Garbage Disposal Replacement And Installation
Garbage disposals last approximately 12 to 15 years if they are maintained. If your unit jams up frequently or makes loud noises, it may be time to replace it.
Every installation or replacement we handle is different because plumbing systems and electrical services vary from kitchen to kitchen. If this is your first garbage disposal, we can confirm if your plumbing is ready to handle a new appliance.
We can help you choose the best garbage disposal for your needs and budget. If you have a big family and frequently prepare meals at home, you may need a unit with more horsepower. Typically, more powerful garbage disposals are bigger than standard models. The space available under your sink may dictate the brand or model you choose.
- Do you want stainless steel or galvanized steel components in your new garbage disposal?
- Do you prefer a hard-wired model or one that plugs into an electrical outlet?
- Is continuous feed or batch feed better for your needs?
A continuous feed garbage disposal enables you to add scraps as it operates. Batch feed models only run when a safety stopper covers the drain.
Our experts can advise you about the many features available, including noise reduction technology, single- and multiple-stage grinding, push-button starters, and dishwasher drain connectors.
At Goettl’s High Desert Mechanical, we offer convenient financing options to help you purchase the right equipment for your comfort and safety. Call us today for a free consultation.
Is My Septic Tank Big Enough
Ask your local septic-system investigator whether or not your septic tank is big enough to accommodate food waste. Often, homeowners end up using a garbage disposal with a small septic tank, which results in premature filling and a host of other problems. If your septic tank is small too, you should either avoid getting a garbage disposal or make the septic tank larger.
Waste King A1spc Knight
Finally, we come to the last stop on our review of the best deep sink garbage disposals with The Waste King A1SPC Knight. This is another higher tier model that includes some pretty awesome features, including silencer technology, which is the same kind of technology that is used to soundproof music studios. It has an easy to install snap and lock mount, that you can use to replace just about any previous disposal. It has a powerful motor that puts out 2700 rpms, and does not use multi stage grind technology, because it can shred all of your food waste in one, easy pass.
Holly Curell is the editor extraordinaire for Plumbing Lab. Having grown up in Michigan, Holly has spent time living in New York, Virginia, & currently North Carolina, where she lives with her husband & family. Holly loves DIY & has years of experience with at-home plumbing problems that arise from having 3 kids & living in colder climates. When shes not writing about her plumbing knowledge, Holly enjoys reading, hiking & relaxing with family.
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Does The Garbage Disposal Break Food Down Finely
Any garbage disposal that doesnt make fine particles out of the food waste isnt suited for septic. The reason is simple: the smaller the waster, the quicker it decomposes in septic. Also, you can give a garbage disposal brownie points if it adds any enzymes to help facilitate the speedier breakdown of food waste.
Insinkerator Evolution Prestige Continuous Feed Noise Insulation Garbage Disposal

Lowe’s
-
Power cord not included
A couple of standout features make the high-end InSinkErator Evolution Prestige garbage disposal worth the cost: Its high horsepower can tackle just about any disposal job with an ultra-quiet performance. It also has a large capacity of 40 ounces, which is almost double some of the other garbage disposals on our list.
You will need to purchase a power cord separately if required, which is an additional cost for an already pricey garbage disposal. The other option is to hard-wire the unit, but you will need some electrical know-how to do that yourself.
Price at time of publish: $439
Dimensions: 13.5 x 9 x 9 inchesCapacity: 40 ouncesFeed type: ContinuousHorsepower: 1 HPGrinding speed: 1725Chamber material: Stainless steel
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Things To Never Put Down A Garbage Disposal & Maintenance Tips
The most important rule of thumb is to avoid putting anything in the garbage disposal that is not biodegradable food. A garbage disposal is not a trash can, its for food scraps only. Non food items can damage both blades and the motor. When in doubt, throw it out!
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How To Hook Up A Dishwasher Without A Garbage Disposal
Generally, you dont need garbage disposal to install a new dishwasher. You can bypass this optional appliance with specific piping attachments.
But the homeowner must attach an air gap inside the new dishwasher so the machine meets the local regulations.
Precise attention to the water supply line, drain, and electrical joins will culminate in a perfect installation.
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What Size Drain Pipe Do I Need For A Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are a convenient addition to any kitchen. They make cleaning dishes, pots, and pans much more manageable. Instead of meticulously scraping off each chunk of leftover food, simply rinse it into the disposal. Flip the switch, wait for the garbage disposal to grind the leftovers, then shut it off. Tada just like that, the food waste is taken care of!
If youve decided to commit to installing a garbage disposal, there are a few things youll need to know. After you purchase the system itself, youll need to buy the correct size plumbing and accessories to hook it up. This article reviews what size drain pipe youll need for a garbage disposal, so continue reading to learn more!
