Knockout Plug Garbage Disposal: All You Need To Know

The humble knockout plug plays a vital role in kitchen appliances that often goes unnoticed until dishwasher installation day arrives. This unassuming piece of plastic or metal seals unused openings in garbage disposals, preventing leaks and ensuring smooth operation.

In this article, we unveil the mysteries of knockout plugs in garbage disposals, exploring their purpose, location, and how to remove them for hassle-free dishwasher connections.

What is and where is the knock-out plug on the dishwasher?

In a dishwasher installation, a knockout plug is a small piece of material that covers a hole or opening in the dishwasher’s disposal unit. It’s typically used when the dishwasher is not connected, and the disposal unit needs to be sealed to prevent water from entering the unused dishwasher connection point.

This knockout plug ensures the disposal unit functions appropriately even when the dishwasher is unused.

The knockout plug is usually located on the disposal unit’s side or top. Its exact location may vary depending on the brand and model of the dishwasher and disposal unit. To identify and remove the knockout plug:

1. Turn Off Power: Before doing anything, turn off the power to the dishwasher and disposal unit to ensure safety.
2. Locate the Knockout Plug: Inspect the side or top of the disposal unit for a small, circular piece of plastic or metal that appears to be blocking a hole. This is the knockout plug.

Once the knockout plug is removed, you can connect the dishwasher drain hose to the disposal unit, allowing wastewater from the dishwasher to flow into the disposal unit for proper drainage. Be sure to secure the hose properly to prevent leaks.

How to remove the knockout plug?

To remove a knockout plug from a wall or pipe, follow these steps:

1. Gather Necessary Tools: You will need a few tools for this task, including safety glasses, a hammer, and a screwdriver.
2. Put on Safety Glasses: Safety glasses are essential to protect your eyes from flying debris during removal.
3. Locate the Knockout Plug: Identify the location of the knockout plug you want to remove. Knockout plugs are typically found in electrical boxes, pipes, or other fixtures to seal unused openings.
4. Prepare the Area: Clear the area around the knockout plug to ensure you have enough space to work comfortably.
5. Create a Hole: Use the hammer to tap the knockout plug’s center gently. Start with light taps and gradually increase the force until you create a hole or indentation in the plug’s center.
6. Pry the Plug: Once you’ve created a hole, insert the screwdriver and gently pry the knockout plug out. Be cautious not to use excessive force, as you don’t want to damage the surrounding area.
7. Inspect the Opening: After removing the plug, inspect the opening to ensure no remaining pieces or sharp edges. Clean any debris that may have fallen into the opening.
8. Secure the New Fixture: If you removed the knockout plug to install a new fixture or component, ensure the new fixture is properly secured.

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How to remove the dishwasher knockout plug?

To remove a dishwasher knockout plug from a garbage disposal or sink drain, follow these steps:

Step 01- Turn Off Power: Before you begin, ensure that the power to the garbage disposal is turned off to prevent any accidental activation.

Step 02 – Gather Tools: You’ll need safety glasses, a hammer, and a screwdriver.

Step 03 – Locate the Knockout Plug: Identify the knockout plug on the side of the garbage disposal or in the sink drain. It’s usually a small, circular piece of plastic or metal.

Step 04 – Put on Safety Glasses: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any debris that may come loose during the process.

Step 05 – Knock Out the Center: Use the hammer to tap the knockout plug’s center gently. The idea is to create a hole or indentation in the center without damaging the surrounding area. Start with light taps and gradually increase the force until the center of the plug breaks away.

Step 05 – Pry the Plug: Once you’ve created a hole, insert the screwdriver into the hole and gently pry the knockout plug out of the opening. Be careful not to force it, as you don’t want to damage the disposal or the drain.

Step 06 – Inspect and Clean: After removing the plug, inspect the opening to ensure no remaining pieces or sharp edges. Clean any debris that may have fallen into the disposal or drain.

Step 07 – Connect the Dishwasher Hose: With the knockout plug removed, you can now connect the dishwasher drain hose to the disposal or drain opening. Ensure it is adequately secured to prevent leaks.

Step 08 – Turn On Power: Return the power to the garbage disposal once the dishwasher is connected.

If you’re not comfortable performing this task yourself, or if you encounter any difficulties, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a professional plumber or handyman to ensure a proper and safe connection.

It’s important to note that knockout plugs can be found in various applications, such as electrical boxes, plumbing, or HVAC systems. The removal method may vary slightly depending on the specific use case. Always exercise caution, wear appropriate safety gear, and consult with a professional if you’re unsure about the process or dealing with electrical or plumbing components.

Forgot to remove the dishwasher plug from the garbage disposal. What to do?

If you’ve forgotten to remove the dishwasher knockout plug from your garbage disposal unit, you must do so before connecting your drain hose. Here’s what to do:

Step 01- Safety First: Ensure that the power to the garbage disposal is turned off to prevent any accidental activation. Safety should always be the priority when working on electrical components.

Step 02 – Identify the Knockout Plug: Locate the knockout plug on the side of the garbage disposal unit where the dishwasher drain hose should connect. It’s usually a small, circular piece of plastic or metal.

Step 03 – Use a Screwdriver and Hammer: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris. Then, use a screwdriver and a hammer to gently create a hole in the center of the knockout plug. Start with light taps and gradually increase the force until the center of the plug breaks away.

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Step 04 – Remove the Plug: Once you’ve created a hole, use the screwdriver to pry the knockout plug out of the disposal unit carefully. Be cautious not to use excessive force to avoid damaging the disposal or the drain opening.

Step 05 – Inspect and Clean: After removing the plug, inspect the opening to ensure no remaining pieces or sharp edges. Clean any debris that may have fallen into the disposal unit.

Step 06 – Connect the Dishwasher Hose: With the knockout plug successfully removed, you can now connect your dishwasher drain hose to the disposal unit. Ensure that it’s properly secured to prevent leaks.

Step 07 – Turn On Power: Once the dishwasher is connected, you can safely turn the power back on to the garbage disposal.

Remember, if you’re uncomfortable or unsure about any step in this process, it’s always a good idea to seek the assistance of a professional plumber or handyman to ensure a proper and safe connection.