How to Install a Garbage Disposal in Austin, TX: Step-by-Step Guide

For Austin, Texas homeowners living in the 78759 zip code, the installation of a garbage disposal can be an especially daunting task. Not only does it require you to cut through the drainpipe, but it also involves having the right tools and knowledge to prevent potential flooding in the kitchen. This article will guide you through each step necessary for installing a garbage disposal so that you can feel confident completing the job yourself.

What You'll Need

Before you begin, you should gather all of the necessary supplies. Here is a list of recommended items to have on hand:

• Garbage disposal

• Screws

• Rubber twist-on connectors

• Electrical tape

• Plumber's putty

• Socket wrench

• Bucket

• Set of pliers

• Wire strippers

• Newspaper or drop cloth

• Rags or paper towels

• Scrub brush

• Gloves

Step 1: Shut Off the Power and Water

Before beginning your installation, the first step is to turn off the power and water to the area. Depending on your garbage disposal, the power might come from a fuse box, a wall unit, or a cord to an outlet. Once you find the power source, turn it off using the appropriate equipment. You should also go beneath the sink and shut off the water supply at the valve. This is a crucial step – if you do not complete it, you could accidentally flood the sink or start a fire.

Step 2: Clear Out the Cabinet

Once the power and water have been shut off, the next step is to clear out the cabinet beneath the sink. This is rather straightforward; simply remove anything that is below the sink and move it to a safe place. Once the cabinet is empty, spread the newspaper or the drop cloth over the countertop and floor to ensure that any mess is easy to clean up afterward.

Step 3: Preparing the Sink

Now it's time to prepare the sink. Fill the bucket with warm soapy water, and use the scrub brush to remove any debris from the sink's opening. Make sure to pay special attention to the area around the drainpipe in the center of the sink. Once the sink is prepared, take the plumber's putty and mold it into a long rope-like shape. Place this around the perimeter of the sink's opening to create a seal.

Step 4: Placing the Garbage Disposal

Before you begin to install the garbage disposal, put on the rubber gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges. Then, carefully place the unit inside the sink's opening, and rotate it until it is facing the right direction. The garbage disposal should fit snugly into the opening – if it does not, you can use the provided screws to tighten the fit.

Step 5: Connecting the Disposal to the Drainpipe

Once the garbage disposal is in place, the next step is to connect it to the drainpipe. Locate the tailpiece at the bottom of the disposal, and use the socket wrench to remove the nut that attaches it to the drainpipe. Then put the rubber or plastic twist-on connectors on the end of the tailpiece and the drainpipe, and use the wrench to attach the connectors. Finally, use the electrical tape to cover any exposed ends – this will prevent any leaks.

Step 6: Testing the Garbage Disposal

The next step is to test the garbage disposal. Replace the bucket beneath the sink, and slowly turn on the water supply.If the disposal functions properly, the water should start to run down the drainpipe. Let it run for a couple of minutes, and keep an eye out for any clogs, leaks, or other issues. If all goes as planned, stop the water flow, and check the connections for leaks.

Step 7: Clean Up and Enjoy

Now the installation has been completed! Use the rags or paper towels to clean the area around the sink, and put away the remaining tools you used. Turn on the power and water supplies to the garbage disposal, and you're ready to use it.

Garbage Disposal

Austin Texas

Homeowner