If you’ve been dealing with a broken garbage disposal or thinking about adding one to your kitchen for the first time, you’re probably wondering: is garbage disposal installation really that hard? The short answer is—it depends. While some handy homeowners can tackle this project with the right tools and patience, there are plenty of reasons why calling a professional plumber might be your best bet. Let’s break down what’s involved in garbage disposal installation and help you decide whether this is a DIY project or one best left to the pros.
What Does Garbage Disposal Installation Involve?
Before we get into the difficulty level, it helps to understand what actually goes into installing a garbage disposal. At its core, a garbage disposal is an electrically powered device that sits under your kitchen sink and grinds up food waste so it can safely pass through your plumbing system.
The installation process typically includes:
- Disconnecting and removing your old disposal (if you have one)
- Installing the mounting assembly to your sink drain
- Connecting the disposal unit to the mounting hardware
- Hooking up the drain pipes and dishwasher connection (if applicable)
- Wiring the electrical connections
- Testing everything to make sure it works properly
Sounds straightforward enough, right? Well, each of these steps comes with its own set of challenges that can turn a simple afternoon project into a weekend headache.
The Tools You’ll Need
One reason garbage disposal installation can be tricky is the specialized tools required. You’ll typically need a screwdriver, pliers, a wrench, plumber’s putty, wire nuts for electrical connections, and possibly a hammer for certain mounting systems. If you don’t already have these tools in your garage, you’re looking at an additional expense before you even start the project.
You’ll also want to have a bucket handy because water will drain out when you disconnect the old disposal or drain pipes. Trust us—learning this lesson the hard way is no fun.
Common Challenges During Installation
Getting the Old Disposal Out
If you’re replacing an existing disposal, removing the old unit can be tougher than expected. Years of use can cause parts to corrode or seize up, making it difficult to disconnect. The disposal itself is also surprisingly heavy—typically weighing between 10 and 20 pounds—so you’ll need to support it while you work on loosening the mounting hardware. Drop one of these on your foot, and you’ll remember it.
Matching Up the Plumbing
Not all garbage disposals are created equal, and not all sinks have the same configuration. You might find that your new disposal sits at a different height than your old one, which means your drain pipes won’t line up properly anymore. This can require additional parts or modifications to your plumbing setup, turning a simple swap into a more complicated job.
Electrical Connections
Here’s where things can get a bit nerve-wracking for the average homeowner. Garbage disposals need to be hardwired into your home’s electrical system or plugged into an outlet under your sink. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical wiring, this step alone is a good reason to give us a buzz. Making a mistake with electrical connections isn’t just frustrating—it can be dangerous.
Dealing with Leaks
Even if you manage to get everything installed, you might discover leaks when you test your new disposal. These can come from loose connections, improperly seated gaskets, or drain pipes that weren’t tightened enough. Tracking down and fixing leaks requires patience and sometimes trial and error.
When DIY Makes Sense
If you’re replacing an existing disposal with a similar model, have experience with basic plumbing and electrical work, and feel confident in your abilities, a DIY garbage disposal installation might be manageable. Some manufacturers design their units to be more homeowner-friendly with easier mounting systems and clear instructions.
You might also consider DIY if you’re on a tight budget and have plenty of time to work through any issues that come up. Just remember that if something goes wrong, you could end up spending more on repairs than you would have by hiring a professional from the start.
Why Professional Installation Is Worth It
Here’s the thing about professional garbage disposal installation: it saves you time, stress, and potential headaches down the road. You’ll have the confidence that it was done right, and you can ask a professional what you should and shouldn’t do at the time of installation. When you work with experienced plumbers, you get the benefit of their training and expertise. We’ve installed hundreds of garbage disposals throughout the Northshore and New Orleans area, so we know all the tricks for handling unexpected issues.
Professional plumbers also carry insurance, which means if something does go wrong during installation, you’re protected. Compare that to a DIY disaster that could damage your sink, plumbing, or electrical system—suddenly that installation fee doesn’t seem so bad.
Another advantage? We can spot potential problems before they become big issues. Maybe your drain pipes are corroded and need replacing, or your electrical outlet isn’t up to code. We’ll let you know what needs attention so you can avoid bigger problems later.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
So, is garbage disposal installation hard? For the average homeowner without plumbing experience, yes—it can be challenging. Between the physical demands of working in tight spaces under a sink, the technical knowledge required for proper electrical and plumbing connections, and the risk of making costly mistakes, there are plenty of reasons to think twice before tackling this as a DIY project.
That said, every home and situation is different. If you’re still on the fence, consider calling us for a phone estimate. We can talk through your specific situation and help you understand what’s involved. Sometimes just knowing what to expect can help you make the best decision for your home and budget.
Ready to Get Your Garbage Disposal Installed?
Whether you’re dealing with a broken disposal that needs replacing or you’re adding one to your kitchen for the first time, Goodbee Plumbing is here to help. We offer same-day service for most jobs, fair pricing you can count on, and the peace of mind that comes with professional installation backed by more than 25 years of experience.
Don’t let a garbage disposal installation turn into a weekend nightmare. Contact us and let our licensed, bonded, and insured team take care of everything for you. We serve Mandeville, Covington, New Orleans, and the surrounding areas with the quality plumbing service you deserve.