How to remove a garbage disposal from a kitchen sink

I recently remodeled my kitchen and decided to replace my old garbage disposal with a new one. I found the process of removing the old disposal to be surprisingly straightforward. I followed these steps and was able to complete the task in about an hour.

Disconnect Power and Water

The first step is to shut off the power and water supply to the disposal. I found the power switch for my disposal under the sink, and it was a simple matter of flipping it to the “off” position. To shut off the water, I located the shut-off valve for the cold water line to the sink. It was a small, lever-style valve that I turned clockwise to close it. I then ran the faucet for a few seconds to drain any remaining water from the pipes. It’s important to make sure the power and water are completely off before proceeding, to avoid any potential hazards.

Disconnect the Drain Pipe

Next, I had to disconnect the drain pipe that connected the disposal to the main drain line. I found that the pipe was secured with a slip-on clamp. I used a pair of pliers to loosen the clamp and then carefully pulled the drain pipe away from the disposal. I placed a bucket underneath the disposal to catch any remaining water or debris; This step was a little messy, so I recommend wearing gloves and old clothes. It’s also a good idea to have a towel handy to wipe up any spills. Once the drain pipe was disconnected, I set it aside for later reinstallation.

Disconnect the Electrical Wiring

Before I could remove the disposal, I had to disconnect the electrical wiring. I turned off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker. I then carefully removed the wire connectors from the disposal’s electrical terminals. I made sure to note which wire went to which terminal so that I could reconnect them correctly when installing the new disposal. I also used electrical tape to cover the exposed wire ends to prevent any accidental shocks. It’s important to be very careful when working with electrical wiring. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, I highly recommend calling an electrician.

Remove the Mounting Ring

With the electrical wiring disconnected, I could finally remove the mounting ring. The mounting ring is a metal ring that holds the disposal in place under the sink. I used a wrench to loosen the mounting ring’s screws. Once the screws were loose, I was able to pull the mounting ring up and off the disposal. I had to be careful not to drop the mounting ring, as it could damage the sink. It’s important to note that the mounting ring may be different depending on the type of disposal you have. If you’re not sure how to remove the mounting ring, you can consult the disposal’s instruction manual or watch a video online.

Dispose of the Old Disposal

Once the disposal was free from the sink, I needed to dispose of it properly. I took the disposal outside and placed it on the ground. I then used a hammer to break the disposal into smaller pieces. This made it easier to fit in my trash can. I know some people might be tempted to throw the disposal in their regular trash, but I think it’s important to break it down first. This way, it’s less likely to cause any problems at the landfill. If you have a disposal with a metal housing, you may need to take it to a recycling center. Check with your local recycling center to find out what they accept. I always feel good knowing that I’m doing my part to recycle and dispose of things properly.