This project explains how to replace a broken garbage disposer with a new Waste King® Legend L-8000 1 HP unit that features a Lifetime In-Home Service Warranty. I also changed the hardwired electrical hookup to a single wall outlet for use with a plug-in power cord.
Old Garbage Disposer Stopped Working
The 10+ year old 1/3 HP InSinkErator® garbage disposer stopped working. I could’ve picked up a replacement unit from my local home improvement store, but decided to broaden my horizons and do some research on what was available in terms of quality and price.
Waste King Legend 8000 Garbage Disposer
Consumer Reports rated the Waste King Legend 8000 as the best unit in the August 2009 issue. The Waste King L-8000 features a Lifetime In-Home Service Warranty. I bought mine for $124.80 at Amazon.com, down from the $339 normal retail price, with no sales tax and it arrived in 2-days by UPS with free Super-Saver Shipping. What a deal!
The Waste King Legend 8000 comes with the power cord already attached, uses standard 120VAC power and draws 7 AMPs of power, which is well within the standard 15AMP household circuit. The Waste King features an FAQ: EZ Mount System which I found to be simpler than the traditional 3-bolt mount and needed no tools to install the EZ Mount.
Closeup view of the EZ Mount components:
Leaky Hot Water Dispenser
After I cleared out the cabinet in preparation for removing the old garbage disposal, I noticed my InSinkErator Instant Hot Water Dispenser (also 10 years old) was leaking. The surprising thing was the hot water dispenser was still working and hadn’t tripped the GFCI outlet. I removed the hot dispenser by:
- Unplugging the dispenser electrical cord.
- Shutting off the water valve.
- Unscrewed the nut on the 1/4″ copper tube compression fitting.
- Capped off the water valve with a 1/4″ brass compression cap.
- Removed the copper and plastic tubes from the top of the hot water dispenser unit.
- Turned the water supply valve on and checked for leaks.
A brief inspection found this unit was in really bad shape:
I later replaced the instant hot water dispenser.
This project is continued in How to Replace a Garbage Disposal – Part 2.
Take care,
Bob Jackson
