A few posts back, we talked about how to clear jams and do electrical resets to your garbage disposal to avoid replacing it, altogether. What happens if you do need to replace it, even after clearing and resetting it? That’s what we’ll show you in this post.
Replacing a garbage disposal can be a very easy DIY project for the average homeowner. This post assumes you are actually replacing an old disposal and not installing a new one, from scratch. This means the sink components are already installed, plumbing and electrical connections are all available, correct, and to your local code.
Once you’ve turned off the water, begin by disconnecting your dishwasher hose (if you have one — it is the clamped connection near the top of the disposal). Next, loosen your plumbing connection. You may have difficulty actually removing this connection without removing the disposal, so we’ll just get it loose, for now.
Now, you’re ready to uninstall the disposal. This just requires a straight slot screwdriver and a hammer. As you can see in the video, you pound against the lower ring that secures the disposal to the sink in a clockwise direction. This releases the disposal and you should now be able to disconnect the loosed plumbing connection, with ease. Remember, you still have the electrical connections in place.
The disposal should be a switched electrical connection, so as long as it’s switched off (should be, otherwise your disposal will be running during this process), you should be safe from electrical shock. If you want further assurance, shut the breaker off at the panel.
Disconnect the electrical connections and you should be ready to proceed with the new disposal.
PLEASE NOTE: All new disposals come with a dishwasher connection that has been “plugged.” Just pop that plug out with a screwdriver and hammer, but be sure to take the plug out of the inside of the disposal. Both of these steps are commonly forgotten and you either end up with dirty water backing up into the dishwasher or damage to your new disposal blades.
Your plumbing connection on the new disposal should be a pipe that elbows or bends 90 degrees, a gasket, and a securing ring. Slide the gasket over the pipe so that it fits snugly up against the disposal when the pipe is in place. Slide the securing ring over the pipe and secure in place with the screws provided.
Now, re-connect your electrical connections.
This last part can be a bit tricky. I find it easiest to “dry fit” your plumbing connection, first. In other words, put it in place with all the securing screws and gaskets in the right place, but don’t tighten anything. Next, install the new disposal with the securing ring at the top. Getting this ring to rest on all three ledges and tighten may take a few tries and your plumbing connection may “pop” out a few times. Just keep at it and you’ll get it. I find it easiest to “palm” the base of the disposal with my left hand and hold it as level as possible while using my right hand to secure the ring.
Lastly, tighten down your plumbing connection, reconnect the dishwasher (if you have one), and turn the water back on. Be sure to watch for leaks and tighten any plumbing connections that loosened during the installation.