Disposal dilemma part 2: the solution

Note: If you missed part 1, you you can catch up here.

My first stop was to research the problem of a near-constant leak from the bottom of our InSinkErator disposal (which was exacerbated by running the dishwasher). Turns out it's pretty common and apparently happens to other models. Not surprisingly, I found nothing about the problem on the company's website. But I did find the name and number for the only authorized service rep in Maine, so I gave him a call.

Entertaining as it was, I'll paraphrase our conversation: Yes, it's a common problem. He could come look at it the following week, but the cost of the visit alone (forget any necessary parts) would most likely be more expensive than a new disposal. Is that hard, I asked. "Can you swap out a switchplate?" (I can). I thanked him and hung up.

I found a well-reviewed KitchenAid from Lowes, but it wasn't available in any nearby stores. No problem. The bucket could stay in place a little longer, so I ordered it and had it shipped to my local store. Delivery was a little delayed, so it arrived last Friday. I was so excited I planned my entire Saturday morning around installing it.

I'd done my homework and found that while installing a disposal isn't quite as easy as swapping out a switchplate, it's not much more difficult.

Even though it wasn't challenging skills-wise, the installation is best told as a standalone story - which I've told in Part 3: the resolution.