When your kitchen sink starts acting up, one of the first things you might check is the garbage disposal. This handy appliance can quickly and easily grind up food waste, but it can also become clogged or jammed over time. If you’re experiencing problems with your garbage disposal, don’t despair! In most cases, you can fix the problem yourself with a few simple steps. Cleaning your disposal is as easy as pouring a cup or two of ice cubes followed by a half cup of baking soda into the disposal. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then run cold water for another 15-20 seconds. Or pour a cup of vinegar in your garbage disposal and let it sit overnight. The acidity of the vinegar will help to break down any grease or food buildup.
If your disposal is still not working properly, you may need to remove it to clear the clog. This is a relatively easy process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the disposal or yourself. Before you begin, be sure to turn off the power to the garbage disposal at the breaker box. Unplug the disposal and clear any water from the sink. You may also want to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any sharp objects.
Once you have prepared, you can begin removing the garbage disposal. First, locate the mounting bolts that hold the disposal in place. There are usually three or four bolts, and they are typically located on the bottom of the disposal. Using a wrench, loosen the bolts until the disposal is free from the sink. You may need to use a little force to break the bolts loose. Once the bolts are removed, you can lift the disposal out of the sink. Be careful not to drop the disposal, as it is heavy.
Identifying the Garburator
A garburator, also known as a garbage disposal unit or food waste disposer, is a mechanical device installed under the kitchen sink that grinds up food waste and flushes it down the drain. It’s an incredibly convenient appliance that can help you reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfills, but it’s important to know how to identify your garburator before you attempt to remove it.
Physical Characteristics
Garburators are typically cylindrical in shape and range in size from 6 to 9 inches in diameter. They are usually made of durable materials such as stainless steel or cast iron and are attached to the sink with a mounting bracket. The top of the garburator has a rubber splash guard that prevents food from splashing up into the sink when it’s running. The bottom of the garburator has a drain outlet that connects to the plumbing system.
Location
Garburators are almost always located under the kitchen sink. They are usually installed in the cabinet under the sink, next to the plumbing pipes. If you open the cabinet doors under your kitchen sink, you should be able to see the garburator easily.
Electrical Connection
Garburators are powered by electricity, so they will have an electrical cord that plugs into an outlet under the sink. The electrical cord is usually black or brown and has a three-prong plug. If you unplug the garburator, you should be able to see the electrical connections on the back of the unit.
| Characteristic | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Shape | Cylindrical |
| Size | 6-9 inches in diameter |
| Material | Stainless steel or cast iron |
| Location | Under the kitchen sink |
| Electrical Connection | Three-prong plug |
Shutting Off Utilities
Before beginning any work, it is essential to ensure the safety of your work environment. This involves shutting off all utilities connected to the garburator, including water, electricity, and possibly gas.
Water Supply
1. Locate the water shut-off valve beneath the sink. It is typically a small, round knob or lever.
2. Turn the valve clockwise until it is fully closed.
3. Check if the water supply has been successfully shut off by running the sink faucet. No water should flow.
Electricity
1. Locate the circuit breaker panel for your home or apartment.
2. Identify the circuit breaker that corresponds to the garburator. It should be labeled “Garbage Disposal” or similar.
3. Flip the circuit breaker to the “OFF” position.
4. Verify that the electricity has been turned off by attempting to operate the garburator. It should not run.
Gas Line (if applicable)
1. If your garburator is equipped with a gas line, it is crucial to shut off the gas supply.
2. Locate the gas shut-off valve, which is typically a lever adjacent to the gas meter.
3. Turn the valve perpendicular to the gas line to shut off the gas supply.
4. Check that the gas supply has been successfully turned off by lighting a stovetop burner. No flame should ignite.
| Utility | Shut-Off Procedure |
|---|---|
| Water | Turn valve beneath sink clockwise until closed |
| Electricity | Flip circuit breaker to “OFF” position |
| Gas (if applicable) | Turn valve perpendicular to gas line |
Disconnecting the Garburator
Once you have secured the power and water supply to the garburator, it’s time to disconnect it. This involves a few steps:
1. Disconnect the Drain Line
Locate the drain line that connects the garburator to the sink drain. Place a bucket underneath the drain line to catch any water that may come out. Using a wrench or pliers, loosen the nuts or bolts that secure the drain line to the garburator. Carefully pull the drain line away from the garburator.
2. Disconnect the Dishwasher Drain Line
If your garburator is connected to a dishwasher drain line, you will need to disconnect it as well. Locate the dishwasher drain line and follow the same steps as in step 1 to disconnect it from the garburator.
