Where Does the Garbage Disposal Go

It may seem like a stupid question but with those dual sinks, one needs to know the right placement in order to take full advantage of what the garbage disposal offers. A garbage disposal is a handy appliance as it helps you cut down on waste being sent to the garbage truck.

Plus, it makes sure that rodents and other garbage-eating animals do not invade your home. Placing it in the right location will save you a lot of messy work and flush the leftovers down the drain so you never have to see it again.

Where Does the Garbage Disposal Go

1. Locating the Garbage Disposal

That is a good question because once you locate the correct sink to place it under, you then have to find the right size of disposal. That is going to be your biggest issue as there is not a one size fits all model out there.

The first thing to do is measure the drain hole size on the sink the disposal attaches to. That will be the biggest problem you have. Matching that hole can be a bit time-consuming.

2. Which Sink Does the Disposal Go Under

This is another good question as some people will tell you that the right spot is under the smaller of the two sinks. Most dual sink setups have one larger and one smaller sink. The thinking goes that the dishes are washed in the larger sink, and the meal prep is done in the smaller one.

If your cooking work is done that way, then place the disposal under the smaller sink. If you use the larger sink for your meal prep, then place the disposal under the larger one. There is no law saying the disposal can go under the smaller sink only.

Then, if you have a single sink in your kitchen, the location of the garbage disposal is a no-brainer.

3. Is it Possible to Have Two Garbage Disposals

You can and you should make sure that both units are a size that will allow two units to be attached to both sinks. Make sure to measure both sink drain openings, as well as the room you have under your kitchen sink.

If you do not like working with electricity, it would be wise to hire a plumber to handle this dual installation.

How to Install a Garbage Disposal

These instructions will apply when you are replacing the current model under your sink.

Step 1 – Unplug the Disposal

Usually, the outlet for the disposal is located under the sink. When that is the case, you do not need to turn the power off to the kitchen. You will be able to keep an eye on the outlet making sure no one accidentally plugs it in on you. Just unplug and get to work.

Step 2 – Remove the Connections to the Old Unit

Those connections will be the drain from one sink, the dishwasher drain, and the outlet drains near the bottom of the disposal. Keep the parts safe as you will use them again. Make sure you have all the tools you will need and those will include wrenches for the disposal, screwdrivers, and Teflon tape.

Step 3 – Remove the Old Disposal

Once all the connections are off, loosen the flange at the top but be careful. You may need an extra pair of hands under the sink with you to hold the disposal while you loosen the flange.

Sometimes you can use the old flange if it is not damaged, and the new unit will fit it perfectly.

Step 4 – Install the New Disposal

Just reverse what you did and before you put new putty on, remove the old putty. Then place the new flange in place and attach it to your sink. Then attach the new disposal to the flange and make sure everything is connected.

Also, make sure all the connection drains line up with the other sink and the dishwasher drain hose. Once they are, hook up those drains. Use new Teflon tape over the threads to prevent any leaking.

Step 5 – Plug-in and Test

Once everything is done, plug the new disposal in and do a test run or two. Make sure there are no water leaks anywhere as food particles can get out and start stinking up the place.

If everything is okay, go back to living your life like normal. if not, find where the leaks are and correct any issues causing those leaks. That may mean removing the disposal and flange and putting more putty on the sink.

One Tip:

Do not be afraid to call a plumber. Even if you are a good handyman sometimes it is best to let the pros handle the installation.

Some Final Words

Garbage disposals come in handy. Once you find the right place for them, you will not know what you would do without one. Find the best place for your sinks and watch those leftovers and other food items disappear.