How to Replace a Garbage Disposer

• Flashlight
• Screwdrivers
• Slip-joint pliers

• Garbage disposer
• Plumber's putty

Before You Begin

Below are the instruction steps to follow. Don't want to DIY? Click here to Home Advisor, a free referral service that connects homeowners with local contractors.

• Step 1 : Disconnect power

  Disconnect the power to the disposer by either pulling the fuse or switching off the circuit breaker.

• Step 2 : Remove the drain fittings

  

  Use a large pair of tongue-and-groove pliers and remove the drain fittings connected to the old disposer.

• Step 3 : Remove the disposer

  

  Support the disposer with one hand, and lift it slightly. Insert a screwdriver (or the tool provided with the disposer) into the lugs on the side of the mounting assembly and push to the left to loosen the disposer.

• Step 4 : Remove the electrical cover plate

  

  Using a screwdriver, remove the screws holding the disposer's electrical cover plate to the disposer body. The wires inside the electrical box will most likely be connected with twist-on wire nuts. Loosen all the wires and separate them, then loosen the clamp that holds the cable leading into the box. Pull the cable out of the electrical box.

• Step 5 : Remove the old mounting ring and sink flange

  Use a screwdriver to pry off the snap ring holding the old mounting ring assembly to the sink flange. Then remove the sink flange.

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