How to Install a Kitchen Sink With a Disposal

A great way to give an existing kitchen new life and appeal is to replace the kitchen sink and the disposal. It may sound like a tough job, but it is relatively simple to do. Following these directions will help you to get the job done in record time.

Instructions

Installing a Kitchen Sink

1

If you're replacing a kitchen sink, remove the existing sink and plumbing.

2

For a new installation, install hot and cold water supplies and drain piping. Trace the sink template onto the countertop with a pencil. Drill a hole through the countertop using a 1/2-inch drill bit (or larger). Cut the hole for the sink with a jigsaw by cutting inside the traced line.

3

Assemble the faucet on the sink according to the installation instructions supplied with the faucet before dropping the sink into the hole. Also, place a bead of white silicone caulk along the edge of the hole before dropping the sink into the hole. Then carefully place the sink in the hole.

4

Use the supplied mounting hardware to attach the sink to the countertop. Be sure the sink is lined up in the right place before tightening the hardware.

5

Place a final bead of caulk around the outer lip of the sink to completely waterproof the joint between the sink and the countertop. Wipe away any excess caulk with a finger or a caulk finishing tool.

Installing a Garbage Disposal

6

Place a 1/2-inch diameter rope of plumber's putty around the sink flange supplied with the disposal. Press the sink flange firmly into the sink drain and remove the excess putty.

7

Place a heavy object on top of the flange. Put a towel between the heavy object and the sink to protect the sink from scratching.

8

Insert in this order: the fiber gasket, the backup flange, and the mounting ring. Hold these in place while inserting the snap ring. Insert the snap ring by pulling it open and pressing firmly until it snaps into place.

9

Tighten the mounting screws in the mounting ring so they apply even pressure to the backup flange.

10

For dishwasher use only: Turn the disposer on the side and insert a screwdriver into the dishwasher inlet. Pop the sealing cap out and remove it through the mouth of the disposal.

11

Turn power off to the circuit connected to the disposal. Turn the disposal over, remove the electrical cover plate and pull the wires out. Insert a cable connector into an access hole, insert a disposal wire and tighten the cable connector around the disposal wire. Using wire nuts, connect the black wires, the white wires, and the ground wire to the green screw in the electrical wiring box. Push the wiring into the wiring box and replace the cover.

12

Cut the discharge tube to fit. Slide the discharge tube flange over the discharge tube, insert the gasket into the discharge outlet, and bolt the discharge tube to the disposal with the bolts provided. Align the mounting tabs on the disposal with the mounting tabs on the mounting ring. Turn the mounting ring until all mounting tabs lock into place.

13

Rotate the disposal so the plumbing can be connected. Attach the discharge tube to the drain trap. Attach the dishwasher drain hose (if needed). Insert a drain stopper in the sink and fill with water to check for leaks.

14

Turn the power back on to the circuit connected to the disposal. Test the disposal to be sure the switch and the disposal operate correctly.