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Does A Portable Dishwasher Need A Garbage Disposal?

ByParves Hasan Hours Updated onApril 13, 2023 Categories Dishwashers

A portable dishwasher fits in a small space and washes the dishes efficiently. But what about draining the waste water?

Does a portable dishwasher need garbage disposal? Or can you operate your portable dishwasher without this appliance? 

If so, then how? Read on to learn about all those queries and how to operate your portable dishwasher without any disturbance.

  • COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher, Portable Dishwasher with 5L Built-in Water Tank,
    COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher, Portable Dishwasher with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ Steam& Air-Dry Function, Mini Dishwasher for Apartments& RVs, White
    • Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" [【No Installation Needed】: Adding water manually in the 5L built-in water tank, you can put the countertop dishwasher in any suitable place without connecting to tap water. This mini dishwasher can also be hooked to a kitchen faucet with the included water hose (Faucet Adapter Needed).
    • [ Ultra-Compact Design ]: The compact dishwasher can wash 30+ items (Max to 10" plates) at a time while occupying a small space (16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 inches), ideal for apartments, small kitchens, dorms, boats, campers& RVs. (Note: COMFEE' dishwashers are tested at the factory before being shipped, so it's normal if your new tabletop dishwasher has some water inside.)
    • [ 6 Programs ]: NORMAL, RAPID, STEAM, FRUIT, GLASS washing programs, and AIR REFRESH extra drying mode meet all your daily needs. Note: use the standard dishwasher powders or detergents to get the best cleaning results. (No detergent is needed for the FRUIT program, and RAPID just needs half of the standard quantity. Regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems).
    • [ Upgraded 192 ℉ STEAM & Dual Spray ]: The STEAM program includes 162 ℉ Rinsing and max to 192 ℉ STEAM, easily removing stuck-on and dried food particles than regular programs. It also ensures thorough cleaning of baby bottles. The upper and lower spray arms direct water toward the corners of every dish, turning dirty dishes sparkling clean.
    • [ Extra Drying & Stay Fresh ]: Circulation of AIR REFRESH removes moisture and odor, keeping your plates and machine dry and fresh for a long time. The function is enabled by default and you can also inactivate the function if unnecessary.
    • [ Lower Water & Energy Consumption ]: The COMFEE' Eco-dishwashing cleans dishes with less effort. It only consumes 5L of water per wash cycle, only 1/3 the amount used when handwashing and it uses only 0.35 kilowatt-hours per year.
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  • InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Badger 5XP, Power Series, 3/4 HP Continuous
    InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Badger 5XP, Power Series, 3/4 HP Continuous Feed, Black
    • RELIABLE & EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable & functional choice when affordability is the prime concern, and features a compact, space-saving design that fits existing InSinkErator hardware for a quick and easy install.
    • DURABLE COMPONENTS: This garbage disposal features our exclusive 3/4 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor and long lasting galvanized steel components to ensure a dependable grind for everyday food scraps.
    • AMERICA'S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other brands combined. A full line of models means there's one right for every need and budget.
    • FASTER, CLEANER, SMARTER: From meal prep to cleanup, InSinkErator helps make it fast & easy to keep your kitchen clean with our iconic appliances: garbage disposals & instant hot water dispensers.
    • A HISTORY OF INNOVATION FOR THE SINK: We invented garbage disposals in 1927, & we're the world’s largest manufacturer of garbage disposals & instant hot water dispensers for home & commercial use.
    • Average Electrical Usage: 3-4 KWh Per Year. Grind Chamber Capacity- 26 ounce. Average Water Usage-Approx. 1 Gallon Per Person Per Day
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  • Garbage Disposer Compact 3/4 HP Evolution Compact, Gray
    Garbage Disposer Compact 3/4 HP Evolution Compact, Gray
    • A MUST HAVE IN YOUR KITCHEN: This space-saving garbage disposal easily fits under your sink, perfect for small households or houses with restricted cabinet space.It is a reliable & affordable choice for home kitchen & commercial use.
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    • NOTE: Item do not come with a power cord attached, it is a separate add-on accessory.
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Does A Portable Dishwasher Need A Garbage Disposal?

