Replacing an old disposal is a task that requires careful planning and execution. Before you start, it’s important to understand the steps involved and gather the necessary tools and materials. This guide will walk you through the process of removing an old disposal, preparing the area for the new one, and installing the new unit. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-timer, following these instructions will ensure a successful disposal replacement.
To begin, you’ll need to gather your tools and materials. You’ll need a wrench or pliers, a screwdriver, a bucket, and a pair of gloves. You may also need a flashlight if you’re working in a dark area. Once you have your tools and materials, you can start by disconnecting the power to the disposal. This is important for safety reasons, as you don’t want to risk getting shocked while you’re working. To disconnect the power, simply flip the circuit breaker or remove the fuse that powers the outlet.
Next, you’ll need to disconnect the water supply to the disposal. To do this, turn off the water supply valve under the sink. Once the water is turned off, you can remove the water line from the disposal. To do this, use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts that connect the water line to the disposal. Once the nuts are loose, you can simply pull the water line off of the disposal.
Dismantling the Disposal Unit
The first step in removing an old disposal is to disconnect the power supply. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Then, unplug the disposal from the outlet.
Next, you need to disconnect the plumbing from the disposal. There will be two pipes connected to the disposal: the drainpipe and the dishwasher drain hose. To disconnect the drainpipe, loosen the slip nuts that connect it to the disposal. To disconnect the dishwasher drain hose, loosen the clamp that secures it to the disposal.
Once the plumbing is disconnected, you can remove the disposal from the sink. There are two screws that hold the disposal in place. Loosen these screws and remove the disposal.
If the disposal is connected to a garbage disposer switch, you will need to disconnect the switch from the disposal. To do this, locate the wires that connect the switch to the disposal. Disconnect the wires and remove the switch.
Now, you can remove the old disposal from your kitchen. Be sure to dispose of it properly. Most hardware stores and recycling centers will accept old disposals.
Disconnecting the Water Supply
Before you remove the old disposal, you must disconnect the water supply. This will prevent water from leaking and causing damage to your kitchen or home. Here are the steps on how to disconnect the water supply:
- Turn off the water supply to the disposal. There should be a shut-off valve located under the sink. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the disposal. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that connect the water supply line to the inlet valve on the disposal. Then, pull the water supply line off of the valve.
- Plug the water supply line. Once the water supply line is disconnected, you need to plug it to prevent water from leaking. You can use a rubber plug or a garden hose cap to plug the line.
Detaching the Electrical Wiring
Before you disconnect the electrical wiring, turn off the circuit breaker or remove the fuse that supplies power to the disposal. Then, follow these steps:
- Locate the junction box beneath the sink and remove the cover.
- Inside the junction box, you will see a group of wires connected to the disposal. Identify the wires that are connected to the disposal and disconnect them.
- Disconnect the dishwasher’s wiring, if it is hardwired to the disposal. Depending on the model, you may need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the wires in place, or you may need to use a pair of pliers to squeeze the wire nuts and detach the wires.
Disconnect Dishwasher Wiring – Identify the dishwasher’s wiring – Blue wire typically connects to the black wire (or brown wire) – White wire connects to the white wire – Ground wire connects to the bare copper wire – Twist wire nuts clockwise and pull apart – Disconnect dishwasher and dispose wires
Once you have disconnected all of the wires, you can remove the disposal from the sink.
Removing the Old Disposal
1. Shut Off the Power and Water Supply
Before beginning any work, it is crucial to ensure safety by shutting off the electrical power supply to the disposal at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Additionally, close the water supply valve beneath the sink to prevent water from flowing into the disposal.
2. Disconnect the Electrical Wiring
Locate the electrical wires connected to the disposal and disconnect them from the electrical box. Ensure that all wires are properly capped or insulated to prevent any electrical hazards.
3. Remove the Drain Line
The disposal drain line connects the disposal to the sink drain. Disconnect the drain line by loosening the hose clamp with a screwdriver or wrench. Be prepared for any residual water to drain out once the hose clamp is loosened.
