5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Installing A Garbage Disposal

Garbage Disposals are a great addition to modern kitchens, facilitating efficient food waste disposal down the sink drain. 

However, installing a food waste disposal can be challenging, leading to severe problems like clogs or leaks if not done correctly. 

Today, I will explain the common mistakes you should avoid when installing a garbage disposal unit to ensure proper operation and longevity. 

Without further ado, let’s dive in. 

Table of Contents

• 5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Installing A Garbage Disposal
  • Choosing the Wrong Garbage Disposal Unit
  • Ignoring Local Plumbing Codes
  • Improper Electrical Connections
  • Not Using A Plumber’s Putty For Sealing
  • Misaligning the Disposal with the Sink Drain
• Conclusion 

5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Installing A Garbage Disposal

Here are the seven mistakes you should avoid when installing a garbage disposal unit:

Choosing the Wrong Garbage Disposal Unit

Choosing the wrong garbage disposal unit for your household needs is the first mistake that most homeowners make.

If you end up selecting a garbage disposal that’s too weak or too large, it can lead you to experience several issues:

• A garbage disposal unit with insufficient power fails to handle your household’s food waste, leading to clogs, odors, and frequent repairs.

• Conversely, a garbage disposal unit with extra power can consume additional energy and require more extensive plumbing modifications, increasing installation costs.

How To Choose The Right Garbage Disposal Unit:

To select the appropriate garbage disposal for your household needs, consider these criteria:

Household Size:

• For a small household with 1-2 people, a 1/3 or 1/2 HP garbage disposal unit is often sufficient.

• A 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP model will be enough for a medium household with 3-4 people.

• Larger households with five or more people should use the 3/4 or 1 HP garbage disposal unit for optimal performance.

Usage Patterns

Select a garbage disposal unit based on how frequently you cook.

If you cook more frequently, I suggest you pick a powerful garbage disposal unit to handle the extra food waste.

On the other hand, stay with a smaller food waste disposer for occasional use or minimum food waste.

Type of Waste

Go with the higher horsepower garbage disposal unit if you often dispose of tougher items, including fruit pits and bones. 

Ignoring Local Plumbing Codes

One of the most frequent mistakes homeowners often make is neglecting the local plumbing codes during garbage disposal installation. 

Garbage Disposal Installation requires specific plumbing and electrical codes to meet the safety standards. 

If you fail to meet those safety standards and plumbing codes, you may face fines and delayed project timelines. 

How To Check and Ensure Compliance:

I already published a detailed guideline on Garbage Disposal Code Requirements For Safe Installation. 

Read that guide to ensure you install the disposal unit adhering to the local plumbing and wiring codes. 

Don’t forget to visit the local building department to inquire about specific plumbing codes and permit requirements.

Improper Electrical Connections

Another common mistake DIYers make is not turning off the power or wiring the disposal incorrectly.

Incorrect garbage disposal wiring or using the wrong circuit for the disposal unit can have serious consequences, including:

• Fire Hazards: Incorrect wiring can cause overheating, leading to potential electrical fires.

• Appliance Failure: Connecting a disposal unit to a circuit that provides insufficient power can cause food waste disposers to malfunction.

• Violation of Electrical Codes:  Incorrect installation can break local electrical rules, leading to fines or expensive repairs.

Tips for Proper Electrical Hookups:

To ensure a safe and effective electrical connection when installing a garbage disposal unit, follow these steps:

• Turn off the power: Turn off the electric power at the circuit breaker before hooking up electric connections to the disposal unit.

• Read The User Manual: Review the user manual. Each manufacturer requires specific garbage disposal wiring requirements.

• Use the correct circuit: Most residential garbage disposals require a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit.

• Call an electrician: If you are unsure about the garbage disposal wiring, call a certified electrician to handle this task. 

Not Using A Plumber’s Putty For Sealing

Properly sealing the garbage disposal is the key to avoiding leaks and ensuring it works well. A common DIY mistake is not using a plumber’s putty to seal the sink flange, which can cause issues later.

If the sink flange is not sealed properly, it may lead to leaks and odors from the disposal unit.

How To Use Plumber’s Putty For Proper Sealing:

To ensure a secure and effective seal when installing a garbage disposal, follow these steps:

• Clean the Area: Remove debris or old sealant from the sink and sink flange for better adhesion.

• Apply Plumber’s Putty: Roll the putty into a rope shape and place it around the sink flange, thick enough for a solid seal but not too thick.

• Install the Sink Flange: Press the flange firmly into place, put a weight on it, and connect the mounting assembly to the sink flange from the bottom.

• Wipe Away Excess Putty: Clean off any putty that squeezes out for a neat finish.

• Allow to Set: Let the putty cure before running water to ensure a proper seal.

Misaligning the Disposal with the Sink Drain

One common garbage disposal installation mistake that can throw a wrench into work is the misalignment of the disposal unit with the sink drain.

Misalignment can occur due to the following reasons:

• Not securing the mounting assembly properly
• Failing to adjust the disposal unit’s position before tightening the screws

The impact of misaligning the disposal unit can cause severe issues like leaks or poor grinding performance.

To mount the food waste disposal properly, follow the step-by-step installation guides here. 

Conclusion

Installing a garbage disposal can be tricky, and common mistakes can lead to costly repairs or safety hazards. To ensure success, avoid these key errors:

• Installing a unit that is too weak or too large causes clogs or energy waste.
• Ignoring local plumbing codes or not getting the proper permits.
• Failing to turn off the power before working, risking electric shocks.
• Skipping a plumber’s putty can result in leaks and bad odors.
• Misaligning the disposal with the sink drain leads to leaks or jams.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use the right tools, and prioritize safety. If unsure, call a licensed plumber or electrician for help.

Do you need expert suggestions on garbage disposal installation or repairs? FixTheDisposal.Com is here to help you.

Visit our Contact Us page, explain your issues, and hit the submit button.