Is a replacing a garbage disposal a do it yourself project?

Answer 1

Yes it is. With the proper tools installing a new one is simple.


Make sure you have all parts listed on the instruction sheet.
Turn off the power to the disposal at the circuit-breaker box. It's a good idea to check the amperage of the circuit to be sure the disposal won't overload it. The amperage should be shown on the breaker switch.

Disconnect the drain arm from the disposal unit.
Use pliers to loosen the spring clamp holding the dishwasher drain tube in place Then remove the dishwasher drain tube from the unit.

Remove the disposal unit by twisting it off of the mounting nut. Dump out any remaining water and debris.

Turn the unit upside-down, and remove the plate covering the electrical connections. Remove the grounding screw and wire nuts, and pull the cable out of the unit. You may also have to loosen a strain relief sleeve.

Remove the existing mounting assembly and drain. Unscrew the mounting ring, and push the drain flange up through the drain hole. Scrape off any old plumber's putty from the sink.

(Note: If your new disposal is the same model as the old unit, you won't need to replace the mounting hardware. )

Place a rubber seal on the underside of the drain flange If your new disposal doesn't include a rubber seal, you'll need to use plumber's putty. Push the drain flange into place in the drain hole.

Place a rubber seal on the drain flange on the underside of the sink

Attach the metal backup ring flat side up.

Most disposal units use metal mounting hardware, but some units use plastic. Check your owner's manual for specific installation procedures.


Loosely attach the mounting ring with three screws Push the mounting ring up, and secure it with the snap ring

Tighten the mounting screws until the assembly is tight and even.

If your disposal will be connected to the dishwasher drain, use a hammer and screwdriver to remove the knock out plug.

Turn the disposal upside-down, and shake it to remove anything that might be inside. Remove the electrical plate, and gently pull the electrical wires away from the unit.

Screw the strain relief sleeve into place, and push the electrical cable through the sleeve into the disposal (figure G). Firmly tighten the sleeve.

Connect the electrical wires, splicing white to white and black to black, then secure the connections with wire nuts. Connect the ground wire to the green screw on the disposal, and replace the cover plate.

Hang the disposal by twisting it into place on the mounting nut.
Rotate the disposal until it is properly aligned, then attach the drain arm and dishwasher drainpipe.

Run water through the disposal for a few minutes to check for leaks. Then turn the power back on.

Your disposal will probably include a jam-breaker wrench. As its name implies, the jam-breaker wrench can be inserted into a hole in the bottom of the unit and rotated to loosen a jammed disposal.

Good Luck

Answer 2

The average American does not have the skills necessary to replace a garbage disposal. Some people are good at do-it-yourself projects because they have learned how to use a wide variety of tools. If you are that kind of person, go to the library and check-out a do-it-yourself book on plumbing.

Answer 3

I am a cleaner by profession and also do some "handyman" type work on the side. I came to this site to see roughly what I should charge for a disposal replacement I recently did. I was initially thinking 50-75 dollars. It didn't take all that long even though I am not professional plumber but at the same time i know plumbers can be quite high. so i didn't want to short change myself either. Also, at one of the houses I was cleaning windows at I over heard a plumber my customer had called in, and he gave her just as astronomical estimate as the first person paid in this post. and yes, that was to just to replace a disposal. not install one. Anyway thats my 2cents. Thank you all and God Bless.

Answer 4

Yes, it is pretty easy. Turn off the electricity and unhook the wiring from the old one. Unhook the line from the dishwasher drain, if you have one. Unhook the line to the drain pipe. Turn the old disposer to loosen from the ring at the top. It is kind of heavy, so might put something underneath to hold it. Then, just reverse all this with the new one. Be sure to knock out the plug where the dishwasher hose goes. You will probably have to tap the top connecting ring with a hammer to loosen the old one. Actually, I'll bet most new ones come with directions.

Answer 5

Only if you know what you are doing. If you haven't a clue, call a plumber. This is a bit more tricky than the home improvement store people will admit to.

Answer 6

honestly Linda i would say if you had to ask the question then the answer is no. and why i said this is simply It involves working with electricity and water. a deadly combination. if you was experienced in plumbing and electric it is a easy job. but if your not leave to some one that is.

Answer 7

since you are already plumbed for it, should be easy enough as long as you have a few tools and basic knowledge. Or even some simple instructions.

Answer 8

Yes I think so as I just seen it @ lowe's last week in the kitchen sink area. Good luck. They have them DIY (do it yourself) workshops @ Lowe's.

Answer 9

If yo have a little bit of knowledge, you can probably do it, but I am assuming since you are asking this question you don't, so have someone instal it for you

Answer 10

Yes you can do it yourself. Go to diy.com they should have a tutorial on there.