Garbage disposals are a convenient way to get rid of food waste, but they can also be a pain to remove when they break down. If you’re not careful, you could end up damaging your sink or plumbing. That’s why it’s important to follow these steps carefully when removing a garbage disposal.
First, you’ll need to turn off the power to the garbage disposal. You can do this by flipping the breaker that controls the power to the kitchen. Once the power is off, you can disconnect the garbage disposal from the power cord. Next, you’ll need to disconnect the water supply to the garbage disposal. You can do this by turning off the water valve that controls the water supply to the kitchen. Once the water supply is off, you can disconnect the water hose from the garbage disposal.
Now, you’re ready to remove the garbage disposal from the sink. You can do this by unscrewing the mounting bolts that hold the garbage disposal in place. Once the mounting bolts are removed, you can lift the garbage disposal out of the sink. Be careful not to drop the garbage disposal, as it is heavy. Once the garbage disposal is removed, you can clean the sink and install a new garbage disposal.
Disconnecting Power
Before beginning any work on your garbage disposal, it is crucial to disconnect the power supply to prevent electrical hazards. Follow these steps to safely disconnect the power:
- Turn Off the Circuit Breaker: Locate the electrical panel in your home and identify the circuit breaker labeled for the garbage disposal. Flip the breaker to the “off” position.
- Test the Power: Use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure the power is disconnected. Touch the tip of the tester to the electrical terminals of the garbage disposal. If the tester does not light up, the power is successfully disconnected.
- Disconnect the Wires: Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the terminal screws on the garbage disposal. Carefully disconnect the wires from the terminals, ensuring you remember which wires go to which terminals.
Additional Safety Precautions:
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from debris.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Have a bucket or bowl on hand to catch any water that may leak.
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Turn off the circuit breaker. |
| 2 | Test the power. |
| 3 | Disconnect the wires by loosening the terminal screws and removing the wires. |
Using a Wrench or Pliers
If you don’t have a garbage disposal wrench, you can use a pair of adjustable pliers to remove the disposal. Grip the disposal’s mounting ring with the pliers and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
Once the mounting ring is loose, you can pull the disposal down from the sink. Be careful not to drop the disposal, as it is heavy.
If you are having trouble removing the disposal by hand, you can use a rubber mallet to tap the disposal loose. Place the rubber mallet on the side of the disposal and tap it gently until the disposal comes loose.
Once the disposal is loose, you can disconnect the plumbing and electrical connections. To disconnect the plumbing connections, use a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the water lines and drain line to the disposal. To disconnect the electrical connections, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the electrical wires to the disposal.
Once the plumbing and electrical connections are disconnected, you can remove the disposal from the sink.
| Tools Needed: | Adjustable pliers or garbage disposal wrench |
| Time Required: | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Reinstalling the Garbage Disposal
To reinstall the garbage disposal, follow these steps:
1. Position the Disposal
Place the new garbage disposal unit against the sink flange. Align the mounting bracket holes with the holes in the flange.
2. Insert Bolt and Neoprene Washer
Take the long bolt and a neoprene washer. Insert the bolt through the hole in the mounting bracket and slide the washer over the bolt.
3. Tighten Bolt and Install Other Bolts
Tighten the bolt using a screwdriver or wrench. Repeat this process for the remaining bolts.
4. Align Disposal and Flange
Ensure that the disposal is aligned with the flange. If necessary, adjust the bolts to ensure proper alignment.
5. Install the Sink Flange
Place the sink flange over the mounting bracket and align the holes. Secure the flange with the provided screws.
6. Connect the Dishwasher Drain Hose
If your disposal has a dishwasher drain hose connection, attach the hose to the appropriate port on the disposal.
7. Connect the Power Supply
Locate the electrical wires coming from the garbage disposal. Connect the black wire to the hot terminal, the white wire to the neutral terminal, and the green wire to the ground terminal. If your disposal has a reset button, press it to ensure it is functional.
8. Test the Disposal
Run water into the sink and turn on the disposal. Check for any leaks or unusual noises.
Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
Maintaining your garbage disposal is crucial for its optimal performance and longevity. Here are some tips to keep your disposal in top shape:
Regular Cleaning
Run cold water through the disposal for 15-20 seconds to flush away any food particles or debris.
Natural Deodorizers
Grind citrus peels, lemon slices, or ice cubes to eliminate unpleasant odors and freshen your disposal.
Avoid Grease and Oil
Never pour grease, oil, or fatty substances down the disposal, as they can clog and damage the system.
Quarterly Inspection
Check the disposal’s condition every three months. Look for any leaks, loose connections, or unusual noises.
Reset Button
If the disposal stops working, check for a reset button on the underside of the unit.
Caution with Certain Items
Avoid grinding fibrous materials like celery, bones, or eggshells, as they can get tangled and cause a jam.
Preventative Measures
Install a dishwasher air gap to prevent backflow into the disposal and keep the dishwasher clean.
Ice and Baking Soda
For a thorough cleaning, grind ice cubes and baking soda together to remove grease and freshen the disposal.
Never Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners can damage the disposal’s components and void your warranty. Instead, opt for natural cleaning methods.
| Food Item | Acceptable | Not Acceptable |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Yes | Fibrous items like celery |
| Meat and Poultry | Yes | Bones |
| Dairy Products | Yes | Eggshells, large amounts |
| Coffee Grounds | Yes | In small amounts |
| Grease and Oil | No | Can clog the system |
Hiring a Professional
In some cases, hiring a professional plumber may be the best option for removing your garbage disposal. This is especially true if you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring or if your disposal is particularly difficult to remove. A professional plumber will have the necessary tools and expertise to safely and efficiently remove your disposal.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
- Safety: A professional plumber will be familiar with the electrical wiring and plumbing connections associated with a garbage disposal, minimizing the risk of injury.
- Efficiency: A professional plumber will have the necessary tools and experience to remove your disposal quickly and efficiently, saving you time and hassle.
- Warranty: Many professional plumbers offer warranties on their work, providing you with peace of mind that your disposal has been removed correctly.
Costs of Hiring a Professional
The cost of hiring a professional plumber to remove a garbage disposal can vary depending on the complexity of the job and the location. Generally, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for this service.
Finding a Professional Plumber
To find a reputable professional plumber, you can:
- Ask for recommendations from friends or family members.
- Check online review websites such as HomeAdvisor or Angie’s List.
- Contact local plumbing companies and ask for quotes.
Once you have hired a professional plumber, be sure to communicate your needs clearly and provide them with any relevant information about your garbage disposal. By following these steps, you can ensure that your disposal is removed safely and efficiently.
How To Remove A Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is not working properly, you may need to remove it to troubleshoot the problem. Here are the steps on how to remove a garbage disposal:
- Turn off the power to the garbage disposal. This can be done by flipping the circuit breaker or removing the fuse that powers the disposal.
- Disconnect the water supply to the garbage disposal. This can be done by turning off the water valve under the sink.
- Loosen the mounting bolts that hold the garbage disposal in place. These bolts are usually located on the bottom of the disposal.
- Disconnect the drain line from the garbage disposal. This can be done by loosening the clamp that holds the drain line in place.
- Carefully lift the garbage disposal out of the sink. Be sure to support the weight of the disposal with one hand while you disconnect the wires with the other hand.
Once you have removed the garbage disposal, you can troubleshoot the problem and replace it if necessary.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my garbage disposal is broken?
There are a few signs that your garbage disposal may be broken, including:
- The disposal is making a loud noise.
- The disposal is not grinding food properly.
- The disposal is leaking water.
- The disposal is not turning on.
Can I remove a garbage disposal myself?
Yes, you can remove a garbage disposal yourself if you are comfortable working with plumbing and electrical. However, it is important to follow the safety precautions listed above to avoid injury.
How much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal?
The cost to replace a garbage disposal will vary depending on the type of disposal you choose and the labor costs in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a new garbage disposal.
