CAN YOU FIT A WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT UNDER GRANITE WORKTOPS?

Can you fit a waste disposal unit under granite or quartz worktops?

The short answer is Yes! Yes, of course you can. They are not as popular as they were, but we still see significant numbers of waste disposal units being fitted under quartz and granite worktops. Probably the biggest brand by frequency would be Insinkerator, and especially their state-of-the-art Evolution series, but we see others too.

There are just a few issues that need thought when fitting a waste disposal unit under granite or quartz worktops – or any other kind, for that matter.

 

 

(Image to right courtesy of Emerson / Insinkerator)

Insinkerator waste disposal unit

Waste disposal units: Support Challenges

1)    All waste disposal units are heavy. In addition, their electric motors generate vibration and torque when switched on. As the units are effectively suspended from the bottom of the sink this weight and vibration presents a challenge to support; the standard silicone sink-to-worktop join should be given added security with a cradle built into the kitchen unit.
This advice is all the more critical where a ceramic sink is fitted; ceramic sinks are heavier than stainless steel, and the stone-silicone-ceramic bond is weaker than with a metal sink. In general our customers and kitchen fitters build the cradle, although our fitters can do it. This must be by prior arrangement and may involve some additional cost.

 

 

 

cimstone_oasis_quartz_horsham_farmhouse_085607_a_waste-disposal_unit_insinkerator_mounting_cradle_detail-red

Image of an Insinkerator waste disposal unit under a large Blanco ceramic-type sink fitted into Cimstone Oasis quartz near Horsham. The shot shows the cradle: one cross batten and two front to back battens create the support which holds the whole unit up and sealed against the worktop.

Waste disposal units: Control Switches

2)   Batch-type waste units require a separate air-switch. This needs a cut-out in the worktop for the switch to be installed. In our experience, this is only the size of a taphole, a relatively straightforward element in a granite or quartz worktop installation.The fitting of the waste disposal unit and the switch is done by a qualified plumber/electrician; we only make the hole in the worktop.

 

cimstone_sines_horsham_west_sussex_cream_sparkle_quartz_115503a-red

A one and a half bowl Franke ARX undermounted sink fitted to 20mm sparkly cream Cimstone Sines quartz; you can see the airswitch for a waste disposal unit at the top left.

Cimstone Sines quartz worktops insinkerator air switch close up

Close up of stainless steel waste disposal air switch on Cimstone Sines.

KDH AG Sheffield Park CQ Fiji 145656 copy

Evolution Insinkerator mounted under Fiji quartz (not visible in picture.)

 

 

For other Frequently Asked Questions, please see our FAQ page here.

 

 

Founded in 2003, we are the original Affordable Granite Company with experience of installing granite and quartz worktops in thousands of kitchens across the South East of England and beyond. For advice on fitting Insinkerators and other similar units, or on any aspect of worktop planning, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01293 863992.