This Is A Hammer
By Samantha Mazzotta
New Disposer
Deposes Dishwasher
Q: Ever since a
handyman installed a new disposer, I have been
unable to use my dishwasher. The first time I
turned on the dishwasher after the installation,
water gushed everywhere. It looks like a hose
wasnt attached. I cant get the
handyman to return my calls. Can I fix this
myself? -- Joyce P., Palm Bay, Fla.
A: It sounds like
the handyman didnt finish the job, all
right. It is possible to attach the hose
yourself, although you might want a strong helper
to handle this task as it will require levering a
few things in and out of place while working
underneath the sink cabinet.
Disposers have an
area to connect the dishwashers drain hose,
called the dishwasher nipple. The sink is
draining just fine, which means the plug is in
place. Locate this nipple, but dont do
anything yet.
First, locate the
dishwasher drain hose. Make sure it will reach
the nipple on the disposer. If it is too short,
youll need to replace the hose -- measure
the distance between the hose connection on the
dishwasher and the nipple, head for the
home-improvement store, and pick up a hose that
is a couple inches longer than that. If it is too
long, the drain hose can be cut to the proper
length using a hacksaw or tubing cutter.
Next, make sure
the dishwasher drain hose can be properly secured
-- it should have a metal hose clamp on the end
that will go over the nipple; if not, the home
improvement store will have one.
Now, youre
ready. Turn off power to the circuit controlling
the disposer. Remove the plug in the nipple,
using a screwdriver to pry it out. Slide the
dishwasher drain hose completely over the nipple
so that the end of the hose touches the disposer
body. Tighten the metal hose clamp (use a
Phillips head screwdriver and a pair of pliers to
do this).
Turn the circuit
back on. Run the dishwasher, keeping an eye on
the drain hose. If youre really unsure,
place a bucket underneath the disposer to catch
any leaking water. You may have to readjust the
hoses position or tighten the clamp, but as
long as the plug isnt still in the nipple
you shouldnt have any more problems. And
youll have your dishwasher back.
HOME TIP: If your
disposer doesnt run when you turn it on,
try pressing the reset button located on the
bottom of the unit.
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