Photos from our own jobs. See more of our work.
What the job involves
A replacement starts at the sink flange, the ring that holds the unit to the drain opening. We disconnect the power, drain line and dishwasher hose, remove the old unit and clean the flange area. Then we mount the new disposal, reconnect the plumbing and wire it back in.
A first-time install where there was no disposal also needs a way to power it, and that is where the job can change.
Newer units often include a sound insulation layer and a stainless grinding chamber. A quieter model is worth considering if your kitchen is open to the living room. We will tell you what fits your sink and budget.
What we check first
We look at how the old unit is powered, either by a cord into an outlet under the sink or by hardwired connection, and at the switch. We check the trap and drain for slow flow and look at the dishwasher connection, since the dishwasher drain feeds into the disposal on most setups.
Cracks around the flange, or leaks that have swelled the cabinet floor, are noted before we install.
- Power source and switch
- Flange and sink opening condition
- Drain trap and slow-drain signs
- Dishwasher drain connection
Why it matters in Arizona
Hard water is the story here. Mineral scale builds up in drain lines and around the disposal, and it can make a drain sluggish. A good flush with plenty of cold water while grinding helps, and keeping grease and fibrous scraps out of the unit helps more.
Many Valley kitchens are on septic in some outer areas, so check whether yours is before adding a disposal. Septic systems can be sensitive to the extra solids, and some homeowners choose not to have one.
How a visit goes
We confirm the horsepower and style you want. We turn off the power, remove the old unit, set up the new one, reconnect the drain, reconnect the dishwasher hose and restore power. Then we run water and grind to look for leaks at every joint.
We leave the cabinet clean and show you the reset button for when it jams.
Some sinks have a double bowl with the disposal on one side, and the drain between the two bowls has to line up properly. We check the alignment so water flows and does not pool in the other bowl.
What affects the cost, and when to call a specialist
Unit size and quality, whether the electrical connection already exists, and the condition of the flange and drain all matter. A tight under-sink space takes longer to work in.
A first-time install is priced differently from a swap, and we explain the difference in the estimate.
If there is no outlet or switch for a new disposal, adding one is electrical work for a licensed electrician. A main drain clog that backs up the whole house is a plumbing specialist's job, and we will tell you if that is what we find.
“Nathan did a great job of cutting and finishing the exterior wood beams on my home. He remove the rotted wood and sealed and painted and they look so much better. He worked in the blazing sun without complaint, nice guy and talented craftsman. Highly...”