How to Change a Kitchen Sink Disposal
A kitchen sink disposal is a convenient appliance that can help to keep your kitchen clean and free of food waste. However, over time, disposals can become clogged or damaged, and they may need to be replaced. If you’re not sure how to change a kitchen sink disposal, don’t worry – it’s a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few hours.
Here are the steps on how to change a kitchen sink disposal:
1. **Turn off the power to the disposal.** This is important for safety reasons, as you don’t want to risk getting shocked while working on the disposal. To turn off the power, simply flip the breaker that corresponds to the disposal circuit.
2. **Disconnect the water supply to the disposal.** This will help to prevent flooding when you remove the disposal. To disconnect the water supply, simply turn off the water valve that is located under the sink.
3. **Remove the old disposal.** Once the power and water are disconnected, you can remove the old disposal. To do this, simply unscrew the mounting bolts that hold the disposal in place. Once the bolts are removed, you can lift the disposal out of the sink.
4. **Clean the sink opening.** Once the old disposal is removed, you should clean the sink opening to remove any food debris or other gunk. You can use a sponge or a brush to clean the opening.
5. **Install the new disposal.** Once the sink opening is clean, you can install the new disposal. To do this, simply place the disposal in the opening and secure it with the mounting bolts.
6. **Reconnect the water supply and power to the disposal.** Once the disposal is installed, you can reconnect the water supply and power. To reconnect the water supply, simply turn on the water valve that is located under the sink. To reconnect the power, simply flip the breaker that corresponds to the disposal circuit.
7. **Test the disposal.** Once the disposal is reconnected, you should test it to make sure that it is working properly. To test the disposal, simply run some water into the sink and turn on the disposal. The disposal should start to grind up the water and any food debris that is in the sink.
If the disposal is not working properly, you may need to troubleshoot the problem. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
* **The disposal is not turning on.** If the disposal is not turning on, check to make sure that the power is connected and that the reset button has not been tripped.
* **The disposal is making a loud noise.** If the disposal is making a loud noise, it may be clogged. To unclog the disposal, try running some ice cubes through it. You can also try using a commercial drain cleaner.
* **The disposal is leaking water.** If the disposal is leaking water, it may be damaged. You should contact a plumber to have the disposal repaired or replaced.
By following these steps, you can easily change a kitchen sink disposal. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always consult with a qualified plumber.