In This Article
What Is A High Loop
A high loop is when the dishwasher drain is elevated right before its connection to the kitchen sink drain. The drain hose is secured near the top of the sink in some fashion . Figure 2 below shows the basic configuration of an installed high drain loop under a kitchen sink. The loop should be installed as close as possible to the underside of the cabinet for maximum effectiveness. It is recommended that the discharge end of the drain hose is attached to the vertical sink drain pipe right before the P-trap . It is not recommended that the drain hose be termintated at any garbage disposal. When the disposer is turned on, it acts like a pump and has the capability of sending dirty water back to your dishwasher.
Figure 2: Diagram of Proper High Loop Installation
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How To Connect A Dishwasher Drain Hose To A Sink Or Tub
To connect a dishwasher drain hose to a sink or tub, you will need a few tools and materials.
You will need:
-Screwdriver
-Dishwasher drain hose kit*
*A dishwasher drain hose kit comes with all the necessary parts to connect your dishwasher drain hose to the garbage disposal.
First, you will need to measure the distance from the dishwasher drain outlet to the nearest sink or tub drain.
Next, you will need to cut a section of pipe that is equal to this measurement.
Once you have cut the section of pipe, use a pipe wrench to tighten the fittings on both ends of the pipe.
Make sure that the dishwasher drain hose is clamped onto the fitting tightly with pliers.
Now, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the clamp.
Finally, make sure that the garbage disposal is turned off and disconnect power to the dishwasher.
Now you can connect the dishwasher drain hose to the garbage disposal.
Use pliers to tighten the connection between the two hoses.
Once you have tightened the connection, turn on the power to the dishwasher and test it out by running a cycle.
Users Who Are Viewing This Thread
DIYorBust said:I’m quite close to making it without having to lower the drain. From the bottom of the stub out to the bottom of the disposer discharge tube I have about 1.75 inches. It seems like some other forum members had luck making the trap with a low inlet j-bend. It seems like that could work.As long as the bottom of the discharge is above the trap weir it should fully drain right?
Reach4 said:Yes. To be clear, the disposal output is higher than the trap adapter. 1.75 inches is more than enough.A straight discharge tube may work better for you. Maybe you will need to shorten the curved discharge tube a bit.
DIYorBust said:Thank you, that should buy me a little extra room. Is it necessary that the bottom of the disposal output be completely above the top of the trap adapter? Or would it be okay if they overlap half and inch or so? It seems like the water would still drain out, am I right to assume this?
Terry said:Unless you spin the disposer, water will remain if the drain in the wall is higher than the disposer drain.I see it all the time with the new granite counters and 10″ deep sinks. We used to plumb for sinks that were 8″ to 6″
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Removing Your Old Garbage Disposal
Step 1: Turn off the electricity
Find your breaker box and cut the circuit breaker that provides power to the plug that your disposal plugs into under your sink. This is for your safety as well as safety of your new unit. This will also ensure that power to your dishwasher is off if you have a dishwasher.
Step 2: Disconnect the drain tube
Use a wrench to disconnect the drain line where it connects to the disposal discharge tube.
Step 3: Loosen the fastening hardware
Your current garbage disposal will have bolts connecting your drain to the top of the garbage disposal unit. Loosen these using a screwdriver.
Step 4: If you have a dishwasher, remove the discharge hose
Next, if you have a dishwasher, you’ll need to loosen the clamp that connects the dishwasher discharge hose to the disposal unit. Just use your screwdriver for this as well.
Step 5: Remove the old disposal unit
Note: You’ll either need a second set of hands or want to prop a box under the unit to support it when it comes loose from the drain.
Locate the 3-tab ring where the top of your old disposal unit joins with the drain. Using either your hands or a screwdriver inserted into one of the 3 tabs, rotate the ring counterclockwise until the old unit releases from the drain. Voila! Your old garbage disposal has been removed. You’re now ready to install your new garbage disposal.
Why Trust The Spruce

This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. For this roundup, Katie considered dozens of garbage disposal models, carefully evaluating each models horsepower, noise, installation type, and value. She also took hundreds of customer reviews and write-ups from third-party websites into account. Additional input was provided by North Carolina-based plumber Bill Richmond.
The 7 Best Garbage Disposals in 2022. Simply Recipes. https://www.simplyrecipes.com/best-garbage-disposals-5120815
The 5 Best Garbage Disposals . This Old House. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/22714066/best-garbage-disposal
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Can I Wire A Dishwasher And Garbage Disposal On The Same Circuit
You can wire a dishwasher and garbage disposal on the same circuit, but it is not recommended. The dishwasher will likely be on for about an hour at a time, while the garbage disposal will only be on for a few seconds. This means that the garbage disposal will likely cause more power surges than the dishwasher.
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Drain Pipe Too High For Garbage Disposal
They just installed granite countertops with deep sinks. Now if I reconnect everything together the drain pipe from the wall is too high. Short of cutting open the wall and lowering the drain pipe is there anything I can do? I checked and the pipe in the wall goes straight to the left, so there would be extensive destruction to move the wall pipe.
