In each episode we explore new ways to beautify and add to the overall value of your home. Each project has a specific how to but more importantly we will examine the “why to” of a project. So let’s get started.
There has been a lot of press recently talking about the importance of "Green" or "Eco" products, as well as government offered rebates and low energy credits, so it is hard to not take the new Earth-consciousness trend seriously. What many people don’t know is that now there are many Eco products available for the home which allow you to save money on utilities while giving your home a new look. Eco home improvement products are the way to make a difference in the environment as well as your wallet.
In this episode of Improvement Direct Ideas, we're walking through installation of a new, greener garbage disposal. Andrew, our host, will find out what makes garbage disposals green or eco-friendly, as well as talk to FaucetDirect.com's expert, Caroline, and the homeowner, Stephanie, who will discuss why she is motivated to make her home greener.
Stephanie has decided that the first project in her green kitchen makeover is a new garbage disposal. Her old one is loud and jams regularly. There have been a lot of advancements in how disposals work recently; they are both powerful and quiet. Also, the vibration from her old disposal could be doing some damage to her nice Swanstone sink, so it’s time we get it out of there.
Before we start this project we decided to talk to Caroline, a plumbing expert from FaucetDirect.com, and get some tips on the garbage disposal selection and installation.
Q: Hi Caroline, I haven’t heard of garbage disposals being Eco-Friendly. How are garbage disposals green?
A: Garbage disposals finely process the food, sending them through the sewer system and reducing the quantity of waste sent to the landfill. Some water treatment facilities are able to filter and convert these food wastes and use them to make energy, fertilizer, and other useful byproducts.
Q: What are the average water/electrical usage on this item each month?
A: It's roughly 1/4 gallon per person per day, which is roughly equivalent to 3 cups, and about 1 1/2 KWH per hour.
Q: Stephanie chose to install an InSinkerator? In your opinion why is this a good brand to go with?
A: InSinkerator is a very well-known and dependable brand - if you look while at a friend's house, you will probably find an InSinkerator garbage disposal in their kitchen. The model we sell the most of is the InSinkerator Badger 5.
Q: What type of warranty is available on this type of item?
A: InSinkerator really stands behind their product and offers an outstanding "We Come To You™" warranty.If anything goes wrong within your warranty period, you can call InSinkerator at 800-558-5700, press 2, and enter your 5-digit zip code. You will be provided the name and phone number of the nearest factory authorized service agent, who will come to your home and fix the problem.
Q: How long will it take to receive after ordered?
A: If the item is in stock, it will typically be shipped out within 1 business day. It will arrive between 1-10 business days depending on the shipping option you choose.
Q: What if I have a specification question?
A: Feel free to call Faucet Direct Customer Service at 800-864-2555 or browse the disposals available at FaucetDirect.com under the Kitchen tab; we have specification sheets as well as installation guides.
Let's Get to Work
Project Scope
This project should take half an hour to 45 minutes, and you are going to want to do one of two things. Follow the instructions perfectly, or get a contractor. You’re dealing with electricity and whirling blades&emdash;always good to play it on the safe side.
Cut the power
First cut the power to the disposal. Detach the wires from the unit itself.
Out with the old
You should be able to just unscrew the drain and remove it. After that if you are using a brand that can use the same disposal flange (the piece of the disposal that connects it to the sink drain) just unscrew the disposal from the flange and we can get started with installation.
Hook up power
Lay a towel down under your counter and put the disposal on it. Remember this is a piece of machinery and needs to be treated gingerly. Turn the breaker on the disposal off, and start wiring it together.
Get it on the flange
Lift the disposal up and start to screw it into the flange. Go around each screw tightening it a little, so that way you have a nice even lock on the flange.
Hook up the drain.
Don’t forget to attach your garbage disposal to the drain or it will throw rubbish into your cabinet. It may be that the drain location isn’t the same as it was before; if that’s the case new pipe will need to be cut. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this, as this can be sensitive to each model of disposal.
Flip the breaker
Flip the breaker, turn the power back on, and you’re ready to roll.
It really is as easy as that. Disposals now have more power and are insulated to prevent noise. Some of the InSinkerator models also come with an anti-vibration system. This will help keep your sink bolted to the counter as vibrations can loosen clamps over an extended period of time.
We would like to thank Stephanie for letting us mess around in her kitchen for a day; we have two more projects slated for Stephanie’s green kitchen makeover. Check out the other projects, Installing an Eco-Friendly Kitchen Faucet, and Installing an Eco-Friendly Dishwasher.
