Is Garbage Disposal Necessary For a Dishwasher?

Garbage dIsposals serve the fundamental purpose of collecting solid waste food in the chamber. But, is garbage disposal necessary for a dishwasher?

We’re yet to find out!

Garbage disposals are considered necessary for humans and nature. It saves excellent trouble by reducing health risks, hazards, and pollution. But a dishwasher and garbage disposal combo is new for many of us.

If the plumber is pressuring you to install a garbage disposal with a dishwasher, and you are skeptical about making the right decision, congratulations because we’ll help you out conveniently without putting you under pressure.

Make sure you read the article till the end because we’re about to share some mind-boggling pieces of information.
Do check out!

But if you don’t have a garbage disposal or can’t afford one now, IT’S OKAY! No need to fret. You can bypass the appliance with specific piping attachments.

But please, make sure to include an air gap with the new dishwasher installation. It’s necessary to ensure the dishwasher is under plumbing codes and regulations.

As per the Uniform Plumbing Code 807.4, “Household domestic machines (including dishwashers) won’t be connected to drainage system or food waste disposal without an approved air gap fixed on the discharge side of the machine.”

Yes, you can go without garbage disposal, but an air gap becomes mandatory, joining the sink drain with a branch fitting.

Why do you need a garbage disposal with a dishwasher?

Everything serves a purpose, and so does garbage disposal. Garbage disposal with a dishwasher ensures clogging of the drainage pipe.

Initially, it was designed to collect solid food waste/particles in a grinding chamber. A spinning disc named the impeller plate turns rapidly and pulverizes the waste in the grinding chamber wall that washes away with the water. 

Conventional dishwashers came with food choppers, but now they’re replaced with garbage disposals making users’ jobs more accessible and convenient. Some dishwashers have a filtration system and garbage disposals that destroy food debris and germy residue.

Don’t forget that garbage disposal isn’t your usual garbage can. You can’t shove all sorts of liquids and glass shards which often results in disposal jams and clogging. Don’t put rough and fibrous items, including potato peels, grease, oil, and complex objects.

Is it better to have or not have a garbage disposal?

If you need an honest opinion, having a garbage disposal is loads better. Nobody will tell you it’d add ten times more ease to your life. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with significant problems.

For starters, built-in garbage disposals won’t require high maintenance, whereas filtration systems require regular emptying and cleaning depending on dishwasher usage.

Dishwasher removes a plethora of debris and grease from dishes that clog kitchen pipes- Garbage disposal helps you deal with this significant issue without any effort.

Disposals reduce residue accumulation by processing food debris. You have a clean dishwasher and spotless dishes.

Moreover, garbage disposals are your thing if you’re up for saving water and time. They save time spent on pre-soaking and pre-rinsing dishes. Garbage disposals become essential if your kitchen produces a lot of mess. Garbage disposals add peace to your life if you eat more than two meals daily.

It’s a convenient choice and helps with having a clean kitchen (all OCD people look here). If your kitchen stinks A LOT, it’s time you add a garbage disposal unit.

How to plumb a dishwasher without a garbage disposal?

I don’t have a garbage disposal- what to do? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. In case of no garbage disposal, the dishwasher hose must run down from the air gap. Next, you connect it to the sink drain with a branch fitting.

Secure the dishwasher hose fitted onto a ribbed branch fitting with a hose clamp. And make sure you join the sink drain before draining P-trap. If connected after P-trap, sewer gasses flow into the dishwasher.

Plumbing a dishwasher without garbage disposal doesn’t require much effort. You only need an air gap and specific attention to the drain, water supply line, and electrical connections.

Here are a few steps you’ve to follow:

• Turn off the main water supply valve.
• Turn off the circuit breaker supplying electricity to the dishwasher.
• Access a hole near the back of the dishwasher or drill one if necessary
• Use the screwdriver to detach the faceplate to access connection points.
• Screw the air gap after dropping an air gap into the hole in the top corner of the sink. Air gaps have different attachment processes; hence you’ve to look out for them.
• Use a hose clamp and screwdriver to attach a hose to the air gap.
• Remove the straight drainpipe on the sink’s bottom above the trap using a wrench. Attach a Y fitting between and secure it properly.
• Using a screwdriver, it would help if you connected another drain hose with hose clamps.
• Remove the hot water supply using a wrench and tighten the dual outlet valve on the hot water supply.
• Tighten the sink faucet’s water with your hand after wrapping the plumber’s tape around the dual outlet shut-off valve.
• Pull the wires extending from the back of the opening towards the dishwasher without overstretching. Use a twist-on-wire connecter for a secure connection.
• Turn on the main water valve after inspecting all water connections and supply lines to ensure no leaks.
• Turn on the circuit breaker and dishwasher and verify functionality for an entire cycle. Wiring and hoses shouldn’t pinch during the installation process.
• Use adjustable feet to raise and lower the dishwasher and plumb with the opening.
• Use screws and a screwdriver to attach the dishwasher to the counter’s underside. Finally, reattach the faceplate.

Key Takeaways | Is Garbage Disposal Necessary For a Dishwasher?

• It’s okay if you don’t have a garbage disposal with the dishwasher.
• It’s better to have a garbage disposal with a dishwasher instead of not having one.
• Unlike filtration systems, garbage disposals are significant, convenient, and practical.
• Garbage disposals are easy to install.
• The absence of garbage disposals causes a great mess and obnoxious smell in the kitchen.
• Garbage disposals keep your dishwasher safe and clean.
• Garbage disposals prevent the clogging of pipes.

Frequently Asked Question | Is Garbage Disposal Necessary For a Dishwasher?