How to repair and install Garbage disposal

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How to repair and install Garbage disposal

Waste king
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Manual

Badger by Insinkerator
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Whirlaway/ Sinkmaster/ Waste King
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Sell sheet

GE/ Waste King
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GE at Amazon
Cleesink disposal
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Manual

Insinkerator
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Moen disposal
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KitchenAid
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Splash guard Buy: Insinkerator collar at Amazon Insinkerator mounting gasket Waste King splash guard Sinkmaster splash guard GE splash guard Whirlaway splash guard Garbage disposal parts	Sinkmaster/ Waste King Buy Disposal adapter Amazon Insinkerator Buy Disposal adapter Amazon Bronze sink flange kit Rubber Gasket	Stainer fits kitchen sink Use when you want to keep things out of drain Buy: Universal sink strainer
Buy Dishwasher drain connector Garbage disposal parts	Buy: Push button switch	Buy: Replacement power cord Power cord Garbage disposal parts
Buy: Sink snake	Buy: Replacement power cord Power cord Garbage disposal parts	Buy Dishwasher tailpiece More parts: Garbage disposal parts

Repair and troublshoot starts here

USE vacuum cleaner
Do NOT put hand in disposal

Use vacuum cleaner hose to remove glass, bones, other small objects.
Do not put hand into disposal

Remove splash guard
Insinkerator/ Kitchen Aid/ Badger models Splash guard can be pulled out. Cleaned off and put back.
Grab tongue firmly, and pull toward center to bring splash guard out of groove. Insert finger in between spash guard and groove. Then lift and pull upward.

Larger image

Sealed bearing keeps water from entering electric motor.
If bearing fails, then water will leak into motor compartment, and come out the red reset button: replace disposal.

The switch is connected to Hot black wire.
The white neutral wire is not connected to switch.
Always connect grround wire to disposal at green screw.

Disposal Clogged
Remove tubular drain pipes. Cean out drain pipes. Clean drain-chamber located under cutter blade inside disposal.
Put bucket under p-trap before taking apart.
How to Remove p-trap: Loosen both nuts on trap underneath sink, and trap falls loose. See illustration See more information how to handle tubular drain pipes near page bottom
Once p-trap is off: If disposal will now drain freely into bucket, then clean out trap and reassemble using tips near page bottom. If disposal will still not drain, then remove tubular connection on side of disposal. Duct tape 1/2" pvc pipe to end of shop vac hose,and use shop vac to clean out disposal.
Read steps for reinstalling tubular drain pipes

Disposal not running
Push red reset button.
Check for power at disposal using non-contact electrical tester
Change electric switch.
Use multimeter and check voltage on incoming electrical wire. Must be at least 80% of voltage shown on motor rating plate.
Read more detail below with illustration

Reset button
Red button Located on side or bottom of disposal near electric wire
Reset keeps tripping: Clean out disposal and tubular pipes. Replace disposal
Reset button will not reset: Check switch. Check for power at disposal. Replace disposal.
Disposal leakng from reset button: Replace disposal

Larger image

Disposal Leaking
Fill sink, and release water. Use hand and dry paper towel to check if sink attachment is leaking. Re-install disposal.
Disposal leaing from reset button: Replace disposal
Disposal leaking only when dishwasher runs: Use hand and dry paper towel to check for leak at dishwasher attachment.
Disposal leaking around drain pipes: Remove tubular drain lines, clean and re-install.
Disposal leaking at rubber washer: Buy disposal rubber washer at True Value

Disposal leaking from reset button/ replace disposal
Any leak coming from lower part of disposal means disposal is rusted out.
Repace disposal
Steps below

Check for water leak at top of sink
Applies to sink basket and disposal basket
Put stopper in disposal and fill sink with some water.
Use dry paper tower, and hand, to check for water at top of sink basket.
Release water from sink and repeat test.
If sink basket seal is broken or if dishwasher attachment is leaking, you can feel water near top of disposal.
Use paper towel at top to see if that area is wet.
If top area is dry, then water is coming from inside disposal, and disposal is rusted out.

Buy Multimeters at Amazon
Rotate multimeter dial to Vac
Buy test, measurement and inspection supplies for professionals

Motor Humming/ Disk rotates freely
Use multimeter to test that motor is receiving at least 80% of rated voltage.
Nameplate on disposal will show volts.
115 Volt rating x 80% = 92 volts minimum.

