How to remove the knockout plug on a garbage disposal

Hooking up your dishwasher to a garbage disposal can make your kitchen chores a breeze, but there’s one tiny step often missed: taking out the knockout plug. This little plug blocks the spot where your dishwasher’s drain hose connects to the disposal. Skip this, and your dishwasher won’t drain right. We’re here to walk you through how to take out that knockout plug so your dishwasher and disposal can work well.

This info might not match your exact appliance model. We do our best to dish out handy tips for all sorts of DIY appliance fixes, but different models can have their quirks—different steps, error codes, parts, you name it. For spot-on guidance, it’s a good idea to peek at your manufacturer’s manual or give us a shout if you’ve got questions.

Safety precautions before you begin

We care about your safety. Before you dive in, be sure to follow these key steps:

• Unplug the garbage disposal: Pull the plug from the outlet under the sink to cut the power.
• Shut off the circuit breaker (If Needed): If your disposal’s hardwired, flip the right circuit breaker to kill the juice.
• Round up your tools: You’ll need a flat-head screwdriver, a hammer, and some needle-nose pliers.

Steps to remove the knockout plug

Step 1: Find the dishwasher inlet

The dishwasher inlet is a little tube sticking out of the side of your garbage disposal where your dishwasher’s drain hose hooks up.

• Look for a stub or port near the top of the disposal unit.
• Stick a screwdriver into the inlet. If it doesn’t go all the way in, the knockout plug is still in there.

Step 2: Remove the knockout plug

Now that you’ve found the inlet and confirmed the plug’s still there, it’s time to knock it out.

1. If you can, lay the disposal on its side on a sturdy surface for easier access. Putting it on the floor works too—gives you stability and prevents any mishaps.
2. Stick the tip of your flat-head screwdriver into the center of the knockout plug inside the inlet port.
3. Gently tap the end of the screwdriver with the hammer. You’re aiming to pop the plug into the disposal chamber.
4.  Move the screwdriver around if needed and tap again to fully knock it loose.

Step 3: Fish out the dislodged plug

After you knock out the plug, it’ll drop into the disposal unit. You’ll want to get it out to avoid any problems down the line.

•  If the disposal’s not hooked up yet, this is a piece of cake. If it’s already installed, you might need to peek through the sink drain.
• Reach into the disposal and snag the plug.
• Gently pull it out, watching out for any sharp bits inside the disposal.

Step 4: Check the inlet port

Now that the plug’s out, make sure the inlet’s clear and good to go for the dishwasher drain hose.

• Make sure there aren’t any leftover bits or gunk in the inlet.
• If you notice any sharp or jagged spots, carefully smooth them out with a file or utility knife.

Step 5: Put the garbage disposal back (if you removed it)

If you took the disposal off the sink to make things easier, now’s the time to reinstall it.

• Line it up with the mounting assembly under the sink.
• Twist the disposal to lock it into the bracket. Make sure it’s nice and snug.
• Hook up the discharge tube and any other pipes you disconnected.

Step 6: Connect the dishwasher drain hose

With the plug out of the way, you’re all set to hook up your dishwasher to the disposal.

• Slip the dishwasher’s drain hose onto the disposal’s inlet port.
• Use a hose clamp to snug up the connection and prevent leaks.

Testing and final checks

Before you call it a day, it’s crucial to make sure everything’s working like a charm.

• Plug the disposal back in or flip the circuit breaker back on.
• Turn on the disposal for a moment to see if it’s running smoothly.
• Run a quick cycle on the dishwasher to ensure it’s draining properly.
• While the dishwasher drains, peek under the sink for any signs of water escaping.

Embrace the DIY spirit

By tackling this job yourself, you’ve saved time and maybe some hefty service fees. Plus, you’ve boosted your confidence in handling home projects. Just remember, with the right guidance and a pinch of patience, you can sort out many appliance problems on your own.

For more how-to guides and top-quality parts, swing by AppliancePartsPros.com. We’re all about helping you keep your appliances humming along.

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