A garbage disposal is one of the most underrated appliances in the entire kitchen. It is there, when you need it, ready to chop up food waste. It helps keep your garbage clear of biodegradable material that will only make your kitchen smell as it sits out. However, as is the case with any appliance, there may be a time when it will wear down and you'll need to remove it to replace with another disposal. Should that happen, you will need to know how to remove a garbage disposal.
What Is a Garbage Disposal?
The garbage disposal is located under the sink. Typically, you will have a split sink where one drain connects directly to the water line running out of the kitchen. The other drain will run into the garbage disposal and then connect to the line running out of the kitchen. If you have a dishwasher, it will connect to the garbage disposal as well.
The garbage disposal is a circular appliance a little smaller than a square foot (although there are different models, so some garbage disposals will be bigger and others will be smaller). The disposal has a series of spinning blades on the bottom of the device. These blades are similar to those of a coffee grinder. When you run the disposal, the blades will spin and chop up whatever is put down the disposal. This is used to help chop up food waste you will not be using.
By chopping up the food waste, the garbage disposal helps keep material out of the trash. This not only reduces the debris that ends up in a landfill but it also helps prevent your kitchen from smelling. If you didn't have a garbage disposal, the food particles would end up sitting in the trash for days, causing the degrading food's odor to linger throughout the
house.
We're assuming that you have already picked out your garbage disposal and are replacing the old model with a new one. If you haven't picked out which model is best for you, check out our top most affordable garbage disposals in 2023:
What You'll Need Beforehand
Beyond the pan you only really need a flat head screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver. You can wear safety glasses and gloves if you'd like, but you're not working with electricity or anything sharp, so those items are not necessary. You should have some towels on hand, just in case. If you've recently poured drain cleaner down the garbage disposal (because of a clog) you'll want to open nearby windows so fumes from the cleaner's chemicals do not linger (often these chemicals have a heavy dose of bleach).
Now you have everything on hand you need you are ready to begin the steps for how to remove a garbage disposal.
How to Remove a Garbage Disposal Properly
The first step in how to remove a garbage disposal is to turn off the water running into the sink. The water control valve for the kitchen will be located under the sink. Just turn this off and you're ready to continue.
With the water shut down, the next step for how to remove a garbage disposal is to position the water collecting pan under the disposal. You'll probably need to clear out any other material from under the sink to give you some space to work. The biggest issue here is space (especially if you have a small kitchen). You might want to have a flashlight on hand too, as some disposals may have screws on the rear side of the appliance (although if you don't have a flashlight you can either use the flash on your cell phone or just go by touch).
7 Easy Steps To Remove Your Garbage Disposal
The next step is to disconnect the drainpipes that are connected to the garbage disposal. The drainpipes are usually connected to the garbage disposal with slip nuts or compression fittings. You may need a pair of pliers to help you loosen the nuts. Place a bucket or a pan underneath the drainpipes to catch any water or debris that may come out.
The mounting assembly is the part that connects the garbage disposal to the sink. There are three mounting bolts that hold the mounting assembly in place. You will need a screwdriver and a pair of pliers to remove the mounting assembly. First, locate the three mounting bolts that secure the mounting assembly to the sink. Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts and then remove them. Once the mounting assembly is loose, use a pair of pliers to gently wiggle it free from the sink.
The garbage disposal is connected to the power supply by electrical wires. Carefully remove the wire nuts that connect the wires, and then separate the wires. You may need to use a pair of wire cutters to cut the wires if they are stuck or hard to remove.
After you have disconnected the drainpipes, the mounting assembly, and the electrical wires, the garbage disposal should be free to remove. To remove the garbage disposal, you may need to use a little force to pull it out. If the garbage disposal is stuck, you can use a pry bar or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it loose. Once the garbage disposal is removed, place it on a flat surface.
Once you have removed the garbage disposal, it's important to clean the sink thoroughly. Make sure to remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated around the mounting assembly. Use a scraper or a putty knife to remove any leftover adhesive or sealant from the mounting assembly.
If you plan to install a new garbage disposal, you will need to follow the manufacturer's instructions - each manufacturer has a different connection system. Some use an EZ Mount, others use the traditional 3 bolt system. In general, you will need to install a mounting bracket, connect the drainpipes, and then attach the new garbage disposal to the mounting assembly. Make sure to tighten the mounting bolts securely to prevent the garbage disposal from moving or leaking. Run water through the system with it running after installation to confirm that no leaks are present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn off the electricity before removing the garbage disposal?
Yes, it is important to turn off the power supply before you start working on the disposal. Locate the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the garbage disposal and turn it off.
How do I know if I can remove the disposal myself?
If you have basic plumbing skills and some experience with tools, you may be able to remove the garbage disposal yourself. However, if you are not comfortable working with plumbing or electrical systems, it's best to call a professional plumber to do the job for you.
Can I reuse the old mounting assembly when installing a new garbage disposal?
It's generally not recommended to reuse the old mounting assembly as it may not fit the new garbage disposal properly. It's best to use a new mounting assembly that comes with your new garbage disposal.
What should I do with the old garbage disposal?
If the old garbage disposal is still in good condition, you may be able to sell it or donate it to a local charity. Otherwise, you can take it to a recycling center or dispose of it as you would any other household waste.
Can I replace a garbage disposal with a different model or brand?
Yes, you can replace your old garbage disposal with a different model or brand, as long as it's compatible with your plumbing system and the sink. Some sink flanges may have different connections such as EZ Mount and the 3 bolt system. Be sure to check the specifications of the new disposal before purchasing it.
How long does it take to remove a garbage disposal?
The time it takes to remove a garbage disposal can vary depending on the complexity of the job and the experience of the person doing the work. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove a garbage disposal.
Replacing your old garbage disposal? Check out these top selling garbage disposals in 2023 from Amazon.com:
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Last update on 2024-03-28 at 04:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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