Power is ON. Tape tester leads to wood sticks. Stand on dry boards or plywood. Do not touch metal
Set multimeter dial to read Vac or Volts AC.
Test wires at switch box. Pull out switch. Test Black hot wire to bare ground wire. Test Black Hot to white neutral wire..
If start capacitor is bad, then start winding will not receive surge of power needed to begin rotation.
Motor winding still recieves power, so motor hums, but doesn't start.
Start capacitor has gone bad. Demand fully repairable household applainces.
Replace disposal. Recycle metal.

Larger image
Only Black Hot wire connects to switch
White Neutral wire does not connect to switch

Motor humming/ But not rotating
Turn off switch. Check if cutter disc rotates freely.
Do not run disposal unless motor is turning freely. Motor will overheat
Test if cutter blade is rotating freely: If no, then use allan wrench or broomstick to free cutter disc.
Motor humming, and cutter disc rotates freely: Replace disposal

Black wire to black wire. White wire to white. Connect bare ground wire to green ground screw.

If your motor was humming, and the cutter disk rotated freely, then replace disposal with same brand so it fits without removing the sink basket.
Resources:
How to wire switches
How to wire GFCI switch

Disposal does not turn ON when switch is ON
Push reset button IN firmly. If reset will not reset, then replace disposal.
If disposal plugs into outlet: Unplug and re-plug. Check outlet for power and loose wires.
Check circuit breaker. Fully push breaker all the way to one side and then all the way back other direction. See image
Move wire to different same-size circuit breaker. Replace circuit breaker. How to replace circuit breaker
Jiggle circuit breaker and listen for crackling sound. Use nose to smell for burning. Use hand to feel if breaker is hot.
Use non-contact voltage tester at switch to see if switch has power.
Turn switch ON: Use non-contact voltage tester at disposal wire connection to see if disposal has power.
Power OFF. Check wire nuts on disposal.
Power OFF. Open switch and check and check wire nut covering white wires. Check for loose connections.
Find loose wire in houshold circuit
Power ON. Danger at switch. Test across white wire and black wire from breaker box for 120Volts.
Check that voltage is at least 80% rating plate on motor.
Change electric switch. Connect wires to screws instead of quick connects. See image for removing quick connects
How to wire switches
Troubleshoot household electricity
Buy:
Non-contact voltage tester at Amazon

Never assume power is OFF
Use non-contact voltage tester on timer, on wire, on outlet to see if power is present.
Press button on tester, if single beep then no power is present. If continuous beep then power is present.
Never stand on bare ground, always stand on dry boards, do not hold or touch anything metal when working on timer or water heater that has power, tape tester leads to wood sticks, never touch wet water heater, or flooded water heater, or timer that had a short or fire without turning power OFF.

Buy:
Multimeters at Amazon
Buy non-contact voltage tester at Amazon
Electric testers at Amazon
Shop Amazon - Industrial and scientific
Shop Amazon - Industrial Electric Products

Cutter blade not rotating
1) Use allan wrench on bottom to manually rotate disk
2) Put broom stick down into disposal and wedge against sink opening to move cutter disk
Remove rubber stopper first
Buy:
Disposal wrench DIY
Disposal dejaming wrench professional
Allen wrench for bottom of disposal
Brooms

Disposal in vacant property got rusted
1) Use broomstick to free cutter blade. Disposal should work.
2) Run some ice cubes through disposal to help remove rust

Loose metal inside garbage disposal
Use flashlight
Remove disposal from sink and see if something is stuck
Could be loose cutter parts or loose cutter disk
There are no repairs for loose internal parts.
As long as disposal is running and doing the job, the noise will not matter.

Use vacuum cleaner hose to remove glass, bones, other small objects.
Do not put hand into disposal

Disposal makes noise
Disposal makes grinding sound
Use vacuum cleaner hose to remove anything that might be loose inside cutting chamber
Bearing has probably gone bad.
Noisy garbage disposal can still work fine.
Otherwise replace disposal using instructions shown below.
Attempting to replace bearing is difficult/impossible to find parts or get part installed and still be leak proof.
Buy:
Ear protection at Amazon
Pain relievers at Amazon

Prevent clogs
Run water when disposal is operating so weight of water will push garbage into tubular drain.
Keep water running for short while after disposal is turned off.

No need to run Hot water.
Use recycled bath water
Start compost pile with garbage, and avoid using disposal.

