Are you tired of your old, rusty garbage disposal taking up space under your sink? Is it making strange noises or leaking water? If so, it’s time to replace it. Replacing a garbage disposal is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few hours. However, before you can install a new disposal, you need to remove the old one. Here are the steps on how to remove an old garbage disposal:
First, you need to turn off the power to the disposal. This can be done by flipping the circuit breaker that powers the disposal or by unplugging the disposal from the outlet. Once the power is off, you can disconnect the water supply to the disposal. To do this, turn off the water valve under the sink and then disconnect the water line from the disposal. Once the water is disconnected, you can start to remove the disposal from the sink. To do this, you will need to loosen the mounting nuts that hold the disposal in place. Once the nuts are loose, you can pull the disposal down from the sink. Be careful not to drop the disposal, as it is heavy.
Once the disposal is removed from the sink, you can disconnect the electrical wires that power the disposal. To do this, simply use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the wires in place. Once the wires are disconnected, you can remove the disposal from the cabinet. Be sure to dispose of the old disposal properly. You can either recycle it or throw it away in the trash. Now that the old disposal is removed, you can install the new disposal. However, replacing the disposal is a topic for another article.
Disconnecting Water Lines
Before disconnecting any water lines, ensure that the water supply to the disposal is turned off. Locate the shut-off valve beneath the sink and turn it clockwise to close it. Once the water is turned off, proceed with the following steps:
- Locate the water lines connecting to the disposal. Typically, there will be two lines: one for hot water and one for cold water. They will be connected to the disposal using compression fittings.
- Using an adjustable wrench, carefully loosen the compression nuts that secure the water lines to the disposal. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the nuts or fittings.
- Once the nuts are loose, gently pull the water lines away from the disposal. If they are stuck, use a pair of pliers to carefully wiggle them loose.
- Once the water lines are disconnected, plug the open ends of the lines to prevent water from leaking. You can use rubber caps or duct tape to seal the openings.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for disconnecting water lines:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn off water supply. |
| 2 | Locate and loosen compression nuts. |
| 3 | Pull water lines away from disposal. |
| 4 | Plug open ends of water lines. |
Removing the Drain Line
4. Removing the Drain Line
The drain line is the pipe that connects the disposal to the sink drain. Removing it is necessary to completely remove the disposal unit.
4.1. Gather Your Tools
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket
- Rags
4.2. Detach the Drain Line
- Place the bucket under the drain line to catch any dripping water.
- Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the connection between the drain line and the disposal unit.
- Gently pull the drain line off the disposal.
4.3. Clean the Drain Line
- Inspect the drain line for any clogs or blockages.
- Use a drain cleaner or auger to remove any debris.
- Rinse the drain line with water to clear out any remaining residue.
4.4. Reattaching the Drain Line
- If the drain line is in good condition, you can reattach it to the disposal.
- Apply a small amount of plumber’s putty to the end of the drain line.
- Tighten the connection between the drain line and the disposal unit using the adjustable wrench.
Removing the Old Disposal
1. Shut Off Water and Electricity
Prior to commencing the removal process, ensure that both the water supply and electrical power to the disposal unit are turned off. Locate the water shut-off valve beneath the sink and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. Next, access the circuit breaker panel and switch off the breaker supplying power to the garbage disposal.
2. Disconnect Water Lines
Identify the two water lines connected to the disposal unit: one for cold water and one for hot water. Using a pair of adjustable pliers, gently loosen the nuts that secure these lines to the disposal. Be careful not to over-tighten or damage the nuts.
3. Disconnect Drain Line
Locate the drain line connected to the disposal unit and use a wrench to loosen the clamp that holds it in place. Carefully detach the drain line from the disposal.
4. Remove Mounting Bolts
The disposal unit is typically secured to the sink flange with three or four mounting bolts. Using a socket wrench or screwdriver, remove these bolts and gently lift the disposal unit free from the flange.
5. Clean Sink Flange
Once the disposal unit is removed, take the opportunity to clean the sink flange. Remove any food particles or debris that may have accumulated around the flange. This will help prevent clogs and ensure a proper seal when installing the new disposal.
6. Inspect and Clean Electrical Components
After disconnecting the disposal unit, take a moment to inspect the electrical components. Look for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or loose connections. If you notice any issues, consult with a qualified electrician before proceeding further. Additionally, clean the electrical terminals on both the disposal unit and the power cord to ensure good electrical contact.
| Disposal Unit | Power Cord |
|---|---|
| Clean terminals with a wire brush or sandpaper. | Clean terminals with a wire brush or sandpaper. |
| Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the terminals. | Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the terminals. |
Disconnect the Drain Line
Locate the drain line beneath the sink and disconnect it from the disposal. You’ll need to use a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen the clamp. Be careful not to damage the drain line.
Reconnect the Drain Line
Once the disposal is removed, you can reconnect the drain line to the new disposal. First, slide the clamp over the drain line and onto the new disposal’s drain port. Then, tighten the clamp using a pair of pliers or a wrench.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to reconnecting the drain line:
Step 1: Gather your materials
You will need the following materials:
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Drain line | 1 |
| Disposal | 1 |
| Clamp | 1 |
| Pliers or wrench | 1 |
Step 2: Disconnect the drain line
Locate the drain line beneath the sink and disconnect it from the disposal. You’ll need to use a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen the clamp.
Step 3: Slide the clamp onto the new disposal
Slide the clamp over the drain line and onto the new disposal’s drain port.
Step 4: Tighten the clamp
Tighten the clamp using a pair of pliers or a wrench.
Step 5: Test the connection
Turn on the water and check for leaks.
How To Remove Old Disposal
To remove an old disposal, follow these steps:
1. **Turn off the power to the disposal.** This can be done at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
2. **Disconnect the water supply to the disposal.** This can be done by turning off the water valve under the sink.
3. **Loosen the mounting bolts that hold the disposal in place.** There are usually three or four bolts, located around the perimeter of the disposal.
4. **Pull the disposal straight down to remove it from the sink.** Be careful not to drop the disposal, as it is heavy.
5. **Disconnect the electrical wires from the disposal.** There are usually two or three wires, connected to the terminals on the disposal.
6. **Dispose of the old disposal according to your local regulations.**
People also ask
How do I know if my disposal is broken?
There are a few signs that your disposal may be broken:
• It makes a loud noise when it is running.
• It does not grind food properly.
• It leaks water.
• It has a burning smell.
How can I fix a broken disposal?
There are a few things you can try to fix a broken disposal:
• Check the power cord to make sure it is plugged in securely.
• Check the water supply to make sure it is turned on.
• Reset the disposal by pressing the reset button on the bottom of the unit.
• If the disposal is still not working, you may need to call a plumber.
