A good garbage disposal will last you at least 10 years. However, there are various components that can malfunction over time that may require you to replace your garbage disposal early. If you are in need of garbage disposal replacement, it’s always best to reach out to an experienced team of plumbers like ours at BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair. Professional replacement will ensure that your disposal is installed correctly and safe to operate. Of course, some people will choose to replace their disposal themselves, so we’re going to share with you some of our best tips to ensure that the replacement process goes smoothly.
Always Start By Killing the Power
Before you even touch your garbage disposal, the first thing that you want to do is kill the power to it. This will protect you against any electrical hazards while you’re working on the unit.
Take a moment to assess your new garbage disposal. Make sure that all of its components are included in the box and that it will properly fit. You don’t want to waste time ripping out your old garbage disposal if the new one won’t work with your existing connections.
Next, you’ll want to disconnect the drain tube. This is the tube that runs from the garbage disposal to your sewer. Most tubes are held in with a screw-in clamp. If there is another tube going into your garbage disposal, then you likely have a dishwasher drain tube. You’ll want to unscrew that clamp and remove this second drain tube.
Prep for the Drop
It’s important to note that garbage disposals weigh about 15 pounds. This can be a bit heavy for you to grab quickly as it comes free from the mounting bracket. It’s a good idea to create makeshift support for your garbage disposal so that there is no damage to the underside of your cabinet when releasing it from the mounting bracket.
You’ll want to stack a sturdy object or two until you get about an inch below the height of your garbage disposal. This way, it only drops about an inch, which won’t cause any damage.
Turn the Mounting Ring
If you look at the underside of your sink, you’ll see that your garbage disposal goes into a mounting ring. You’ll need to release it by turning the mounting ring in a counterclockwise direction. Be sure to help support your garbage disposal with your free hand so that it drops safely.
Remove the Wiring
Next, you’ll want to remove the bottom faceplate on the older garbage disposal. Locate the copper wire and unscrew it from the grounding screw. There will be two other wires connected to the garbage disposal that will need to be unclipped. You may need to utilize a pair of needle-nosed pliers to get a good grip on the clip to adequately pull it the whole way out.
Remove the Rubber Seal
In the mounting bracket flange, there is a rubber seal. This needs to be removed, and your new garbage disposal should come with a new one. You may need to use a screwdriver to push the seal free from the metal of the mounting flange. Next, pull or unscrew the mounting bracket.
You’ll want to push up on the sink flange, which is the metal ring that is inside of your kitchen sink and circles your drain. You may need to use a rubber hammer to dislodge the flange. Next, remove any remaining putty on the sink so that you have a clean surface to work with.
Start the Reassembly Process
You’ll want to apply some plumber’s putty to the underside of the sink flange. Carefully push it back down into position. You’ll want to use something heavy, like your old garbage disposal, to hold down the flange until the plumber’s putty dries in place. Go ahead and insert the new rubber seal into the new mounting bracket. Then, screw the new mounting bracket underneath your sink. Put the new mounting ring into the bracket.
Connect Your Wiring
You’ll need to remove the faceplate from the bottom of your new garbage disposal. Take the copper wire and screw it to the grounding screw on your new garbage disposal. Next, connect the two wires to your garbage disposal. It’s best to make sure that you read the instructions that come along with your new garbage disposal to ensure that you’re hooking the right wire to the appropriate place on your new unit.
Put Your New Garbage Disposal in Place
Now, it’s time to actually put the new garbage disposal in. It can be helpful to have someone hold it in place while you manage the mounting ring. If necessary, create makeshift support for holding your new garbage disposal in place. You’ll want to turn your mounting ring in a clockwise direction to screw your new garbage disposal in place.
Reconnect Your Drain Tubes
If you have a dishwasher drain tube, you’ll want to remove the plug from the new garbage disposal. If not, leave the plastic plug in place. Reconnect your drain tube to your new garbage disposal with your screw-in clamp. Go ahead and turn the water on in your sink.
Watch the underside of your sink to ensure that there is no water leaking from your new garbage disposal. If everything looks good, go ahead and turn the power back on to your garbage disposal. Test run everything to ensure that it works smoothly.
Top Signs that It’s Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal
When your garbage disposal starts to act up, it can be a sign that it’s time to get it replaced. Taking the time to replace your garbage disposal now will keep you from having to deal with an unexpected breakdown later on.
Frequent Resets
While there is a reset button on your garbage disposal for issues like clogs and large loads, it doesn’t solve everything. If you find that you’re constantly resetting your garbage disposal, it’s likely that the internal electrical components inside it are reaching the end of their lifespans. It’s a good idea to replace it now before it completely breaks.
Water Leak
If you notice that there is a water leak at your garbage disposal, it may need to be replaced. More specifically, if there is water leaking from the bottom of your garbage disposal, then it’s going to need to be replaced. There is likely a crack somewhere in the housing that is creating the leak.
Poor Performance
When your garbage disposal is reaching the end of its lifespan, its performance will start to deteriorate. You may notice that it won’t fully break down your food or it takes forever to do so. If you’ve checked your blades to ensure that they’re still in good condition, then it’s likely that your garbage disposal needs to be completed replaced with a new one.
No Power to the Unit
Another reason that you may need to replace your existing garbage disposal is that it won’t turn on or it continuously shuts off. If you’ve checked to ensure that the circuit breaker for your garbage disposal is fully on, then it’s likely an issue with the internal components of your garbage disposal, such as a failing motor.
Quality Plumbing Services
BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair offers quality plumbing services for the entire Las Vegas community. We can also assist with all of your heating, cooling, ductwork installation and sealing, and indoor air quality needs. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment!
