## **How to Remove Kitchen Sink Disposal Sleeve**
A kitchen sink disposal sleeve is a rubber or silicone cover that fits over the garbage disposal flange and helps to prevent food and debris from getting into the disposal. Over time, the sleeve can become clogged with food and grease, which can lead to jams and other problems. If your disposal sleeve is clogged, you can remove it and clean it to restore the proper function of your disposal.
### **Materials You’ll Need:**
– Adjustable wrench
– Bucket
– Gloves
– Screwdriver (optional)
### **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
**1. Turn off the power to the disposal.**
Before you start working on the disposal, make sure to turn off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box. This will prevent the disposal from turning on accidentally and causing injury.
**2. Remove the splash guard.**
The splash guard is a metal or plastic cover that fits over the top of the disposal. It helps to keep water and food from splashing out of the disposal. To remove the splash guard, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it in place. Once the bolts are loose, lift the splash guard off of the disposal.
**3. Remove the mounting bolts.**
The mounting bolts are located on the flange of the disposal. They hold the disposal in place and also secure the disposal sleeve. To remove the mounting bolts, use an adjustable wrench to loosen them. Once the bolts are loose, lift the disposal out of the sink.
**4. Pull the disposal sleeve off of the flange.**
The disposal sleeve is a rubber or silicone cover that fits over the flange of the disposal. To remove the sleeve, simply pull it off of the flange.
**5. Clean the disposal sleeve.**
Once the disposal sleeve is removed, you can clean it with soap and water. Use a brush to remove any food or debris that is stuck to the sleeve.
**6. Reinstall the disposal sleeve.**
Once the disposal sleeve is clean, you can reinstall it on the flange of the disposal. To do this, simply push the sleeve onto the flange until it is seated properly.
**7. Reinstall the mounting bolts.**
Once the disposal sleeve is in place, you can reinstall the mounting bolts. To do this, insert the bolts through the holes in the flange and tighten them using an adjustable wrench.
**8. Reinstall the splash guard.**
Once the mounting bolts are tightened, you can reinstall the splash guard. To do this, place the splash guard over the top of the disposal and tighten the bolts that hold it in place.
**9. Turn on the power to the disposal.**
Once the splash guard is in place, you can turn on the power to the disposal. Test the disposal by running water through it and turning it on. The disposal should run smoothly and without any jams.
### **Tips:**
– If the disposal sleeve is difficult to remove, you can use a screwdriver to pry it off of the flange.
– If the disposal sleeve is damaged or cracked, you should replace it with a new one.
– You should clean the disposal sleeve every few months to prevent it from becoming clogged.
### **Conclusion:**
Removing a kitchen sink disposal sleeve is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely remove and clean the disposal sleeve and restore the proper function of your disposal.