How to Connect Dishwasher Drain Hose to Disposal
Connecting a dishwasher drain to a garbage disposal is something that can be done by most DIYers. It takes a minimal amount of equipment, which you might already own and a bit of effort.
In this article I'll give you:
- A video of how to connect the diswasher and garbage disposal
- A list of materials you will need
- A step by step instruction of how to do this
Dishwashers are usually installed under the countertop next to the sink cabinet because, in most of the kitchen settings, there is no separate drain line installed for dishwashers.
A dishwasher drain hose can be connected to garbage disposal or can be directly configured in the drain line.
It is recommended to connect it with garbage disposal because as the dishwasher pumps the discarded water and leftover food particles in the garbage disposal, the garbage disposal can grind the food particle and push them down the drain.
Whereas if drain hose is configured directly into drain, it can cause blocking because of these food particles.
Connecting a Diswasher Drain Hose to a Garbage Disposal – Video Tutorial
Material Needed to Connect Dishwasher Drain Hose to a Garbage Disposal
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Hammer
- Airgap fitting
- Utility knife
- Hose Clamp
- Needle-nose pliers
- Drain Hose
- Dishwasher and Garbage disposal (Obviously)
Steps to Connect Dishwasher Drain Hose to a Garbage Disposal
Connecting dishwasher drain hose with garbage disposal is not a herculean task that requires power or any advanced electrical or plumbing skills. It is pretty straightforward, there are just a few things that need to be kept in mind, and you are ready to go.
Step 1 – Start by unplugging the garbage disposal from the electrical socket under the sink. If it is connected directly with the circuit, then turn off the disposal unit from the main panel. It is important to switch off any electrical connections because you do not want to get electrocuted.
Step 2 – On the upper side of the garbage disposal is a drain tube part that will receive the hose from the dishwasher. When you try to put a screwdriver through it, you will find a metal plug blocking the nozzle.
You have to knock out the metal plug by punching it with the help of a screwdriver and hammer (be careful while using the hammer, you do not want to bang your hand with it).
Now use the needle-nose pliers to remove the metal plug. Make sure to remove all the metal particles. (Use your hand if necessary, to remove small particles of metal)
Step 3 – Now, connect the dishwasher drain hose onto the garbage disposal and slide the large retaining clamp onto the end of drain hose and tighten the clamp with the help of screwdriver or wrench.
The drain hose should be looped above the connection point. The connection point itself should be at least 20 inches from the kitchen floor. If the connection point is lower than 20 inches, then an air gap must be used to prevent the drain water from siphoning back to the dishwasher.
(It is always recommended to use airgap fitting. See Step 4 to know how to connect dishwasher and garbage disposal with the airgap)
Step 4 – Most of the sinks available in the market already comes with holes for airgap fitting.
In the air gap unit, there are two branches of drain hose. One branch of airgap descends from the airgap to the dishwasher and the other descends from airgap to garbage disposal.
Now, the threaded stem is inserted at the top of the airgap fitting into the hole in the sink from below. Use the rubber washer on the upper end of the threaded stem and cover it with a trim cap.
Tighten the trim cap securely with hands and avoid using wrench or pliers as it can scratch the finishing. Rotate the fitting from below the sink so that the nozzle is pointed towards the garbage disposal.
Step 5 – Then cut down the dishwasher drain hose with a utility knife just long enough to reach the one end of the airgap fitting and connect this end using a hose clamp. Push the garbage disposal hose on the other end of the airgap fitting and slide the clamp onto the ends of the hose.
When making the connections, make sure there are no bends or loops on the hose because it will restrict the of the drain water and may cause the blockage. In the end, tighten the clamp with the help of wrench.
Tip to make installation easy:
To easily access the area under the sink, take off the doors under the sink by removing the screws that secure to door to the frame of the cabinet. Reinstall the door after completing the installation.
Please keep in mind that we may receive a small commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
How to Connect Dishwasher Drain Hose to Disposal
Source: https://shinymodern.com/how-to-connect-a-dishwasher-drain-hose-to-a-garbage-disposal/