Garbage disposals are easy to install. Still, some tools and kits can make this installation much easier. Here are they;
Garbage disposal installation tools
Even though garbage disposals are easy to install, there is a slight problem when installing one yourself. The problem is that when you try to mount the disposal onto the sink flange, the sink flange will start shifting its position making the task impossible. You will need someone to hold the sink flange in position while connecting the garbage disposal onto it.
An alternative to doing this is using a garbage disposal installation tool. This tool basically holds the sink flange in position using the weight of the garbage disposal. It also helps to bring the disposal closer to the sink to make the installation easier.
Here are such three tools;
Dr. Disposal
This is a very simple tool. It consists of an anchor, a chain, and a metal piece to lock the chain in position.
I don’t think any tool can be simpler than this. Here is how it works;
As you can see in the video, when you try to install a garbage disposal by yourself, the sink flange will start shifting its position whenever you try to connect them. Trust me; this is really frustrating. To hold it in position without the help of another person, all you have to do is insert the Dr. Disposal tool through the sinkhole (with the sink flange in position) and hookup the garbage disposal. Make sure that you have put the mounting components in the right positions. Once the disposal is lifted and locked in position, the sink flange is pushed down by the disposer’s weight.
Now you can twist and lock the garbage disposal with ease. You can use this tool with all garbage disposals, irrespective of their sizes and brands.
Plumb Pak Plumbers Third Hand
Plumbers third hand is another installation tool very similar to Dr. Disposal. But it is more solid in its build due since it uses a metal rod instead of the chain. But in practice, this doesn’t make any difference. In fact, I recommend the Dr. Disposal tool since it is easier to pack.
Plumbers third hand is used exactly like one use Dr. Disposal. First, put the sink flange in position. Then insert the tool through the sinkhole and into the garbage disposal. The locking mechanism at the end of this tool is foldable, so you won’t have any trouble getting it inside the disposal and locking it in position. Lift the disposal, and lock it at any convenient height. Now you can start locking the garbage disposal to the sink flange without any difficulty.
This is a bit pricier than Dr.Disposal because it is more solid in construction.
Disposal Install Aider
Disposal Install Aider is another garbage disposal installation tool. It is more solidly built than the other two in this list, but honestly, the installation is a little more tedious with this one.
As you can see in the above video, the Disposal Install Aider comes with a retractable locking mechanism. The other two installation tools do not have this, and so it is a bit difficult to unhook them from a garbage disposal. The locking mechanism of this tool is also much easier to use than those of the other two. However, turning that knob seems more job than it should; maybe I am just lazy.
The working of this tool is exactly the same as that of the other two tools. You can purchase it from their website. However, I feel that this tool’s price is too high, even for a plumber who does regular installations.
Garbage disposal installation kit
Installing a garbage disposal often requires changes in your plumbing. Do you know what pipes and fittings you need to buy for this? Trust me; most DIYers don’t know this. But the good news is, you can buy installation kits that have all the pipes and fittings you need.
Check this one;
As you can see, it comes with a complete set of pipings for the sink and the disposal. You probably won’t need all of them, and buying only the parts you need is more economical. However, if you have no clue what to buy, this kit is the best choice.
That is all the tools you need to easily install a garbage disposal. I also have a post about garbage disposal switches, and also a detailed guide on unjamming a garbage disposal for further reading.
