Lowe’s Garbage Disposal: A Complete Guide!

Lowe’s Garbage Disposal: A Complete Guide!

This guide aims to provide you with everything you need to know about purchasing, installing, and maintaining a garbage disposal from Lowe’s. We’ll cover different models, key features to consider, installation tips, troubleshooting common issues, and more.

Understanding Your Garbage Disposal Needs

Before heading to Lowe’s or browsing online, understanding your specific needs is crucial. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the best garbage disposal for your kitchen.

Kitchen Size and Usage

• Small Kitchen, Light Use: If you live alone or with one other person and don’t cook often, a smaller, less powerful disposal might suffice.
• Medium-Sized Kitchen, Moderate Use: A mid-range disposal with more power is suitable for average daily use by a small family.
• Large Kitchen, Heavy Use: Families who cook frequently and generate a lot of food waste will benefit from a high-powered disposal.

Frequency of Use

• How often do you typically use your garbage disposal in a day/week? High usage demands a more robust model.

What Types of Food Waste Will You Dispose Of?

• Soft Foods Only: A basic disposal might be enough.
• Harder Foods (Small Bones, Fruit Pits): Consider a disposal designed for heavier-duty grinding. Avoid putting these items down the drain regardless of your model’s capabilities.

Septic System Compatibility

• If you have a septic system, you must choose a disposal specifically designed for septic systems. These disposals typically have features that help break down food waste more finely, reducing the load on your septic tank. Look for "Septic Safe" on the packaging and product description.

Exploring Lowe’s Garbage Disposal Options

Lowe’s offers a variety of garbage disposals from different brands and price points. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect to find.

Common Brands Carried by Lowe’s

• InSinkErator: A well-known brand known for quality and reliability.
• Moen: Another reputable brand offering a range of disposals with various features.
• Waste King: A brand offering value-priced options.
• Note: Brand availability can vary by location and online inventory.

Types of Garbage Disposals

• Continuous Feed: These disposals operate continuously as you feed food waste into them. They are typically activated by a wall switch. These are the most common type.
• Batch Feed: These disposals require you to load a batch of food waste, put a special stopper in place, and then activate the disposal. They are generally considered safer because the stopper prevents accidental insertion of hands or utensils.

Motor Power (Horsepower)

Garbage disposals are typically rated by horsepower (HP). Higher HP generally means more grinding power.

Horsepower (HP)	Ideal Use
1/3 HP	Light use, single-person households or small kitchens.
1/2 HP	Moderate use, small families, average kitchens.
3/4 HP	Heavy use, larger families, frequent cooking.
1 HP or Higher	Very heavy use, commercial applications, or high volume disposal.

Key Features to Consider

• Grinding Chamber Material: Stainless steel is more durable and resistant to corrosion than galvanized steel.
• Grinding Components: Stainless steel grinding components (impellers, shredder ring) offer superior durability and longevity.
• Sound Insulation: Disposals with sound shields or insulation operate more quietly. This is especially important if your kitchen is open to other living areas.
• Overload Protection: This feature automatically shuts off the disposal if it becomes jammed to prevent motor damage.
• Dishwasher Connection: Most disposals have a port for connecting your dishwasher drain hose.
• Anti-Vibration Mount: This can reduce noise and vibration during operation.

Choosing the Right Lowe’s Garbage Disposal: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Assess Your Needs: Refer to the "Understanding Your Garbage Disposal Needs" section above.
2. Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend. Disposals range in price from around $75 to several hundred dollars.
3. Browse Lowe’s Online and In-Store: Visit Lowe’s website or your local store to see what options are available.
4. Read Product Reviews: Pay attention to customer reviews, focusing on reliability, noise level, and ease of installation.
5. Compare Features and Specifications: Use the information in the "Key Features to Consider" section to compare different models.
6. Check for Rebates and Promotions: Lowe’s often offers discounts or rebates on certain models.
7. Consult with a Lowe’s Associate: If you’re unsure, ask a Lowe’s associate for assistance.

Lowe’s Garbage Disposal Installation: A DIY Guide (With Caution!)

Important Note: Installation of a garbage disposal may require basic plumbing and electrical knowledge. If you’re not comfortable with these tasks, it’s best to hire a qualified plumber or electrician. Improper installation can lead to leaks, electrical hazards, and voiding the warranty.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

• New garbage disposal
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Plumber’s putty
• Electrical tape
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Bucket
• Towels
• (Optional) Multimeter to check electrical connections

Installation Steps:

1. Safety First: Turn off the power to the disposal circuit at the breaker box.
2. Disconnect the Old Disposal:
   • Place a bucket under the disposal to catch any water.
   • Disconnect the drain pipes.
   • Disconnect the electrical wiring, carefully noting the connections.
   • Loosen the mounting ring and remove the old disposal.
3. Prepare the Sink Flange:
   • Remove the old sink flange and clean the sink opening thoroughly.
   • Apply plumber’s putty to the underside of the new sink flange.
   • Insert the flange into the sink opening and assemble the mounting hardware according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Connect the Disposal:
   • Lift the disposal into place and align it with the mounting assembly.
   • Twist the mounting ring to secure the disposal to the flange.
   • Connect the drain pipes.
5. Wire the Disposal:
   • Connect the electrical wiring according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the wires are securely connected and properly insulated with electrical tape. Ground the disposal properly.
6. Connect the Dishwasher Drain Hose (if applicable):
   • Remove the knockout plug from the dishwasher inlet on the disposal.
   • Connect the dishwasher drain hose to the inlet and secure it with a clamp.
7. Test the Disposal:
   • Turn on the water and check for leaks.
   • Turn the power back on at the breaker box.
   • Run the disposal with cold water and a small amount of food waste.
   • Check for any leaks or unusual noises.

Troubleshooting Common Lowe’s Garbage Disposal Problems

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your garbage disposal purchased from Lowe’s.

The Disposal Won’t Turn On

• Check the Power: Ensure the power switch is on and the breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Reset Button: Most disposals have a reset button on the bottom. Press it to reset the motor.
• Jammed: The disposal may be jammed. See the "The Disposal is Jammed" section below.
• Motor Burnout: If the disposal still won’t turn on after trying the above steps, the motor may be burned out, requiring replacement of the unit.

The Disposal is Jammed

• Turn Off the Power: Always turn off the power before attempting to clear a jam.
• Use Tongs or Pliers: Carefully remove any visible obstructions from the grinding chamber.
• Garbage Disposal Wrench: Use a garbage disposal wrench (also known as an "Un-Jamming Wrench" or "Allen wrench") inserted into the bottom of the disposal to manually rotate the motor and dislodge the obstruction. Turn it back and forth.
• Check for Foreign Objects: Common culprits include silverware, bottle caps, and small toys.

The Disposal is Leaking

• Check the Drain Connections: Ensure the drain pipes are securely connected and properly tightened. Replace the washers if necessary.
• Check the Sink Flange: The leak may be coming from the sink flange. Tighten the mounting hardware or replace the plumber’s putty.
• Check the Disposal Body: If the disposal body is cracked, it will need to be replaced.

The Disposal is Noisy

• Hard Objects: Ensure no hard objects like silverware or bones are in the grinding chamber.
• Loose Mounting: The disposal may be loosely mounted. Tighten the mounting ring.
• Worn-Out Components: Worn-out bearings or grinding components can cause excessive noise.
• Vibration: Install or check the anti-vibration mount.

Remember to consult your Lowe’s garbage disposal’s user manual for specific troubleshooting steps and warranty information.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, you’ve got a better grasp on all things lowe’s garbage disposal. Now go forth and conquer that clogged drain!