4. Unmount the Disposal from the Sink
The disposal is typically mounted to the underside of the sink using a mounting bracket. Follow these steps to unmount the disposal:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Locate the mounting bracket that secures the disposal to the sink. |
| 2. | Use a wrench to loosen the nuts or bolts that hold the mounting bracket in place. |
| 3. | Carefully lower the disposal away from the mounting bracket and set it aside. |
| 4. | Remove the rubber gasket or flange that seals the disposal to the sink opening and clean the area thoroughly. |
Proper Disposal of the Old Appliance
Contact Your Local Waste Disposal Company
Most areas have a waste disposal company that will collect and dispose of large appliances, but it’s important to contact them to verify their procedures and costs. They may have specific guidelines for appliance disposal, such as removing doors or drain hoses, and they may charge a fee for the service.
Post the Appliance Online for Free
There are websites and apps like Craigslist and Freecycle where you can post your old appliance for free, and someone may come to pick it up. This is a good option if the appliance is still in working condition or if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of it.
Organize a Junk Removal Service
There are many junk removal services that will come to your home and haul away your old appliances and other unwanted items. This can be a convenient option, but it’s usually more expensive than other disposal methods.
Check with Local Recycling Centers
Some local recycling centers accept appliances for recycling or scrap metal. This can be a good option if the appliance is made of recyclable materials, such as steel or aluminum. However, it’s important to contact the recycling center to verify what types of appliances they accept.
Donate to a Charity
If the appliance is still in good working condition, you may be able to donate it to a local charity. This can be a good way to give the appliance a second life and help those in need.
Check for Hazardous Materials
Some appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, contain hazardous materials like refrigerants or capacitors that require special disposal. Check the appliance’s manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to safely dispose of these materials.
Properly Disconnect and Prepare the Appliance
Before disposing of the appliance, it’s important to properly disconnect it from utilities like electricity, gas, or water. You should also detach any hoses or cords and secure any loose parts to prevent damage during transport.
Scrape and Remove Food Debris
Before disposing of the appliance, it’s important to scrape off any food debris or residue. This will help prevent the appliance from attracting pests or rodents and will make it easier to handle.
Dispose of the Appliance in an Environmentally Responsible Way
It’s important to dispose of the appliance in a way that minimizes its environmental impact. Choose a disposal method that will recycle or reuse as many components of the appliance as possible and avoid creating unnecessary waste.
Follow Local Laws and Regulations
Be sure to follow all local laws and regulations regarding the disposal of appliances. Some areas may have specific restrictions or requirements for the disposal of certain appliances or hazardous materials.
| Disposal Method | Cost | Convenience | Environmental Impact |
|—|—|—|—|
| Waste Disposal Company | Varies | Moderate | Moderate |
| Post Online for Free | Free | High | Low |
| Junk Removal Service | High | High | Low |
| Recycling Center | May vary | Moderate | High |
| Donate to Charity | Free | Moderate | High |
| Self-Transport to Dump | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
How to Remove an Old Garbage Disposal
Removing an old garbage disposal is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps. First, turn off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Next, disconnect the water supply to the disposal by turning off the water valve under the sink. Then, use a pair of pliers to disconnect the drain line from the disposal. Finally, use a wrench to remove the mounting bolts that hold the disposal in place. Once the disposal is removed, you can dispose of it according to your local regulations.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my garbage disposal is broken?
There are a few signs that may indicate that your garbage disposal is broken. These include:
Can I remove my garbage disposal myself?
Yes, you can remove your garbage disposal yourself if you are comfortable working with plumbing and electrical systems. However, if you are not comfortable with these tasks, it is best to hire a plumber to remove the disposal for you.
How much does it cost to remove a garbage disposal?
The cost to remove a garbage disposal will vary depending on the type of disposal and the location of your home. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for the removal of a standard garbage disposal.
