Quick Stats of the Project
- Category: 2-Hour Project
- Difficulty: 3/5 (Intermediate – involves both plumbing and basic electrical)
- Tools: Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead), Hammer, Adjustable wrench, Pipe wrench, Plumber’s putty, and a bucket.
A leaking or jammed garbage disposal is a recipe for standing water and unpleasant odors. Replacing the unit yourself not only saves you a hefty plumbing bill but allows you to upgrade to a higher-horsepower model that can handle tougher scraps more quietly. This project bridges the gap between plumbing and electrical, giving you a great “all-around” DIY win.
Keep in mind…
- The “Knockout” Plug: If you have a dishwasher, you must knock out the plastic plug inside the disposal’s dishwasher nipple before connecting the hose. If you forget, your dishwasher will not drain and will likely flood your kitchen floor during its next cycle.
- Support the Weight: Disposals are deceptively heavy. When you are trying to lock the mounting ring into place, use a car jack or a stack of books to hold the unit up against the sink. This saves your arms and ensures you get a tight, level seal.
- The Putty Seal: When installing the new sink flange (the metal ring inside the sink), roll your plumber’s putty into a “snake” the thickness of a pencil. Apply it in a continuous circle; if there’s a gap in the putty, you’ll have a slow leak that rots your cabinet base.
- Electrical Transfer: Most new disposals do not come with a power cord. You will likely need to remove the cord from your old unit and wire it into the new one. Ensure you use a proper strain-relief connector so the wires aren’t pulled loose over time.
Pro-Tip: The “Box Lift” Hack
Lining up the three mounting tabs while lifting a 15-pound ($6.8$ kg) motor with one hand is the hardest part of this job. To make it a breeze, use the cardboard box the new disposal came in. Slide it under the sink and place the disposal on top. If it’s not high enough, add a few scrap pieces of wood or books until the unit is touching the mounting ring. Now, you can use both hands to spin the locking ring into place without breaking a sweat!