So would either of these work?:
The distance from the wall pipe center to the top of the p trap is about 4.5
- 3Thanks to these kinds of pictures being added, I have learned that the guts & clutter under the sink look pretty much the same all over the world… this is how we know we live normal lives, and as DIYers we are UNITED under the sink
I couldnt come up with a good solution, even after talking to an experienced plumber. So I removed the disposal and will relocate it to our utility sink.
Looks like its just about right for the U-bend and that will stop smells coming back up.
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How Is A High Loop Installed
Installing a high loop is generally pretty easy. The easiest method is to install a bracket to the underside of the countertop to hold the drain line. Another alternative is to use a zip-tie to hold the
It is becoming fairly common in new dishwashers where the manufacturers are pre-installing them. Although this is becoming a regular practice, a home inspector will still call out the lack of a visible high loop. While the person who installed the dishwasher may have seen a pre-installed high loop on the side of the dishwasher and not installed one under the sink, the home inspector has no way of knowing if this is the case and will write it up as a defect. It is recommended to check the manufacturing specifications of the dishwasher to see if the high loop is already built in, but most dishwasher manufacturers will still recommend the high loop be added under the sink during installation.
Insinkerator Badger 1/3 Hp Garbage Disposal
Courtesy of Home Depot
Another Badger model from the InSinkErator garbage disposal line, this unit has 0.33 horsepower and is excellent value for what it brings to the table. This garbage disposal is ideal for lighter loads and occasional use. It does require hard-wiring, which may be better left to a professional. InSinkErator garbage disposals are known for their durability, and this model has a galvanized steel chamber and stainless steel blade. Even though this is a smaller model, it’s still incredibly powerful.
Price at time of publish: $99
Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.3 x 6.3 inchesCapacity: 26 ouncesFeed type: Continuous feedHorsepower: 0.33 HPGrinding speed: 1725Chamber material: Galvanized steel
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Garbage Disposals The Sewers And Septic Tanks
Garbage disposals are good for the busy home plumbing system because it can grind up the food particles that would otherwise sneak down the drain whole, but some sewer and septic systems are not equipped to handle the direct food debris. The chemical environment may not be capable of deteriorating the waste efficiently and some municipalities will have rules in place to ensure the sewer is kept healthy. If youre on a sewer, its a good idea to check with your local regulations before installing a garbage disposal.
With septic tanks, a garbage disposal adds to the amount of waste and water that goes into the tank. It may be a minimal amount, depending on how often the disposal is used, but it can have an impact on how quickly the tank fills. Always make sure to choose a garbage disposal with a high horsepower if you have a septic system. There are disposal models specifically designed to work with septic tanks to help reduce the load. These disposals grind the food waste very fine, and inject an extra dose of important enzymes and microorganisms that help the food waste deteriorate in the tank.
Check your areas recommendations for expected care of the septic system, because the added solid wastes from a garbage disposal can add to the buildup, which could result in more frequent pumping.
Proper Care To Avoid Drain Pipe Clogs
Taking proper care of your garbage disposal will help mitigate clogs. Even when your garbage disposals drain is lower than the unit itself, it can still get clogged.
Moreover, the garbage disposal itself can get clogged. So, what can you do to avoid this?
There are several things you can do to help avoid clogs in your garbage disposal. They include:
- Only sending down biodegradable materials
- Cut down the chunks of food beforehand
- Using soft or rotten food
- Using cold water whenever you use the garbage disposal
- Regularly cleaning the garbage disposal to remove grime buildup
- Using the garbage disposal regularly to keep it working properly
The food you put into the garbage disposal has an impact on its efficiency and its ability to avoid clogging. If you were to put down potato peels, nuts, or shells, it could lead to the garbage disposal clogging quickly.
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How Do You Install A Garbage Disposal
Installing a garbage disposal unit isnt hard but can be confusing if you dont know what youre doing. The entire installation process generally takes two hours or less, depending on how quickly you move through the steps.
We outline the process in our guide, How To Plumb A Single Bowl Kitchen Sink With Disposal. The process is relatively straightforward but may take a bit of know-how. If youre entirely unfamiliar with plumbing, you might want to pass this project on to a licensed professional.
There are a few different drain variations used for garbage disposals, including:
- Drain line connected to the garbage disposal through an air gap
- Drain line connected directly to the drain through an air gap
- Drain line situated in a high loop to the disposal
- Drain line situated in a high loop directly to the drain
If you decide to install the garbage disposal by yourself, make sure you check local codes before starting. Some areas have specific codes that dont allow disposals due to limits on sewer capacity. Other areas may require air gaps if the disposal is used in tandem with a dishwasher.
Additionally, some areas dont allow plumbing work to be done by anyone other than a licensed professional.