You can install and run a portable dishwasher without garbage disposal. But you have to clean the food leftovers from the dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. Otherwise, its drainage system can become blocked.

Does A Portable Dishwasher Need A Garbage Disposal

Dishwasher And Garbage Disposal Relationship

Understanding how the dishwasher and garbage disposal work will help you realize the necessity of garbage disposal and dishwasher.

A dishwasher is intended to clean dishes and drain of the food particles. It does cut the necessity of scrubbing dishes every night.

All you need to do is toss the plates and plots into the machine and push the button. A portable dishwasher drains the wastewater into the kitchen sink through the waste hose.

This unit also utilizes the same components as a typical dishwasher.

Its heating element heats the water to 185 degrees F, and the hot water flows through the faucet into the drainage hose.

But the fact is that a dishwasher can’t drain large food particles like a garbage disposal. It can handle any item, including marinara stains and leftover noodles.

A garbage disposal uses blades to break down food so that large items can pass through drainage pipes without clogging.

This appliance also holds a small amount of water to avoid spreading odors in the air.

Thus, many homeowners consider having garbage disposal with their dishwasher. It’s especially true for a large family.

Many people decide to avoid this appliance since it costs extra money and is optional.

If you are one of them, you may then wonder how to install a dishwasher without garbage disposal. The following part will help you learn the appropriate method.

How To Install A Dishwasher Without A Garbage Disposal?

How To Install A Dishwasher Without A Garbage Disposal

If you are willing to run a dishwasher without garbage disposal, you must include an air gap in the dishwasher.

It will let you obey the local regulations. You should also pay attention to the water supply line, and electrical connections for a successful installation.

Remove All The Connection

Turn off the water supply system of the household at the main valve. You will find this valve outside in a secured area like a patio, basement, or garage.

Unplug the power cord of the dishwasher from a power outlet and verify that the power is off using a non-contact circuit tester.

Locate The Access Hole

Find out the wiring and piping access holes in the cabinetry. You should find a least one access hole between the kitchen sink main piping and the dishwasher area. 

In most cases, this access hole is placed close to the rear of the dishwasher opening near the floor. But if you don’t find any, create one using a drill and hole saw.

Remove The Faceplate 

Remove The Faceplate 

Remove the faceplate at the bottom of the dishwasher using a screwdriver.

This will offer you access to the connection points. Considering the dishwasher model, you may need either a Philips or a flat head screwdriver.

Shift The Dishwasher

Place the unit close to its intended opening, but don’t push the dishwasher into the exact place.

Otherwise, you won’t get access to the connection point. Hold the dishwasher hose and extend it toward the back of the opening.

Drop An Air Gap

Dive an air gap into the hole residing at the sink’s top corner through the countertop. Tighten the air gap in place using a wrench and the supplied nut.

Considering the sink’s model, the air gap hole can be either on the right or left side of the sink.

You can notice this air gap from underneath the counter. Now add the top piece of the air gap, following your dishwasher’s user manual.

Connect The Hose To The Straight Piping

Twist the drain hose up from the dishwasher near the rear and top of the opening.

Connect the hose to the straight pipe of the air gap using a screwdriver and hose clamp.

Attach “Y” Fitting

Place the straight drainpipe on the bottom drain of the sink over the trap.

Take the drainpipe out of the trap using a wrench and insert a “Y” fitting between the trap and the sink’s drain. Then tighten the fitting using a wrench.

Attach another drain hose between the sloping pipes on the air gap to the open pipe end of the “Y” fitting over the kitchen sink pipe trap.

Tighten both ends of the drain hose with a screwdriver and hose clamps.

Remove The Hot Water Valve

Remove The Hot Water Valve

Detach the hot water valve from the water supply line from the back wall of the cabinetry with a wrench.

