How to Remove A Non-Working Garbage Disposal

Removing an old garbage disposal may become necessary if the disposal has run its life course. Some old garbage disposals are hard wired into the kitchen while others are plugged into a wall socket under the sink. The average do it yourself homeowner can accomplish the removal of an old garbage disposal in just a couple of hours. Before starting to disassemble the disposal turn off the power to the unit at the circuit breaker box.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bucket
• Pipe Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Socket Wrench Set
• Rubber Mallet

1. Place a bucket under the sink trap and the garbage disposal. This will minimize the amount of residual water that may come from the pipes when disconnecting.

2. Disconnect the sink trap from the garbage disposal by unscrewing the retaining nut with a pipe wrench. Disconnect the dishwasher drain hose from the garbage disposal if yours is set up this way. The hose is connected to the garbage disposal using a hose clamp. Simply unscrew the clamp with a screwdriver and remove the hose from the disposal unit.

3. Disconnect the electrical wiring to the disposal. If your disposal is plugged in you just need to unplug it from the wall outlet. A hard wired unit will have an access plate on the disposal. Remove the access plate to reveal the wire connectors inside. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the wires from the old garbage disposal that connect it to the house power. Unscrew the cable clamp with a screwdriver and pull the electrical cable away from the garbage disposal. Screw plastic wire connectors on each individual wire until you know how you are going to use them later.

4. Loosen the screws on the side of the mounting assembly that hold the unit to the sink. Hold the bottom of the old garbage disposal while doing this. When the screws are loose turn the unit counterclockwise to release it from the mounting. Remove the garbage disposal unit from underneath the sink.

5. Unsnap the retainer ring underneath the sink using the blade end of a screwdriver. Using a screwdriver or socket wrench, unscrew the mounting bolts that connect the sink flange to the mounting ring. Remove the rings and gaskets from under the sink.

6. Remove the sink flange from the drain hole. You may have to use a rubber mallet to tap it out from underneath. After it is removed clean away all of the old plumbers putty from around the sink drain hole.

Tips & Warnings

• Always disconnect power to appliances before servicing them.
• If the old electrical wiring is not going to be utilized, remove it from the junction box and secure each bare wire with plastic wire nuts.

[sonni57]

on 8/26/2009 Off with the old and on with the new garbage disposal.

[waters]

on 8/24/2009 Good information on how to remove a non working garbage disposal. 5* and recommended