Your 20-year-old garbage disposal has finally wet the bed. There is no question you are going to get a new one. But who will install it? Maybe you’re feeling lucky. Perhaps you think installing a new garbage disposal is no big deal. Think again. Give serious consideration to hiring a licensed plumber.
There is no arguing that you don’t have to be a professional to install a garbage disposal. But you at least need moderate to advanced DIY skills. Remember that you are dealing with plumbing and electricity in the same installation. Also remember that water and electricity don’t get along.
Garbage disposal installation is one of the services offered by Utah’s SameDay. SameDay is an HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractor that services the greater Salt Lake City area, across the Wasatch Front. They offer the following three reasons to let a pro install your new garbage disposal:
1. A Pro Will Do the Job Right
First and foremost is the fact that a pro will do the job right. He will know exactly how your new garbage disposal functions and how to install it within your existing plumbing system. He will know how to make it watertight and eliminate any risks of electrical problems. And after everything is installed, he will know how to properly test it for potential malfunctions.
Hand-in-hand with doing the job right is understanding local codes. Depending on where you live, there may be some strict electrical and plumbing codes homeowners don’t know about. Installing a garbage disposal in violation of any of those codes could have serious consequences.
Fortunately, plumbing and electrical contractors make it their business to know local codes. Their own licensing depends on it. They are going to follow the codes in order to protect themselves against liability.
2. A Pro Will Do the Job Quickly
Installing a new garbage disposal is all in a day’s work for a professional. Assuming no special modifications are necessary, a licensed plumber can do the job in about an hour. It’s really no big deal. As a DIY homeowner, you could be looking at several hours’ worth of work. And if you have never done something like this before, it could take you all day – or even all weekend!
Speed matters because the kitchen sink being out of commission disrupts your daily workflow. Not being able to use the sink for 5-6 hours means dirty dishes stacking up on the counter. It might mean ordering takeout because you don’t dare produce more dirty dishes by cooking.
Replacing a garbage disposal doesn’t have to be time consuming. It won’t be if you let a pro do the work for you. He will be in and out in no time at all.
3. A Pro Won’t Create a Mess
One of my biggest objections to DIY plumbing is the mess involved. I admit it. I just don’t like it. In fact, few messes bother me quite the same way a plumbing mess does. For that reason alone, I would let a licensed plumber install a new garbage disposal.
Plumbers don’t like having to clean up after themselves. As a result, they have a habit of working in such a way as not to create a mess. I like that.
If you are thinking of replacing your garbage disposal, maybe it’s better to have a plumber do the job. DIY might be your thing and that’s great. It is not mine. I would not hesitate to call a local plumber. It is worth it to pay him to do the job.