Garbage disposals are an essential part of any modern kitchen. They make it easy to get rid of food scraps and other waste, and they help to keep your sink from getting clogged. But what happens when your garbage disposal breaks down? If you’re not careful, trying to fix it yourself can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to call a plumber if you’re having any problems with your garbage disposal. However, if you’re confident in your DIY skills, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem yourself.
First, check to see if the disposal is clogged. If it is, you can try to unclog it by using a plunger or a pair of tongs. If that doesn’t work, you can try to remove the clog by hand. Be careful not to stick your hand in the disposal while it’s running. If you can’t remove the clog yourself, you’ll need to call a plumber.
If the disposal is not clogged, the problem may be with the motor. If the motor is burned out, you’ll need to replace the entire disposal. However, if the motor is just jammed, you may be able to fix it yourself. To do this, you’ll need to remove the disposal from under the sink. Once you have the disposal removed, you can try to free the motor by turning it by hand. If you can’t free the motor, you’ll need to replace the disposal.
Safety Precautions
Before embarking on the task of changing your garbage disposal, it is crucial to prioritize safety. The following precautions should be meticulously observed:
1. Disconnect from Power Source
Ensuring that your garbage disposal is disconnected from the power source is paramount. Locate the circuit breaker or fuse box and switch off the electricity supply. This step is imperative to prevent the risk of electrical shocks or more severe accidents.
2. Secure the Garbage Disposal
Once the power supply has been disconnected, you must secure the garbage disposal to ensure it does not fall during removal. This involves:
- Locking the Mount: Locate the mounting ring that secures the garbage disposal to the sink. Use a wrench to tighten the screws or bolts that hold the ring in place, ensuring a firm connection.
- Using a Strap Wrench: If the mounting ring is inaccessible, consider using a strap wrench. Wrap the strap around the base of the disposal and tighten it. This provides additional support and prevents the disposal from falling.
3. Clean the Disposal Opening
To prevent debris from falling into the disposal while working on it, cover the opening with a rag or paper towels. This simple step ensures a clean and safe work environment.
Disconnecting the Plumbing
To disconnect the plumbing lines, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the garbage disposal.
- Disconnect the dishwasher drain hose from the disposal.
- Disconnect the garbage disposal from the drainpipe.
- Disconnect the electrical wire from the disposal.
- Remove the mounting bolts that hold the disposal in place.
Additional Details for Step 5:
Tool Required Steps Adjustable Wrench Position the wrench around the bolt head and twist it counterclockwise to loosen it. Socket Wrench Attach the appropriate socket to the wrench and use it to loosen the bolt securely. Note: If the bolts are rusted or difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil to loosen them before attempting to remove them.
Installing the New Disposal
1. Turn off the power to the old garbage disposal at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
2. Disconnect the old disposal from the sink and drain line.
3. Clean the area around the sink opening and dispose of any food particles or debris.
4. Position the flange gasket (often provided with the new disposal) over the sink drain opening.
5. Secure the new disposal to the flange gasket using the mounting bolts.
6. Connect the new disposal to the sink drain line.
7. Connect the Electrical Wiring
- Identify the electrical wires for the disposal: black (hot), white (neutral), and green (ground).
- Connect the black wire from the disposal to the black wire from the wall outlet.
- Connect the white wire from the disposal to the white wire from the wall outlet.
- Connect the green wire from the disposal to the ground wire in the electrical box. If there is no designated ground wire, wrap the green wire around a bare copper wire that is connected to the ground screw on the electrical box.
8. Secure the electrical connections using wire nuts.
9. Turn on the power to the garbage disposal.
10. Test the garbage disposal by turning it on and running water through the sink.
Testing the Disposal
Before you begin the installation process, it’s important to test the old disposal to make sure it’s not working. To do this, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Unplug the disposal from the power outlet.
- Remove the mounting screws that hold the disposal in place.
- Disconnect the drain line from the disposal.
- Unscrew the flange that connects the disposal to the sink.
- Remove the disposal from the sink.
Once the disposal is removed, you can test it by plugging it into a power outlet and turning it on. If the disposal runs, then it is still working and does not need to be replaced.
If the disposal does not run, then it is possible that the motor has burned out. In this case, you will need to replace the disposal.
Here are some additional tips for testing the disposal:
- If the disposal is making a humming noise, it is likely that the motor is seized. You will need to replace the disposal.
- If the disposal is leaking water, it is likely that the seals have failed. You will need to replace the disposal.
- If the disposal is not draining properly, it is possible that the drain line is clogged. You will need to clear the clog.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Disposal not running | Motor burned out | Replace disposal |
| Disposal humming | Motor seized | Replace disposal |
| Disposal leaking water | Seals failed | Replace disposal |
| Disposal not draining properly | Drain line clogged | Clear clog |
How To Change The Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is making strange noises, leaking water, or not working at all, it may be time to replace it. Changing a garbage disposal is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in a few hours. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Turn off the power to the garbage disposal. This can be done by flipping the circuit breaker or removing the fuse that powers the disposal.
- Disconnect the water supply to the garbage disposal. This can be done by turning off the water valve under the sink.
- Disconnect the drain line from the garbage disposal. This can be done by loosening the clamp that holds the drain line in place.
- Remove the old garbage disposal. This can be done by unscrewing the mounting bolts that hold the disposal in place.
- Install the new garbage disposal. This can be done by reversing the steps above.
- Turn on the power to the garbage disposal. This can be done by flipping the circuit breaker or replacing the fuse that powers the disposal.
- Turn on the water supply to the garbage disposal. This can be done by turning on the water valve under the sink.
- Test the garbage disposal. This can be done by running water into the disposal and turning it on.
People Also Ask About How To Change The Garbage Disposal
What are the signs that my garbage disposal needs to be replaced?
There are a few signs that may indicate that your garbage disposal needs to be replaced. These include:
- Strange noises
- Leaking water
- Not working at all
How much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal?
The cost to replace a garbage disposal can vary depending on the type of disposal you choose and the labor costs in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a new garbage disposal and installation.
Can I replace a garbage disposal myself?
Yes, you can replace a garbage disposal yourself if you are comfortable working with plumbing and electrical. However, if you are not comfortable with these tasks, it is best to hire a professional plumber to do the job.