Bad smell/ Disinfect
Use Hydrogen Peroxide/ or Vinegar / Not bleach
Mix 1/2 pint hydrogen peroxide with gallon of recycled water and pour mixture into disposal.
Do not use clorox on septic sysems, or if person has respiratory problems.
Hydrogen peroxide is Hydrogen and Oxygen, and is safe for people and pets, and excellect bacteria killer.
Use white vinegar to deodorize. Safe for people and pets.
Remove tubular drain pipes and clean out pipes and bottom of disposal
Pet odor
Pet odor in tile: use white vinegar.
Cat spray on furniture: mix vinegar and water in spray bottle
Buy:
Disposal cleaners at Amazon
Resource:
Odor from water heater/ use hydrogen peroxide

Septic smell/ gurgling bubbling sound when toilet flushes, or tub drains?
Fill trap with water to block odors.
Make sure each trap has a vent
Resources:
Read about plumbing vents
Install a vent

Trap must be full of water, and each trap must have vent

Slow draining, and frequent clogs, septic odors:
Clean out P-trap and disposal
Run more water when running disposal
S-trap instead of P-trap usually indicates no vent: Add vent under sink
Each drsin in home must have vent:
Read more and See more illustrations
Install quick-vent: Need estimated 5" space between drain pipe and bottom of sink
Buy Oatey sure vent with tubular adapter

Start by removing S-trap.
See more illustrations and instructions

Exploded image of GE parts

Parts
Replacement gaskets etc are available
Locate and buy:
Parts at True Value
Parts at Sears with chat
Parts at Amazon
Parts at Repair clinic
Sinkmaster parts at Repair clinic
Disposal motor and bearing at Repair clinic
Sinkmaster at Repair clinic
Disposal Parts at Sears
Disposal parts at Amazon

Installation starts here

Garage door safety reversing replacements at Amazon

Sink mounting bracket
Use finger-sized roll of plumber's putty around sink opening.
Push basket into place.
From below: Attach snap ring into channel that holds mounting hardware to sink basket.
Tighten 3 screws evenly. Make it firm enough that the basket cannot move or wobble.
Wipe away excess plumber's putty.

The sink basket is ready for disposal to be attached.

Buy:
Plumbers putty at amazon

How to install Garbage disposal snap ring
Ring fits into channel.
To remove old ring:
Start at split. Pry out one side using two screwdrivers.
Use one screwdriver to pry, and one to hold.
Keep pulling downward.
Work around to back where the ring will suddenly pop off.

To install ring.
Put split joint in position in channel
Push firmly with one thumb and finger on each side of split.
Use screwdriver on back of ring to lift into place.
Move thumb and finger and keep pushing against snap ring in groove
Do it quick for best result

Also read:
True Value Hardware pdf

disposal drain connection

Install tailpiece (waste elbow) with rubber washer

Disposal knock out

Knock out the blocker IF dishwasher is connected
BEFORE attaching disposal to sink

Replace Garbage disposal/ steps
New disposal has 3 basic parts.
1) Sink basket, or sink mounting bracket (illustrated above) is installed first.
2) Rubber washer that fits between sink basket and disposal to seal from water leaks.
3) Disposal with connector ring, which connects to sink basket with clockwise rotation (illustrated below). Connector ring is permanently attached to disposal.

Replace disposal ez way: If sink seal is still good, we purchased same brand disposal and attached new disposal to old sink basket. So the disposal was new, but sink basket was not changed. That's time-saving fix for apartments. Or when replacing defect disposal. Most disposals have 1 year limited warranty.
Replace disposal all the way: For your home, install new sink basket that comes with disposal.

Buy new disposal, and buy container of plumber's putty to seal sink basket.
Start with p-trap located under sink. Remove both nuts, and trap falls loose. Set bucket under trap to catch water.

Remove old disposal. Use hammer and screwdriver to rotate connector ring right to left. Disposal falls loose.
Remove old sink basket. Trick for removing sink basket is to remove snap ring (illustrated above) using 2 screwdrivers.

Clean sink opening. Clean old putty off sink. It will chip off easy.

Install sink basket
Apply finger-thick roll of plumbers putty around sink opening. Then press putty with fully to fully cover opening at least 1/8" thick. Too much is okay, not enough can cause leak.
Put sink basket into putty and push down. There cannot be gaps in plumber's putty or sink will leak.
Install bottom of sink basket with snap ring.
Tighten 3 screws on bottom of sink basket. Different brands will have different attachment methods.
Wipe away excess plumber's putty from sink so it looks nice and smooth.

Before lifting disposal into place: Connect electric wire and dishwasher hose to disposal.
Black wire to black wire. White wire to white. Connect bare ground wire to green ground screw.
Note: the dishwasher tube has a metal blocker inside. If dishwasher will be connected to disposal, then remove blocker.
If home does not have diswasher, do not remove blocker. Use cork to seal hole if dishwasher is removed.
One quick strike with hammer and screwdriver to remove steel blocker.
Turn disposal upside down to remove blocker from disposal.

