DIY or Hire a Pro? Installing A Garbage Disposal

More homeowners are embracing DIY projects, not only to save money, but to enjoy that feeling of accomplishment. Installing a garbage disposal might seem straightforward, but it involves serious plumbing and electrical work. Either of these can introduce potential safety hazards and risks of damage.

In this guide, the experts at John C. Flood will explain what to consider when deciding whether to tackle the installation yourself or call in a professional.

Your Garbage Disposal Is Making Weird Noises

If your garbage disposal is making strange noises like grinding, humming, rattling, or squealing, it’s natural to want to investigate the issue yourself. While some noises can be resolved with a simple fix, others might indicate more serious damage.

Common causes of unusual garbage disposal noises:

• Foreign objects lodged in the blades
• Worn bearings
• Motor failure
• Loose mounting assembly

In some cases, the problem can be fixed by simply shutting down power to your garbage disposal and then removing the object using tongs (never your hands). However, if the noise persists, it might be a deeper issue, such as motor damage or loose components. This may require a partial or full unit replacement. 

Remember that attempting any DIY troubleshooting without disconnecting power can lead to severe injury. Always take proper safety precautions before attempting to fix the disposal.

Verdict:

• DIY Possible if it’s clearly a lodged object you can remove safely after turning off the breaker.
• Hire a Pro if noise persists, there’s a burning smell, or the motor appears damaged; complex replacement or repair is likely needed.

Your Garbage Disposal Is Leaking

If you notice water pooling around your garbage disposal or beneath the sink, you might have a garbage disposal leak. Leaks can originate from several areas, such as the sink flange, discharge pipe, or even the body of the disposal unit itself. Many homeowners initially attempt to tighten connections or apply plumber’s putty, but leaks can sometimes point to more complicated issues.

Common leak points:

• Top leak: sink flange issue or worn gasket.
• Side leak: loose drain line connection.
• Bottom leak: cracked unit (replacement required).

A leaking garbage disposal can lead to extensive water damage to your cabinets and create mold growth, or even pose electrical hazards under the sink. If tightening the connections doesn’t stop the leak, you may need a professional to address the root cause before further damage occurs.

Verdict:

• DIY Possible if tightening a connection or replacing a gasket, and you’re comfortable working in tight spaces.
• Hire a Pro if the leak source is unclear, water damage is present, or the disposal casing is cracked.

You’re Replacing An Existing Garbage Disposal With The Same Model

Replacing your garbage disposal with the same model is often considered a straightforward task, especially if the plumbing and electrical setups are the same. Many homeowners opt for a like-for-like replacement to save money or because they assume it’s just a simple “swap.” Common reasons for this type of replacement include leaks, strange noises, motor burnout, age (typically 8–15 years), or rust/corrosion.

Tools required:

• Screwdriver
• Plumber’s putty
• Wrench
• Bucket
• Safety gloves

While this might seem like an easy DIY project, there are some challenges to be aware of. You might encounter common issues, like a stuck mounting ring, unexpected leaks, mismatched flange sizes, or electrical miswiring. Also, reattaching parts incorrectly can damage the sink flange or cross-threaded connections. Finally, if there’s water damage under the sink, you might find yourself dealing with a more extensive repair than initially anticipated.

Verdict:

• DIY Not Recommended unless you have basic plumbing/electrical skills and no other damage is present.
• Hire a Pro if electrical wiring needs upgrading or there’s other damage present.

You’re Replacing an Existing Garbage Disposal With a New Model

Upgrading to a new garbage disposal is more than a simple like-for-like replacement. You might choose to upgrade to a quieter model, more horsepower, stainless steel grind components, or additional features like odor reduction or septic-safe operation. As a result, you may find that the new disposal doesn’t fit exactly where the old one did and requires complicated adjustments to plumbing and electrical setups.

You must consider compatibility when installing a new disposal. New mounting hardware could be required, the flange size might differ, or the discharge outlet height could change, all of which would lead to misalignment with existing plumbing. If the outlet is positioned higher or lower than the previous unit, you may need to realign or extend pipes. Electrical wiring changes could also be necessary, especially if the new disposal draws more power or uses a different plug configuration.

This type of replacement carries risks such as improper installation, leading to leaks, clogs, or electrical hazards. In some cases, you may need to partially remove and modify the under-sink cabinet components to accommodate the new unit. 

Verdict:

• DIY Not Recommended unless you’re comfortable modifying plumbing and electrical connections, and the new unit’s specs closely match the old one.
• Hire a Pro if you’re unsure about compatibility, need to make substantial plumbing/electrical adjustments, or want to ensure warranty validity through professional installation.

You’re Installing A Brand New Garbage Disposal

Installing a brand new garbage disposal (where you didn’t have one before) is a more complex task than a simple replacement. It requires creating new plumbing connections and possibly adding electrical work. This type of installation involves additional steps to ensure everything is correctly set up and compliant with local codes.

Required steps:

• Installing a new sink flange.
• Creating a drain tee.
• Connecting the discharge pipe.
• Wiring a power source.

You’ll likely need to drill or modify the sink basin to fit the mounting assembly. For homes without an existing disposal, electrical work is typically required, including installing a switch or outlet under the sink. Additionally, permits may be required to meet local plumbing or electrical codes, adding another layer of complexity to the installation.

Verdict:

• DIY Not Recommended unless you have intermediate plumbing/electrical experience and the correct tools.
• Hire a Pro for code compliance, safe wiring, leak prevention, and faster completion.

Benefits of Professional Garbage Disposal Installation

While DIY installation can be tempting for the sake of saving money, hiring a professional guarantees that the job is done safely, correctly, and efficiently. A licensed expert brings valuable experience and training to the table and reduces the risk of mistakes that could result in further damage or costly repairs.

Benefits of professional installation:

• Fast, correct installation backed by warranty: A professional can install your garbage disposal quickly, and do it right the first time. Many service companies also offer warranties so you have peace of mind if any issues arise later.
• Avoidance of damage to existing pipes or cabinets: Professionals know how to handle the plumbing components. This reduces the risk of damaging your pipes, cabinets, or sink during installation.
• Knowledge of local codes or plumbing requirements: Professionals are familiar with local regulations and will make sure your installation complies with all necessary plumbing and electrical codes.
• Peace of mind; no need to troubleshoot problems yourself: With an expert handling the installation, you won’t have to worry about fixing issues or making more adjustments later. You know that the system will work as intended.

Explore Our Plumbing Services

John C. Flood provides expert plumbing services throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas, including professional garbage disposal services. For over 120 years, we’ve specialized in:

• Emergency repairs & replacements
• Larger home remodel installations
• Safety inspections
• Energy-efficient upgrades

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