Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

["Austin, Roger D." <rda AT rti.org>]

 I would dispose of the unit and put in normal pipes. No one should 
be disposing of stuff down the drain. Disposers are outlawed in a 
number of places I think since people clog up the sewers with food 
and grease. Replacing the disposer unit with straight pipes should 
be a DIY project for most people with a little help. Fly in the 
ointment would be if a dishwasher waste pipe.
 Disposals are usually rated by the power. You probably don't need 
a 5 horsepower for normal duty so I would go with one that is lower 
on the power range.
 If you wanted to replace it yourself it isn't a huge problem. There 
is a flange that the unit clips into under the sink. You need to reseat 
the new flange with plumbers putty and tighten the flange to the bottom 
of the sink. Then, you clip the disposer unit onto the flange and there 
should be some type of fastener to secure it. (remember how you took the 
old one off.) If you get the same model, then you may not have to 
change the flange.
 Then you connect back all the pipes. The dishwasher outlet should go 
into the disposer (that is what that other black tube is...)
 Remember to unplug the disposer before you start working on it. I 
would hire a plumber, but be forewarned that they make more than 
web developers. Hmmm...
 Roger (in RTP,
   heh, my spell checker wants to substitute Eschewing for Geschwind)

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Geschwind
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 2:59 PM
To: internetworkers AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [internetworkers] yet another home repair question

My disposal under my kitchen sink gave up over the weekend and needs to be
replaced. Has anybody out in INW-land tried replacing one before? How much
should a decent new one cost? Is there anything I should look for or watch
out for in buying one, or is it safe to just go to Lowe's and pick up the
first one I run across? How difficult would this be as a DIY project to
install for somebody with no plumbing experience, or should this be left to
a professional plumber? If I need to get this done by a plumber, how much
would be a reasonable price be to have a plumber install one? If so, any
recommendations on a plumber to do this? If this is something that can be
attempted by a plumbing nooB, is there anything I would need to look out for
in trying to install one?

Any hints and tips would be appreciated.

- Bill