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How to Install a Garbage Disposal

Want to learn how to install a garbage disposal? If the answer is yes, you’ve come to the right place.

Many people want a garbage disposal as they make it much simpler to dispose of specific kinds of food waste and keep your kitchen as clean as possible. Still, most types of garbage disposals tend to experience some wear and tear after more than a decade of getting rid of your food waste.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Garbage disposal lifespan
How to remove a garbage disposal
Garbage disposal replacement
How to change a garbage disposal
And more

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last and What are Signs that I Need a New One?

Wondering when it’s time for new garbage disposal? Garbage disposals tend to last about ten years. Here are some signs that it is time to replace your garbage disposal or that you may need to seek professional help.

Abnormal noises. Suppose you hear a strange noise coming from the garbage disposal, and there doesn’t seem to be anything blocking the blades, such as lost silverware. In that case, the disposal components are probably misaligned, meaning that they grind together when you run the garbage disposal.

You can probably make a quick adjustment to solve the problem, but this might be a sign that it’s time to replace your garbage disposal.
Frequent resets. If you have to reset your garbage disposal frequently, then this is a clear sign that your garbage disposal is aging out.
Inexplicable clogs. You should wash food particles down the drain in small amounts. If you notice that even the tiniest food particles are jamming the appliance, this is a sign that you need a new garbage disposal.
No power. If your garbage disposal is not turning on or shutting itself off while in use, you should schedule a garbage disposal inspection immediately. This is a sign that the motor has failed.
Persistent odors. If you are rinsing and cleaning and nothing is getting rid of the odors coming from your garbage disposal, you might need professional help.
Your plumber can take the garbage disposal apart and see what is causing the issue. They can also determine if your disposal needs to be replaced.
Planned renovation. If you are already planning a kitchen renovation, this is a great time to replace your garbage disposal.
Poor performance. If it takes a super long time for your garbage disposal to break down food particles, the blades or the entire unit might need replacing.
Water leaks. If you see water leaks, you should confirm if they are coming from the seal between the sink and the disposal. If the leak is from the seal, then the gasket could be replaced and re-sealed for cheap.

Likewise, if the leak is from a hose, that can be replaced cheaply. If the leaks are coming from the unit itself, then it probably requires a full appliance replacement.

How to Remove a Garbage Disposal

Were you wondering how to remove garbage disposal? It’s relatively simple to remove an unwanted garbage disposal. Here are a few easy steps you can take:

First, you need to shut off the power supply to the garbage disposal.

Then unplug the garbage disposal from the wall socket. (Keep in mind, some garbage disposals are hardwired so you will need to disconnect the wires before starting your work.) You should then loosen the hose clamp attaching the dishwasher hose to the barbed dishwasher nipple and remove the hose.

We recommend placing a bucket under the waste pipe to catch any wastewater remaining in the pipes.

Use an adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, or pliers to remove the fittings on the p-trap, which is a U-shaped pipe connected to the garbage disposal.

Allow the remaining water to drain out of the pipe and into the bucket you placed under the waste pipe. You can then remove the garbage disposal by either unscrewing it from the sink drain or removing the snap ring with a flat-head screwdriver.

Detach the mounting assembly. Now, you’re done removing the disposal unit.

How to Replace a Garbage Disposal

Once you have removed your old garbage disposal, you can start the replacement process. Fortunately, you can replace a disposal without any prior knowledge of garbage disposal plumbing.

First, you need to place a rubber seal on the drain flange underside. Then, place another rubber seal on the bottom of the sink and attach the metal backup ring.

Loosely attach the mounting ring with three screws, secure the mounting ring with the snap ring to snap it into place, then tighten the three screws.

Prepare the new disposal. Then, connect the electrical wires. Next, lift the disposal onto the mounting bracket and lock it into place.

You then need to attach the pipes and connect the dishwasher drain line. Turn on the sink to let water through and turn the power back on. Your new garbage disposal is installed!