What you can do first
- For a jammed unit, switch it off and unplug it, then turn the hex slot underneath back and forth with the key.
- Push the small red reset button underneath the unit.
- Never put a hand into the unit.
- Check whether there is an outlet under the sink.
For broader kitchen work, see kitchen plumbing and kitchen drain cleaning.
Signs you need garbage disposal installation
- Your current unit hums but will not turn, even after a reset
- It leaks from the body, which usually means internal corrosion
- You are remodelling a kitchen and adding a new sink
- The old unit is loud and vibrates loose from the sink flange
We check the sink, the cabinet space and the drain height first. A disposer sits lower than a basic strainer, so the trap must still drop into the wall drain at a proper slope.
How we handle the work
We check the sink, the cabinet space and the drain height first. A disposer sits lower than a basic strainer, so the trap must still drop into the wall drain at a proper slope. If the drain stub in the wall is too high, it may need to be lowered so water does not sit in the unit.
The installation itself: mount the new flange in the sink with plumber's putty or gasket, hang the unit on the mounting ring, connect the discharge to a new trap, and link the dishwasher drain if there is one, knocking out the internal plug when needed. Electrical supply is either a plug-in cord to a switched outlet or a hard-wired connection; any new circuit or switch work belongs to a licensed electrician. We run water, test for leaks, and show you the reset button and the hex key slot underneath.
Pickering homes and this problem
Two local points to know. First, Pickering has Durham Region's green bin program for food scraps, so for many households the green bin is the better place for peelings and leftovers. Second, if your house is on a septic system, as numerous rural properties north of the city are, a disposer sends extra solids to the tank so pump-outs come around sooner. Ask your septic contractor before adding one; see our septic and plumbing note.
Job note: fats, coffee grounds, eggshells and fibrous peels such as celery or corn husks are the usual cause of clogged kitchen lines below disposers. Run plenty of cold water and keep grease out entirely. More in drain dos and don'ts.
What affects the cost
The motor size you choose, whether a dishwasher connection is involved, whether the wall drain needs lowering, and whether an outlet already exists under the sink. Replacing a like-for-like unit is quicker than a first-time install.
Questions callers ask
Are garbage disposals allowed in Pickering?
They are commonly installed in Durham Region homes. Check current Regional guidance, and remember that food scraps can also go in the green bin.
Can I have a disposer with a septic system?
It is possible but adds load to the tank. Speak with your septic contractor first about pumping frequency.