Connect The Dishwasher To The Outlet And Sink Faucet

Turn the dual outlet shut-off valve on the hot water supply line by hand and secure it using a wrench.

Cover both male threads of the shut-off valve with plumber’s tape. Secure the waterline of the sink faucet to one outlet with a hand. 

Then connect the other outlet to the dishwasher’s supply line and secure both connections using a wrench.

Cover the male thread inlet connection point of the dishwasher with a plumber’s tape.

Secure the other end of the hot water supply line to the male thread using a wrench.

Connect The Dishwasher To A Power Outlet

Find electrical wires extending from the opening and pull these toward the dishwasher.

But don’t overstretch them. Attach the dishwasher’s white wire to the white wire on the wall and repeat it with black wires.

Check The Dishwasher Connections

Now turn on the water supply at the main valve. Check all the water connections surrounding the water supply lines and dishwasher to make sure there are no leaks.

Power on the dishwasher and let it run a full cycle to check the functionality. Drive the unit into the opening, making sure that no hoses or wiring are pinched.

Make the dishwasher level using its adjustable feet, and pliers. Secure the dishwasher under the counter using a screwdriver and screws. Finally, replace the faceplate.

Final Words

A portable dishwasher doesn’t need garbage disposal to wash your dishes and drain the wastewater.

It’s an optional appliance that will let you dispose of large amounts and sizes of particles efficiently. It also reduces the maintenance effort of a portable dishwasher.

But if you don’t want to invest an extra penny still you get the know-how process of operating your portable dishwasher without garbage disposal.

  • InSinkErator Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, Badger 5, Standard Series,
    InSinkErator Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, Badger 5, Standard Series, 1/2 HP Continuous Feed, Black
    • RELIABLE & EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable & functional choice when affordability is the prime concern, and features a compact, space-saving design that fits existing InSinkErator hardware for a quick and easy install.
    • DURABLE COMPONENTS: This garbage disposal features our exclusive 1/2 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor and long lasting galvanized steel components to ensure a dependable grind for everyday food scraps. Galvanized Steel Grinding Components with 26 oz. Chamber Capacity
    • AMERICA'S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other brands combined. A full line of models means there's one right for every need and budget.
    • FASTER, CLEANER, SMARTER: From meal prep to cleanup, InSinkErator helps make it fast & easy to keep your kitchen clean with our iconic appliances: garbage disposals & instant hot water dispensers.
    • A HISTORY OF INNOVATION FOR THE SINK: We invented garbage disposals in 1927, & we're the world’s largest manufacturer of garbage disposals & instant hot water dispensers for home & commercial use.
    • Motor Protection - Manual Reset Overload
    Amazon Amazon
  • InSinkErator Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, Badger 1, Standard Series,
    InSinkErator Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, Badger 1, Standard Series, 1/3 HP Continuous Feed, Black
    • Covered by InSinkErator's 1-year We Come To You in-home full service limited warranty for parts and labor
    • Zinc stopper holds back water and will only turn on the disposal when manually activated
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  • InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Badger 1 HP, Power Series, 1 HP
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    • POWER GRIND PERFORMANCE: Features a long lasting, single-grind stage, 1 HP, Dura-Drive induction motor with jam-preventing torque to power through tough food scraps, like peach pits
    • LIFT AND LATCH TECHNOLOGY: All InSinkErator garbage disposals feature exclusive Lift and Latch technology for hassle-free sink connection. Our exclusive design enables you to use both hands to lift the disposal and twist it over the mounting ramps until locked
    • RUST-RESISTANT, STAINLESS STEEL COMPONENTS: Designed with durable, rust-resistant, stainless steel grind components to ensure that your garbage disposal will last for years to come.
    • 7-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY : Includes an exclusive, free, 7-Year In-Home Limited Warranty from the ONLY manufacturer with disposers assembled, designed, and invented in the USA
    • SEPTIC SAFE for properly maintained septic systems
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Parves Hasan

Chief Editor @My Kitchen Mates (or, in plain English, I'm the man responsible for ensuring that every guide post we publish is helpful for our readers.

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