Garbage Disposal Installation: The Expert’s Guide for Property Owners Near 78723 Austin, TX
Getting started on garbage disposal installation can be a daunting task for property owners in Austin, Texas. Even experienced DIYers may not feel up to the challenge of outfitting a part of the home with a reliable disposal system. Trying to ensure that a proper and efficient system is installed is difficult to do without professional experience. That’s why the experts at Abacus offer their comprehensive and professional services for everyone in the 78723 Austin area.
From properly and securely installing electric or gas water heaters to fixing slab leaks, Abacus warranties their customer service, on-site experience, and technical know-how. Their plumbers are each trained to the best possible degree and each licensed to tackle the toughest plumbing issues around.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to installing a garbage disposal system in the home. It delves into the preparatory steps, the installation of the system itself, as well as some much needed maintenance tips. Above all, the piece intends to empower property owners to make the best decisions when it comes to home maintenance and repairs.
Preparatory Steps Before Garbage Disposal Installation
Before beginning with the actual installation of the system, there are a few preparatory steps property owners should make sure to undertake. In the following section, these preparations, as well as a few tips regarding installation in general, will be discussed.
Choose the Right Garbage Disposal Unit for Your Needs
When buying a garbage disposal unit, it is essential to consider the capacity, as well as the grinders available. The higher the HP or Horsepower of the unit, the greater is its capacity to grind/shred down food waste. The number of grinders is the actual number of shredding blades that the unit has. For most domestic households, a two or three grinder unit should suffice.
Also, commercial grade systems have larger capacities and more grinders, but they also require larger electric power sources and thus a higher wattage source. That’s why when buying a garbage disposal unit, it is essential to obtain the exact technical specifications such as horsepower, grinders, wattage, and about other related aspects. Don’t forget to take into account the plumbing codes in Austin (78723) before making the purchase.
Gather the Tools Needed for the Installation
In order to perform a successful installation of a garbage disposal unit, a certain selection of tools will be essential for the process to go smoothly. These tools include:
• Cable Cutter
• Wrenches (or an adjustable wrench)
• Hammer
• A Bucket
• Jigsaw
• Electrical Tape
• Plumber’s Putty
Make sure to have all the necessary tools before starting the installation, as they will save time and enable the process to be smoothly finished.
Check Electrical Connections and Disconnect the Power Supply
First, in order to prevent any accidents or shocks throughout the installation process, it is essential to inspect the electric connections and then to disconnect the power supply. Once the system is disconnected, try to test the switch by pressing it to make sure the power source is actually disconnected.
It is also important to make sure the circuit wires are connected correctly, as this will ensure a safe setup and operation for the garbage disposal unit. Make sure the safety switch is situated near the garbage disposal, as it will help to shut power to the unit before any necessary repair or maintenance is undertaken.
Garbage Disposal Installation
At this point, property owners should include the seals and rubbers supplied with the disposal unit to the sink flange, as well as add a plumber’s putty to its edge. This will provide a water-seal to the disposal unit itself and a better security against leakage. After the connections have been properly sealed, make sure to screw them in place with a wrench.
The debris test or the grinding test should also be undertaken. Turn the power on and make sure to run cold water into the sink to help the grinding process. If the water is running warm/hot, it means that the unit is connected to the hot water supply and this needs to be immediately addressed, in order to prevent any accidents or surprises.
If after the grinding test, everything seems to be working correctly, the dishwasher inlet needs to be connected to the drainage pipe of the disposal unit.
Connect the power cord of the unit to a junction box of the electric system and the safety switch to ensure the proper operation of the garbage disposal system. If the unit does not appear to be working, it may be necessary to reset the circuit breaker. After completing the installation, make sure to test the connections and switches again, as this will ensure the leak-free operation of the disposal unit for the coming years.
Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips
Before any maintenance or repairs are carried out on the garbage disposal unit, it is again essential to disconnect the power supply at the safety switch.
Make sure to clean the disposal unit on a weekly basis with a mixture of soap and hot water. This will help the unit to maintain its maximum efficiency. While the system is running, cold water should be continuously spilled into the sink to help the pulverizing and grinding process.
If there is a blocked sink, it is essential to contact a professional plumber, such as Abacus’s team, to help with the issue. Trying to undergo repairs upon one’s own can lead to irreparable damage and costly appliance replacement.
If something appears damaged, switched off the power supply immediately and leave it to the professionals. Hydro- jetting can be used to flush out clogged drainage systems, though only an expert plumbing technician would know how and when to use such a procedure.
Summary
Installing a garbage disposal system is a science and following the right steps will ensure its smooth and coordinated operation. From organizing the necessary materials and tools, to making sure all the connections are safe and secure, to conducting a few tests after properly installing the unit, following these steps will ensure one is totally prepared for any eventuality. In addition, providing proper and regular maintenance to the unit will guarantee its use for many years to come.
Topics:
Property Owners,
Garbage Disposal System,
Maintenance Tips
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