If your old garbage disposal is getting worn down, or simply making too much noise, it's actually quite easy to replace it. We'll show you how, step by step, to put in a brand new and more energy efficient disposal. Before we get started, make sure that you have all the tools you'll need for the project.

We recommend:

• A pipe wrench (if you have metal pipes)
• A regular wrench (sized appropriately for your pipes)
• Screwdrivers (both Phillips and Flathead)
• An empty bucket

First, you're going to need to disconnect the electricity to the disposal. A lot of people make the mistake of thinking it's safe if it's turned off, but this is incredibly dangerous. Locate the appropriate circuit and flip the switch to turn off the power to this fixture. If you cannot find that, you can always trip the main breaker to be safe, but you'll need to have a battery operated light.

Now, you'll need to clean out the area under your sink to make sure you have plenty of room to work. After this is done, start loosening the drain pipe. If it's a metal pipe, you may need to crank on it a bit to get it loose, especially if it is corroded. If it is a PVC pipe, you should be able to loosen it by hand. If not gently use a wrench to loosen it. Please make sure that you do not warp the PVC pipe. If you do, you will not be able to reconnect it. Grab that empty bucket to catch any water that may be left in the p-trap. That's the U shaped pipe if you're not familiar with it.

It's now time to remove the old disposal. There are several different kinds and each one may require a different technique. We'll provide general instructions, but if you happen to have your old manual around, it's a good idea to consult it before going further. There should be three loops of metal located at the top of the old disposal. Take your flathead screwdriver and place it through the first loop. Turn it slowly in a counterclockwise direction.

IMPORTANT: disposals can be very heavy and it only takes about a three quarter turn to loosen it. Be cautious and slowly loosen that loop so that the unit does not suddenly drop on top of you.

Now, remove the old strainer that is located between where the unit used to be and the sink. There should be a "snap rink" on that strainer. You can use your flathead screwdriver once again to pry that off. Now, you should be able to remove any gaskets or secondary strainers. Remember, if it won't come free easily, it's most likely corroded. Wiggle it back and forth to free it. You may need to use WD40 if this doesn't work.

Once the old unit has been removed, place it aside and unpack your new unit. The process for installation is the exact reverse of what you just did. Make sure you follow the instructions provided with the new unit, just in case.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-11-22 17:26:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Categories:

Garbage Disposal, Handy Man, Kitchen, Replace, Sink

Tags:

counterclockwise direction, disposals, drain pipe, electricity, flathead screwdriver, Garbage Disposal, metal pipe, metal pipes, mistake, p trap, phillips, pipe wrench, pvc pipe, several different kinds, warp