Attach new disposal
Disposals can be different: But here's typical sequence:
Lift disposal with one hand and hold level. Push up strong while rotating connector ring until ring grabs each of 3 points on bottom of sink basket. All 3 points must connect.
Use hammer to finish rotating connector ring left to right, rotate completely intil it locks.

If you cannot lift disposal
If disposal is too heavy, or you cannot hold the weight while rotating connector ring with other hand, use small bottle jack from auto-parts store. Put piece of wood between bottle jack and aluminum disposal so disposal doesn't break.

Connect disposal to sink basket
Connect dishwaher hose first, and connect electric wire ... and then connect disposal to sink attachment
Typical installation showing disposal attach to sink basket with connector ring.
Raise disposal into place and attach connector ring at 3 points.
All 3 points must catch.
Use bottle jack to raise disposal. Put board between bottle jack and disposal.

Brands connect differently.

Plastic washers are tapered.
Flat side towards nut.
Tapered side toward pipe.

Here's how to handle tubular pipes below sink:
Reuse all parts except rubber washers. Plastic washers can be reused. Take photo before starting to help re-assembly.
Any tubular pipe joint that was moved while removing or installing disposal, has to be taken apart, cleaned and re-attached.
Be sure to clean all parts before re-assembly.
If washers are plastic, then clean and re-use.
If washers are rubber, then replace each washer with new rubber washer.
When reattaching tubular pipes, apply generous amount of white teflon pipe compound over each plastic or rubber washer for guaranteed-first-try seal of tubular pipes.

Start with P-trap or S-trap
Each sink and drain in home must have water-seal trap to stop sewer odor from entering home.
Tubular drain lines are usually 1-1/2", and can be 1-1/4" for bathroom sink drain.
Loosen 2 nuts on trap to remove trap and dis-assemble drain.
Any tubular pipe that moved while working, must be dis-assembled, cleaned and re-assembled.

Assemble all tubular pieces, then tighten each joint using hand or big channel locks.

Trap is full of water to stop serwer odors from entering home.
If water seal is missing, then flammable methane gas can enter home.
Home must have proper venting through roof to avoid build-up of gas inside sewer lines.

Plastic washers: Re-use plastic washers: The flat end goes toward nut. Tapered end goes toward pipe.
Rubber washers: Use new rubber washer each time.

Disposal discharge pipe usually long enough
Usually discharge pipe is correct length, and does not need to be cut.
Disposal discharge pipe should fit down into P-trap at least 1-1/2"
1" is short, but will probably work.
Shorter than 1" is too short, and might come loose over time... buy 6" long extension tube at hardware

Attach discharge pipe loosely to disposal first, and then fit P-trap. Cut off discharge pipe if needed.
Tighten discharge pipe enough so it can still move a bit. Then install P-trap and adjust height of drain line. Then tighten discharge pipe very firm to disposal, and tighten nuts on p-trap. Nuts on p-trap are hand-tight, plus extra twist.
Apply white teflon sealant to each washer
Plastic and rubber washers are prone to leak
Always start with new rubber washer, and clean old plastic washer.
Apply white pipe sealant around washer before tightening nut
Apply sealant to p-trap connection too.
The sealant will guarantee no-leak result

White teflon pipe sealant on tubular joints
Use white teflon sealant on tubular pipe washers under sink.
Set washer in place. Coat each plastic or rubber washer with sealant, then assemble piece and tighten.
This action will seal connections first-time, every time.

Connection in middle of P-trap or S-trap will have NO washer.
Coat surfaces with sealant, then assemble and tighten.
Buy:
Rectorseal T plus 2 at Amazon
Oatey white compound at Amazon
Hand tighten is usually good enough for plastic. Use channel locks if needed. Use channel locks on metal tubular pipes.

Channel locks at Amazon

Trap keeps septic odor out of house

Each trap inside home must have vent
If you do not have vent, then septic odors enter home, methane could enter home, drains gurggle, and drains do not flow freely.
If your drain is free from these symptoms, then your drain is properly vented. Most drains are vent properly, but some older homes, unregulated remodels and self-built structures etc do not have proper venting.

By code, each trap must have vent line: Applies to P-trap, S-trap and toilet trap.
Vent line allows air to enter drain line.
Air behind water so water flows, and septic gas stays out of home
Without vent line to let air into drain line, then flow of water pulls water out of trap, and septic gas enters home.
Septic gas is unhealthy, and can contain explosive methane.
Resource:
Read more and See more illustrations
Septic smell

	Resources: How to install gas water heater Troubleshoot gas water heater Troubleshoot electric water heater
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