3. Disconnect the Electrical Wiring
Locate the electrical junction box that houses the wires for the garburator. Turn off the breaker or fuse that powers the garburator. Using a screwdriver, remove the cover of the junction box. Inside the junction box, there will be three wires: black, white, and green. Disconnect the black wire (line voltage) and the white wire (neutral) from the garburator. The green wire (ground) should be left connected.
4. Remove the Garburator from the Sink
The garburator is typically held in place by a metal clamp ring. Depending on the model of your garburator, the clamp ring may be held in place by screws or a bayonet-style mechanism. Use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the screws or release the bayonet-style mechanism. Once the clamp ring is loose, you can carefully lift the garburator out of the sink.
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Wrench or pliers | Loosen nuts or bolts |
| Screwdriver | Remove junction box cover |
| Screwdriver or wrench | Loosen clamp ring screws |
Removing the Mounting Assembly
The mounting assembly is the part that holds the garbage disposal in place. To remove it, you will need to:
- Disconnect the power to the garbage disposal.
- Remove the screws that secure the mounting assembly to the sink.
- Lift the mounting assembly up and off of the garbage disposal.
- Disconnect the rubber boot from the bottom of the mounting assembly.
- Locate the retaining ring that is holding the garbage disposal in place. Using a pair of pliers, carefully pry the retaining ring up and off of the garbage disposal. There will usually be 3 or 4 clips around the circumference of the ring, so apply upward pressure evenly around the entire ring.
- Remove the garbage disposal from the sink.
Uninstalling the Garburator Unit
1. Disconnecting Power
Safety first! Begin by flipping the circuit breaker that powers your garburator. This step is crucial to prevent electrical shocks during the removal process.
2. Draining Water
Open the faucet and let cold water run into the disposal. Allow the water to drain until the disposal is empty.
3. Disconnecting Plumbing
Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the dishwasher drain hose from the garburator. Next, disconnect the drain line from the sink to the garburator.
4. Loosen Mounting Bolts
Locate the mounting bolts that secure the garburator to the sink flange. Using a socket wrench or screwdriver, loosen these bolts but don’t remove them completely.
5. Remove the Unit
Carefully grasp the garburator unit and gently pull it down from the sink flange. Be mindful not to drop or damage the unit.
6. Clean the Sink Flange and Install New Gasket
Remove any debris or old sealant from the sink flange. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty or silicone sealant to the flange to create a watertight seal.
| Tips for Removing the Garburator |
| • Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself during the process. |
| • If possible, have a helper assist you with the removal. |
| • If the garburator is stuck, try gently tapping it with a rubber mallet. |
Reinstalling the Garburator
Once the garburator has been disconnected, it can be reinstalled by following these steps:
- Place the new garburator in the sink opening and align it with the drain.
- Tighten the mounting bolts to secure the garburator in place.
- Connect the water supply line to the garburator.
- Connect the electrical cord to the garburator.
- Connect the drain pipe to the garburator.
- Tighten all the connections to ensure that they are secure.
- Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
- Turn on the electrical power and test the garburator by running some water through it.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having problems reinstalling the garburator, check the following:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The garburator is not turning on. | Check that the electrical cord is properly connected and that the circuit breaker is not tripped. |
| The garburator is leaking water. | Check that all the connections are tight and that there are no cracks in the drain pipe. |
| The garburator is not grinding food properly. | Check that the blade is sharp and that there is no food clogging the garburator. |
How To Remove Garburator
If your garburator is clogged or not working properly, you may need to remove it to clean or replace it. Here are the steps on how to remove a garburator:
- Turn off the power to the garburator at the circuit breaker panel.
- Turn off the water supply to the garburator.
- Disconnect the drain line from the garburator.
- Disconnect the power cord from the garburator.
- Loosen the mounting bolts that hold the garburator in place.
- Carefully remove the garburator from the sink.
Once you have removed the garburator, you can clean or replace it as needed. To reinstall the garburator, simply follow the steps in reverse order.
People Also Ask About How To Remove Garburator
What tools do I need to remove a garburator?
You will need the following tools to remove a garburator:
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Bucket
- Flashlight
How do I know if my garburator is clogged?
There are a few signs that may indicate your garburator is clogged:
- Water is not draining properly from the sink.
- You hear a humming sound when you turn on the garburator.
- The garburator is leaking.
How do I clean a garburator?
To clean a garburator, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the garburator at the circuit breaker panel.
- Turn off the water supply to the garburator.
- Remove the drain line from the garburator.
- Disconnect the power cord from the garburator.
- Loosen the mounting bolts that hold the garburator in place.
- Carefully remove the garburator from the sink.
- Use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the garburator for any clogs.
- Use a pair of pliers to remove any clogs that you find.
- Reassemble the garburator and reinstall it in the sink.
