Saturday, February 5, 2022

DIY--I replaced my broken garbage disposal. You can too.


Our garbage disposal of 20+ years finally died. 



I decided to replace the disposal myself, and here are some lessons learned:
  • The parts in the sink and the mount are still in good shape--I just needed a new machine. Replacing an Insikerator with the same brand saved lots of time.  All models attach to the same mount.
  • The drain pipe and dishwasher hook ups were a breeze because the measurements of both Insinkerator machines were the same--even though the new disposal is a different model (Evolution Spacesaver XP).
  • Stainless steel grinders are worth the extra cost if long life is a value.
  • Horsepower also matters: I chose 3/4 hp for grinding power.
  • I applied some of the the money I saved from hiring a plumber to purchasing a higher-end, more durable, and quieter machine.
  • Not all "how-two" Youtube videos are equal. Here are links to the two videos that I found most helpful:

New model installed, and and a sink full of water is draining so I can check for leaks.



All done! Here's a video of the completed installation so you can hear the noise level.