In the last episode, we left off at the point when I picked up my new KitchenAid disposal. If you need to catch up, read part 1 and part 2.When I woke up Saturday morning, I couldn't wait to get the old disposal out and the new disposal in. I'd pored over the instructions the night before and gathered the necessary tools so I'd be ready to go when Mrs. Handyman and our daughter left for mommy & me dance class and to meet up with a friend.
First up: getting that useless InSinkErator out. While the instructions that came with the new disposal were helpful, this video from This Old House made my life much, MUCH easier. (It didn't hurt - nor do I believe it was a coincidence - that they were replacing an InSinkErator with a KitchenAid.)
Removal was pretty straightforward, with one exception. Why is it that one stubborn bolt always seems to derail a project? And why is it that I always fight with it for too long before coming up with a perfect solution? In this case, it was one of the bolts (located in the rear, naturally) that connects the disposal's drainpipe (the black pipe on the far left in the above photo) to the main drainpipe (white pipe above). The solution: get out a hacksaw and cut through the plastic pipe. I could have saved myself at least 15-20 minutes of fighting while crammed into the small space under the sink.
Another thing worth noting is that when I removed the metal access door at the bottom of the InSinkErator to disconnect the electrical wires, I found that compartment almost completely full of water. It's a miracle that thing never shorted out - or worse.
The installation wasn't quite as easy as installing a switchplate, but it was pretty easy. Once all the pieces and bolts were in place, lo and behold, it actually worked. And it's much more pleasing to see "KitchenAid" stamped on the sink drain than it was looking at "InSinkErator."
Here are the lessons I learned, which are helpful for much more than installing or replacing a disposal:
- When something goes on the fritz, deal with it immediately. Don't wait for bad things to happen (see "electrical compartment filled with water" above).
- By "deal with it," I don't mean rig a temporary solution. I mean fix it properly. If you do have to find a temporary solution (i.e. bucket), don't let it become your permanent fix.
- Read the directions, if only to determine which tools you'll need. It's no fun to stop mid-project to hunt for a bigger wrench. Or have to run to the hardware store for supplies you don't have on hand. Luckily, I didn't have to do that - this time.
- Search online for a video that shows the process. Words are good, but pictures (especially moving pictures) are better. Much better. This Old House and eHow are excellent resources.
- When you hit a snag (such as an impossibly stuck bolt), step back for a minute or two and look for another solution besides what the instructions or video say to do.
- When working in tight, cramped spaces, get out of that space at regular intervals. Otherwise, you're going to pay for it the next morning.
- Last but certainly not least: If you own an InSinkErator, check it regularly for leaks. You've been warned.
Most of what you need is included with the disposal. Here's a handy list of the necessary tools you'll want to gather before diving in. You may not need all of them, but it's good to have them on hand just in case. Keep in mind that these are the tools for replacing a disposal. If you're installing one from scratch, you're on your own.
- Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers (preferably with short handles)
- Adjustable wrench
- Ratchet and sockets
- Pipe wrench or large vise grips
- Plumber's putty
- Wire nuts (2)
- Hacksaw (optional)
No comments:
Post a Comment