In a Florida kitchen, the garbage disposal does more than just grind up food scraps. It helps keep things moving during big family meals and everyday cleanup. If you live in Melbourne, FL, and find yourself searching for garbage disposal installation near me, there’s usually a reason. Maybe your old unit stopped working. Maybe it’s getting loud or leaky. Or maybe you’re redoing your kitchen ahead of the holidays and want something new in place.
November is a good time to tackle a job like this. Florida doesn’t deal with snow or freezing pipes, but it’s still helpful to get plumbing updates handled before your schedule gets busier. Having a clear idea of what’s involved makes the whole process go a lot smoother. From choosing the right disposal to getting it into place, here’s what really goes into the install.
Understanding Your Current Setup
Before anything gets removed, it’s important to take a look under your sink. Not every kitchen is set up the same way, and the details matter.
• Start by checking for space. There needs to be enough room for the unit, plus access to connect it properly. Your sink should have a standard drain opening, and the under-sink cabinet should allow for a snug but workable fit.
• Next, confirm your electrical setup. Most disposals need an outlet or direct wiring connection. Some older homes in Melbourne, FL, might not have one ready to go. It’s best to know that ahead of time instead of finding out mid-job.
• If your home uses a septic system, that may affect what kind of disposal you can use. Some units are designed with septic systems in mind. Others aren’t. This isn’t about switching systems, just picking the right model so things run the way they should.
Knowing where you’re starting from makes it easier to get the right equipment in place without surprises.
Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal Unit
There are a lot of disposal units out there, but they mainly fall into two types: continuous feed and batch feed.
• Continuous feed models work while the switch is on, which is what most people are used to. Batch feed models only work when a cover is placed over the drain opening, making them a bit safer if small kids are around.
• Horsepower makes a difference too. Smaller motors might be fine for a household that does light cooking. If you prep meals often or throw out heavier food scraps, a higher horsepower model can handle the work without strain.
• Some units are made to run quieter or break up tougher waste. Sound-reducing features and stronger internal parts can help if your kitchen is close to where people gather or relax.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to this part. What’s best depends on your cooking habits, kitchen use, and plumbing.
What Happens During a Professional Installation
Once the right unit is picked out, installation can move pretty quickly. Still, there’s a process to follow, and a good technician won’t rush through the steps.
1. First, the old disposal gets disconnected and removed. This usually involves power, pipes, and mounting parts. Sometimes the existing connections are in good shape. Other times, they need to be cleaned or replaced.
2. Next come the mounting brackets and flange that hold the new unit in place. These need to line up well with the sink and the plumbing underneath. If the new disposal is heavier than the old one, this part needs extra care.
3. Electrical and plumbing connections are last. The unit gets wired in or plugged in, and then the drain lines are hooked up. Everything is tested to make sure it’s running smoothly, no leaks, no strange sounds.
You might want to clear some space under the sink ahead of time. Move out cleaning supplies or anything in the way so there’s room to work.
Common Issues to Watch For After Installation
Once the disposal is in and running, you’ll want to keep an eye out for anything that feels off. Catching small issues early saves a lot of stress later.
• Check for small leaks around the top flange or connecting drain line, especially after a few uses. These often show up as drips under the sink or extra moisture around the cabinet base.
• If you hear a hum but the blades don’t spin, don’t try to force it. There may be a jam or wiring problem that needs attention.
• To keep things flowing, don’t dump too much at once. Even good disposals get overwhelmed by large or stringy scraps. Rinse with cold water while running and give it a few seconds to finish its cycle after use.
Disposals are reliable if treated right, but even small mistakes can shorten the life of the unit.
Appliance Installation Backed by Experience
At Inlet Mechanical, we draw on over 85 years of combined industry experience and ensure every garbage disposal installation is handled by a knowledgeable technician. Our plumbing team specializes in kitchen appliance installation and repair, working in homes across Melbourne, FL, and throughout Florida for projects of all sizes. If you’re updating more than just your disposal, we can coordinate installation alongside other plumbing needs to keep your renovation on track.
We stand behind our work with thorough testing and a focus on clean, secure connections, so your new system performs reliably every day.
Keeping Your Kitchen Running Smoothly
As we move into the holiday season, Florida kitchens see more traffic. Whether it’s a big family dinner or just more time at home, having a working garbage disposal helps keep things running without a mess.
• A new, properly installed unit keeps food scraps out of the trash and off the counter, which keeps your space cleaner and reduces odor.
• When the connections are tight and the motor is strong, you’ll spend less time wrestling with clogs or malfunctions.
• It also helps you notice changes early. If you know what went into the install and how everything should sound and feel, you’re better equipped to spot problems before they grow.
That kind of peace of mind makes the whole kitchen easier to manage. And when everyone’s gathered for meals in November and December, less stress around cleanup means more time to enjoy what really matters.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen in Melbourne, FL, before the holidays? A new unit, properly installed, ensures your sink stays clear and running smoothly during the busiest weeks. If you’ve been searching for garbage disposal installation near me, Inlet Mechanical is here to help. Let us handle your plumbing needs so you can focus on enjoying your home, call today to schedule your installation.
Written & Reviewed By
Inlet Mechanical Team
The Inlet Mechanical team brings over 85 years of combined experience in HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical construction across Florida. Our licensed professionals hold Florida Mechanical HVAC License (CMC1250858) and Florida Plumbing License (CFC1433105), along with EPA Section 608 certifications. Based in Brevard County, we serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients with expert knowledge of Florida building codes, climate-specific HVAC solutions, and local plumbing requirements. Every article is reviewed by our licensed technicians to ensure accuracy and practical value for Melbourne-area homeowners and businesses.