Garbage Disposal Question

[OilersBaby]

So my garbage disposal is broken cuz nothing happens when I turn on the switch. My question is this: is a garbage disposal something that is easy enough to install? I'm not exactly a handyman haha. Or should I call someone and pay them to install it?

[tete]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

So my garbage disposal is broken cuz nothing happens when I turn on the switch. My question is this: is a garbage disposal something that is easy enough to install? I'm not exactly a handyman haha. Or should I call someone and pay them to install it?

Are you sure it's broken or has it just shut off? Mine wasn't working and I just hit the reset switch on the bottom of it and it started up no problem.

[greyshep]

I have installed them myself in the 2 houses I have owned. First one was pretty simple, second one I had to re-route all of my plumbing lines for it to fit properly. Good learning experience.

I would think it would be quite simple if you already had one in there. Not much to that part of it. Just follow the directions in the box.

There should be decent installation instructions online for the manufacturer you eventually choose. (most are made by insinkerator even though they may be badged as something else ex. kenmore)

[OilersBaby]

tete - Hmm, Im not sure. I will try that and see what happens...thanks!

K how do you know what size/brand you need....if I go to Home Depot..how do I know which one i need? How is the size of a garbage disposal measured? Sorry for the dumb questions..I suck at stuff like this but i want to get it done.

[greyshep]

Brand really shouldnt matter too much if you are buying at the usual places (sears, rona, home depot)

Really the differences come in regarding the horsepower rating and whether all the parts are stainless steel or not. As the HP rating gets higher, the unit typically gets a bit beefier (usually more insulation to keep them quiet too)

The only other thing to keep in mind is buy a "continuous feed" if you are using a switch to turn it on or off. "Batch feed" is the other option which requires a special plug in the sink to activate it. I have yet to see one of these in anyones home.

[Traditional_Ale]

I say go for it.