposal installation requires working with the home’s plumbing and electrical systems and also involves working under the sink for an extended period of time. If you’re not in a DIY mood, you can always count on HUB Plumbing in NYC to complete any plumbing installation job you have.
The first step to replacing your garbage disposal is to disconnect the power supply to the unit. Most units plug into an electrical outlet under the sink. Hard-wired units must be disconnected at the circuit breaker. Using a screwdriver, open the unit’s access panel and disconnect the wiring. It’s important to disconnect the electrical cable from the base of the unit as well, as it acts as a ground for the unit. Always use a tester to make certain that the power is off.
Next, unscrew the nut of the clamp that holds the drain pipe to the disposal. Maneuver the pipe out of the way. The unit is then ready to drop down. Loosen the locking ring at the top of the unit by rotating the ring with the help of a screwdriver to release the disposal from the mount. Detach the screws that hold the mounting ring to the underside of the sink. Above the mounting ring is a locking ring. Detach this with the flat blade of a screwdriver.
The flange around the drain on the sink can now be removed and cleaned. Once the sink flange has been cleaned, attach fresh putty around its rim before reinserting it into the sink. Reattach the locking rim and mounting rim and secure tightly, and then remove any excess putty from the sink flange.
It’s easiest to connect the wiring to the new unit before attaching it to the mounting rim. Wiring is usually color coded to make installation easier. If it’s not clear which wires to connect to the new unit, don’t risk injuring your safety or your home’s electrical system. Call a plumbing company in New York City to assist you. Once the electrical wires are connected, you can attach the new unit connect it to the drain pipe.
At HUB Plumbing in NYC, we’re happy to offer regular plumbing maintenance that will alert you to any necessary garbage disposal-related plumbing repairs. We’re pleased to handle garbage disposal replacements for you as well. Call 646-862-7059 any day of the week for prompt, quality service.
