Are All Garbage Disposal Mounts the Same? A Detailed Guide for Homeowners

As your friendly neighborhood home improvement expert, I‘m often asked by homeowners – are all garbage disposal mounts the same? The answer is a definitive no! Garbage disposals use a variety of unique mounting systems designed specifically for that model.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about picking the ideal mount for your sink, proper installation, troubleshooting, maintenance tips, and when to replace aging mounts. Arm yourself with this advice before tackling your next garbage disposal project.

Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal Mount for Your Sink

The first step is identifying what mounting system you need for your existing sink setup:

Measure Your Sink Drain Opening

Use a soft measuring tape to check the diameter of the drain hole in your sink. Standard openings are 3.5 inches to 5 inches wide. Larger capacity disposals may require a bigger opening. This will determine what size unit your sink can accommodate.

Identify Number of Mounting Bolts

Look under the sink for the bolt pattern on the existing flange or mounting assembly if present. Most sinks will have either:

• 3-bolt mount with bolts arranged in a triangle pattern
• 4-bolt mount with a square pattern

Match your new disposal to the same number of bolts for proper support.

Choose a Mounting System Type

There are several common mounting system types like the EZ Mount, Quick Lock, and Sound Guard mount. Consult the comparison table for a rundown of the pros and cons of each. Pick the one that fits your sink size, material, and noise insulation needs.

Select Any Required Flange

Many mounts require an additional flange to be installed first to create a stable base. Choose a flange in a material compatible with your sink type.

With the right measurements and choices made, you can find the perfect garbage disposal and mount for your kitchen sink setup.

Step-by-Step DIY Garbage Disposal Mount Installation Instructions

Once you‘ve selected the ideal mounting components, it‘s time to tackle installation. Here‘s a DIY guide to properly mounting three common types of garbage disposal units:

What You‘ll Need

• Garbage disposal
• Mounting ring and flange
• Wrench and pliers
• Plumber‘s putty
• Lock washers and bolts

Instructions for Installing an EZ Mount:

1. Remove old disposal and clean sink flange area thoroughly.
2. Set flange in sink drain opening aligned with bolt holes.
3. Place EZ mount ring on top of flange, lining up bolt holes.
4. Slide rubber sleeves over the mount ears for vibration dampening.
5. Insert bolts with lock washers through mount ring ears and flange from below sink. Use pliers or wrench to loosely secure with nuts.
6. Hang disposal unit, twisting to align mount ears with mounting on bottom of disposal.
7. Use wrench to tighten mounting bolts. Do not overtighten!

Follow manufacturer instructions for proper torque specs. Add a bead of plumber‘s putty around the flange for a watertight seal.

Instructions for Attaching a Quick Lock Mount:

1. Disconnect plumbing and wiring and detach old disposal. Clean away debris around sink flange.
2. Position new flange in drain opening if needed.
3. Hang new disposal in sink, aligning the mounting ears on bottom with flange bolts.
4. From above sink, place Quick Lock ring around flange. Match up arms with bolts.
5. Hand tighten Quick Lock fasteners temporarily to hold disposal.
6. Insert bolts through flange from below and fully tighten mount arms evenly with wrench.

The Quick Lock system allows installation and tightening from above the sink for easier access.

Instructions for Installing a Sound Guard Mount:

1. Remove old disposal unit and thoroughly clean sink flange.
2. Apply plumber‘s putty around perimeter of flange. This seals the flange when mounting new disposal.
3. Hang disposal in drain opening. Twist Sound Guard mounting ring into place around flange by hand from above sink.
4. From below sink, tighten alternating mount bolts evenly and incrementally until snug.
5. Let plumber‘s putty fully cure before running disposal.

The rubber gaskets on the Sound Guard mount provide superior noise dampening compared to other mounting systems.

Remember to always turn off electrical power at the breaker and unplug the disposal before installation to avoid shock risk! Follow all manufacturer instructions closely.

Troubleshooting Tricks for Proper Garbage Disposal Mounting

If you encounter any hiccups getting your new garbage disposal mounted securely, try these pro tips to get it fixed:

The Disposal Feels Loose in the Mount

• Tighten all mounting bolts alternately with a wrench to manufacturer specs
• Use lock washers and tighten adequately but not excessively
• Install a sound-dampening EZ or Sound Guard mount for more stability

There is Leaking Around the Base of the Unit

• Check sufficient plumber‘s putty was applied evenly under flange
• Tighten mounting bolts fully and properly
• Replace old cracked or dried out sink flange

It Rattles Loudly When Running

• Overtightening one side of mount can cause uneven installation
• Tighten all mount bolts alternately to avoid overtightening one area
• Replace hardened rubber gaskets or dampeners in mount

Call a professional plumber immediately if you can‘t resolve any mounting issues on your own.

Caring for Your Garbage Disposal Mounting Assembly

Like any part of a disposal, the mounting components need occasional maintenance:

• Inspect bolts – Check for loose bolts securing the mount every 6 months. Tighten if needed.
• Lubricate rubber – Keep rubber gaskets lubricated with cooking oil to maintain flexibility.
• Listen for noise – Tightening bolts or replacing worn gaskets can reduce noise from a loose mount.
• Clean flange – Remove any mineral deposits and plumber‘s putty buildup around the flange.
• Check for leaks – Examine under the flange for water droplets and tighten bolts if present.
• Replace putty – Reapply fresh plumber‘s putty around the flange every 2-3 years.

Proper care will keep your mounting system securely supporting your disposal.

How to Know When It‘s Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal Mount

Here are some clear signs that your existing garbage disposal mount needs replacing:

• Corrosion – Rust, mineral deposits and corrosion around bolts and flange.
• Looseness – Mount feels loose and rattles loudly when running disposal.
• Leaks – Water leaking at base of unit when disposal is run.
• Damage – Cracks, perforations, and breakage of plastic or rubber mount parts.
• Worn gaskets – Hard, dried out, or flattened rubber gaskets.
• Broken bolts – Bolts that snap or break instead of tightening properly.

I recommend replacing your mount at the same time as your disposal unit to ensure proper fit and function.

Where to Shop for Replacement Garbage Disposal Mounting Kits

You can find replacement mounts at:

• Manufacturer websites – Order direct replacement parts for your specific disposal make and model.

• Hardware stores – Home improvement stores like Home Depot offer universal mounts like the EZ Mount.

• Plumbing supply companies – Sell brand name OEM mounting components.

• Online – Large selection available on Amazon, eBay, and other online retailers.

• Plumbers – Can supply and install the right mount for your disposal.

Check that any new mount is compatible with your disposal before purchasing. Prices for universal mounting kits start around $15-25 with OEM parts costing over $50 in some cases.

I hope this guide gives you all the details needed to pick the perfect mount for your sink setup and install it properly yourself. Let me know if you have any other garbage disposal or home improvement questions!