If you're remodeling or constructing a new kitchen, it's a great idea to equip your kitchen with a trash cabinet. Or maybe you want to replace your trash compactor with and create a sliding drawer to access your hidden garbage can.
One popular design is the wall-mounted, swing-out trash cabinet that contains trash cans equipeed with an automatic foot pedal at the bottom. It works much like the pedal in a car or truck would. When you step on the pedal, the cabinet swings out, providing access to your kitchen trash can which is ready to receive your trash.
It's a convenient system that adds style and convenience to your kitchen. It also allows for your messy trash bin to remain hidden.
We’re sure that when you first come across these devices, you ask yourself “How does a foot pull work to open a trash cabinet?” Here’s how.
A foot pull is a mechanism built into the underside of many double-action and single-action trash cabinets. By pulling the trigger to release the foot pedal, it releases the cabinet's pressure plate, which in turn allows for the top cabinet door to be opened.
Unlike a trash cart, a foot pull allows your garbage storage to remain concealed. It’s an upgrade from the step trash can and gives more room for stowing your recycling bin. It could even act as specialized waste containers for diapers, yard waste, or other recycling.
Having your trash container within a kitchen cabinet is convenient. The only slight drawbacks are that there may be some odor from food scraps or other organic material if your trash and recycle bins aren't equipped with a lid. You'll want to regularly replace and remove your kitchen trash bag to prevent those foul smells.
How a foot pull works to open a trash cabinet depends a bit on the design of the trash cabinet. A foot pull typically has 2-3 buttons or levers on either side where you'll place your foot. You'll also find a cable attached to the pull that pierces the bottom cabinet door. Step on the pedal pulls up on this cable, allowing the door to open.
The foot pull will have a cable that connects to the pressure plate. When you step on the foot pedal, the cable pulls on the pressure plate and causes it to release, which in turn causes the cabinet doors to open.
In other designs, there are still a lot of similarities. The foot pedal will have a cable running to the pressure plate. The only difference is that the cable itself can move up and down independently along a track. When this cable moves down, it causes tension on the pressure plate and releases it.
A more complex design of a foot pull has a trigger lever mounted near the top of the trash cabinet's door. You'll find an electric switch that makes contact with this lever. When turned on, this switch causes it to activate and open the cabinet door.
Foot pulls can come in many different styles, but the basic way they work is the same. The foot pedal releases the pressure plate that opens the top cabinet door. Some foot pulls use a cable; others have a lever.
This section will go through step-by-step procedures on how a foot pull works to open a trash cabinet.
Foot pulls can be single action or double action. Double-action foot pulls are more expensive than their single-action counterparts, but they allow for more flexibility. A single-action foot pull is usually located on a cabinet door, allowing you to open the door using your foot. Double-action foot pulls mount somewhere on the side of a cabinet and allows you to open one or two doors at once.
You should consider both types of foot pulls if you plan to build a kitchen with a trash cabinet. Since many designs are available, you may want to look into both options. You will have to figure out which design works best for your kitchen.
You can mount the pressure plate anywhere on the underside of the trash cabinet. There are two mounting locations where you need to be sure that it's not interfering with any pipes or other obstructions when you're mounting it.
Depending on your foot pull design, you may have a door plate that can be used to mount the pressure plate. This fits over the top of the cabinet door and screws into two locations. It's located with a thumb screw. It's more secure than using a wire loop. Some foot pulls don't come with a mounting plate, so if yours doesn't, it may be included.
Connect the cable attached to the foot pedal to the cable attached to the pressure plate.
If you're using a double-action foot pull, there may be two cables that need to be attached. It all depends on how many cabinets it opens. They should connect to the cables on the mounting plate.
You should mount the mounting plate to one of your upper cabinets in your kitchen (not across from it). This will allow the foot retractor cable to pass between the upper and lower cabinets. This will make setting up and keeping your foot pedal in place.
Depending on your foot pull design, a mounting plate may be included with the pull. You can use the mounting plate if you have a double-action foot pull. You'll need a mounting plate if you have a single-action foot pull.
The mounting plate will have two holes for a thumb screw. Use a screwdriver to attach the plate to the cabinet. If you have a mounting plate, it will have two holes to which a thumb screw can be attached. Use 4-6 feet long screws to attach the plate to the cabinet.
The foot pedal should have a cable that connects to the pressure plate's cable. This cable will run from under the trash cabinet up through the top of the cabinet. There should be a hole in the side of your cabinet for this. Some cabinets have extra space inside them that you can use to run wires.
Connecting this pedal is easy. You'll need to drill two holes at one end of the pedal and insert two screws, then drill two holes on your floor or another flat surface and insert two screws.
The cable with your foot pull should have a switch on one end, which makes contact when you turn it on. The other end should connect to the cable from the pressure plate.
Connect the cable from your pedal to the switch on the cable coming from the pressure plate. Make sure there's a hole in this switch for your cable. This hole should be on the inside of the cabinet door.
You may want to secure your pedal using a screw in the bottom of the cabinet. This will make sure that it doesn't sag over time. If you're using a double-action foot pull, make sure you don't connect the cable from this pedal to pressure plates on either side of your cabinet.
Before you mount your trash cabinet, you'll want to test the foot pedal to ensure it activates both doors and opens them in opposite directions. You'll need a floor or another flat surface to attach it to, such as a countertop or wall. Attach this end of the cable (from underneath) of the pedal to a screw on your countertop. Attach the other end of the cable to the pressure plate. The pedal should then turn and open both doors.
Before inserting it into your cabinet, make sure that you double-checked that you drilled two holes in the right positions. There should be a hole on either side of the door near the edge. You can exercise your foot pedal cable to make sure it's securely attached before putting it in.
It's time to put your trash cabinet into the kitchen. Make sure that you've tested the foot pedal and that it works before you put it in. If everything works well, mount your trash cabinet securely in the opening you made for it.
First, make your hole the size of the hole in your cabinet. Make sure that you measure before you take any measurements. If possible, place it next to the opening and try to set it up in the opening.
If you're using a double-action foot pull, one end should be mounted and connected to the mounting plate on one side of the cabinet. The other end should be mounted and connected to the cable from the pressure plate.
Before inserting your trash cabinet into the opening, ensure you've checked out your foot pedal, and it's working properly. If everything is okay, insert the trash cabinet into the opening using center support. You may have to take out one or two of your upper cabinets to make them fit. The trash cabinet should fit without any problems.
Now, you'll be able to use your foot pedal. Just step on it and watch the doors open. If they don't open, ensure the pedal is working properly and that you've installed all your cables correctly.
Complete any additional cleaning around your trash cabinet, such as moving furniture or cleaning up the dust. Once you've finished with these tasks, your trash cabinet is ready to use for organizing your garbage.
