Garbage disposals are a convenient appliance that makes short work of food scraps, chopping up leftovers and sending them down the drain, but like any appliance, they eventually need replacing. Garbage disposal installation requires working with the home’s plumbing and electrical systems and also involves working under the sink for an extended period of time. If you’re not in a DIY mood, you can always count on Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Charlotte to complete any plumbing installation job you have.

The first step to replacing your garbage disposal is to disconnect the power supply to the unit. Most units plug into an electrical outlet under the sink. Hard-wired units must be disconnected at the circuit breaker. Using a screwdriver, open the unit’s access panel and disconnect the wiring. It’s important to disconnect the electrical cable from the base of the unit as well, as it acts as a ground for the unit. Always use a tester to make certain that the power is off.

Next, unscrew the nut of the clamp that holds the drain pipe to the disposal. Maneuver the pipe out of the way. The unit is then ready to drop down. Loosen the locking ring at the top of the unit by rotating the ring with the help of a screwdriver to release the disposal from the mount. Detach the screws that hold the mounting ring to the underside of the sink. Above the mounting ring is a locking ring. Detach this with the flat blade of a screwdriver.

The flange around the drain on the sink can now be removed and cleaned. Once the sink flange has been cleaned, attach fresh putty around its rim before reinserting it into the sink. Reattach the locking rim and mounting rim and secure tightly, and then remove any excess putty from the sink flange.

It’s easiest to connect the wiring to the new unit before attaching it to the mounting rim. Wiring is usually color coded to make installation easier. If it’s not clear which wires to connect to the new unit, don’t risk injuring your safety or your home’s electrical system. Call a plumbing company in Charlotte to assist you. Once the electrical wires are connected, you can attach the new unit connect it to the drain pipe.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Charlotte, we’re happy to offer regular plumbing maintenance that will alert you to any necessary garbage disposal-related plumbing repairs. We’re pleased to handle garbage disposal replacements for you as well. Call 704-461-1700 any day of the week for prompt, quality service.

As one of the most important features in your sink, your garbage disposal requires essential maintenance to ensure it is always flowing freely. Without proper installation and maintenance, your disposal can quickly back up and cause you a major hassle. Even if you’re looking to upgrade your existing disposal to a newer model, or add one to make your life a little easier, the prompt, professional Charlotte NC plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can accomplish this task for you.

Like many things in our residential plumbing systems, garbage disposals require critical maintenance services in order to operate at peak performance levels. It is a sad truth, however, that often garbage disposal maintenance takes a backseat to the large plumbing fixtures in our homes, such as toilets and showers. Without proper maintenance for your disposal, it can quickly malfunction, leaving you in the lurch, unsure of what steps to take next. Our trained and experienced plumbers can ensure your disposal is operating at the highest performance levels, allowing you and your family to rest easy when it comes to removing excess food waste. Our professional plumbers can also provide you with easy, at-home maintenance tips to ensure your garbage disposal is always functioning at the highest level possible.

For all your garbage disposal needs in Charlotte and the surrounding area, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help. For additional information regarding garbage disposal maintenance or to schedule a service, give us a call at 704-461-1700 or contact us online today.

It’s summer, and this is the most common time for home buyers to search the Charlotte real estate market. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of problems that may exist in a home that are not found by inspectors, especially plumbing leaks and poor plumbing systems. Before buying a home filled with plumbing repair needs, be sure to check out the various plumbing fixtures so you know what you’re getting yourself into.

In the bathroom, be sure to inspect the floor; look around the base of the toilet for water damage, and test to make sure there are no soft spots in the floor. These are signs of water leaks, typically existing. If you find black and white stains or rolled vinyl flooring, these are also clues that water leaks may have previously plagued the area or are currently a problem. Also be sure to press tiles on the wall to check for leaks and loose tiling. Before you move on, flush the toilet and make sure it works properly, not draining too slowly or causing water to leak.

To check for adequate piping and water pressure, turn on a bathtub faucet and the kitchen sink faucet. If the pressure is significantly reduced with both running, the piping may have a large amount of calcium and mineral deposits and need to be replaced. While you are in the kitchen, make sure the connections to the dishwasher and garbage disposal are tight and show no signs of leaks. Also, check within the cabinetry to assure there is no water damage, including stains, rotted corkboard, or sagging bottoms. Be sure to check the washing machine hose as well, since these can rupture and lead to extensive water damage.

The first four digits of the serial number on a water heater are the month and year of manufacture. If the water heater in the home is more than 15 years old, you’ll want to contact your local Charlotte plumbing company to replace it. You may also want to check for rust on the tank, as this is a sign of impending issues with the hot water heater. If you are unsure of problems you may find, you can get assistance with inspections from our Charlotte water heater technicians, available to help you assess the value of the plumbing system in your prospective home purchase.

Routine maintenance on your garbage disposal is simple, quick and can keep your disposal running for an extended period of time. Use these home garbage disposal maintenance tips to help prevent odors, blockages, costly repairs, and early replacement.

Remember to run cold water during use for at least 20 seconds. Garbage disposals need water running through the pipes to flush waste and prevent stoppages.

Limit the amount of food you put in your garbage disposal at one time. Allowing too much food into the pipes, although chopped, can quickly cause them to back up. Should you encounter a clogged drain or clogged pipes, Ben Franklin Plumbing, your Charlotte NC plumber, is available for immediate plumbing service.

Avoid pouring harsh chemicals, foreign objects, coffee grounds, or bones into the garbage disposal. Also, grind small scraps of citrus peels in the garbage disposal to keep it smelling fresh.

Grinding ice cubes while running cold water in the garbage disposal will help sharpen the blades and keep it clean. Always call your local Charlotte plumbing company when routine residential plumbing maintenance is not enough.

The experts at Ben Franklin Plumbing are available 24/7 to help you with any plumbing repair or plumbing installation.