Q&A for How to Install a Garbage Disposal

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What if the disposal leaks through the reset button?

Community Answer

You have a leak somewhere inside the seals of the disposal. Disconnect the power immediately and replace it.

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Question

What do I do if my garbage disposal is stopped up?

Community Answer

Very often the circular blade inside is stuck. DO NOT REACH INSIDE TO FREE IT! Simply insert a long, sturdy, wooden handle (a broom handle will suffice) into the opening. Let it rest against the inside wall, and with force pushing down, rotate clockwise until you feel it turn freely. It may be necessary to reset the disposal. If so, locate the reset switch on the bottom of the unit. If the clog persists, use any type of drain cleaner to free it.

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Question

What do I do if the sinks fill up with waste water when the dishwasher empties?

Community Answer

For now, leave the water in the sink and turn off the dishwasher if the sink looks like it's going to overflow. Usually this happens because of a clog somewhere, either in the dishwasher, sink, or disposal, so check for clogs to find the source of the issue.

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Question

How do I fix a leak near where the disposal is attached to the ring?

Community Answer

Most hardware stores carry gasket kits for sink drains and disposals. Included in these are instructions for installation. It's quick and easy and cheaper than hiring a plumber.

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Question

Why do I need an electrical cord?

Community Answer

The disposal needs power. The electrical cord connects the disposal to the outlet for electricity.

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Question

Now the dishwasher does not empty. What do I do?

Community Answer

The new disposal unit has a connection for the dishwasher, but there is a seal inside that connection. It's there for kitchens without dishwashers. Remove the seal, then reattach the dishwasher drain hose.

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Question

What causes the wire ring to pop off?

Community Answer

Your water is too salty.

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Question

What do I do if I don't know if the garbage disposal is on when hooking up the wiring?

Community Answer

You need to turn off your circuit breaker for that outlet. You also shouldn't have the disposal plugged in while attaching the wires.

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Question

Should the drain hose from a garbage disposal to the drain trap be exactly horizontal or slightly tilted?

Community Answer

It should tilt down from the discharge of the disposal to the drain trap to ensure water does not stay in the disposal and cause corrosion (at least 1/4" per ft. is recommended).

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