How difficult is it to replace a garbage disposal?

Answer 1

Richard A, is correct.

The tools I use is a hammer and screwdriver.
The retaining ring has ears that can be be hit with the above to unscew.
If rusted spray WD-40 or a rust remover available at Auto Zone type places, Home Depot and others.
The more rusted the longer it needs to soak in. Taking your hammer and tapping the sides of the ring helps too.
It Will be heavy `tho so watch out when it comes loose. Ouch! Headache (:>

Speaking of heavy, when you put the new one back in, it takes Several pounds of "push" before the ring will seat.
Be sure and not damage the "strainer" in the bottom of the sink.
It`s harder to replace this than the disposal and the new strainer will probably not be any shinier. Lay the new one in the sink and compare.

Incidentally, the new disposal will have Full instructions on how to..
Don`t forget to pop the plastic plug from the hole that connects to the dishwasher or it won`t drain.

Just look at the one you take out carefully and do as it is.

We are assuming that you have removed the drains from the old disposal before hand (:>
You`ll need flat pans and towels to collect the water that comes out of the drains! There Will be some.

Good Luck with it!
If you hit a bump, just ask. My email is my username.

RT

Answer 2

It is not particularly difficult, but it does require a couple of tools to loosen the retaining ring that holds it in place. If it's really old and rusted, there will be a little more work required.

Of course you want to de-energize the circuit at the lighting panel or fuse box before disconnecting the wiring. DON'T work behind the wall switch. If it's not wired properly, you could get an electrical shock.

I think you will find the worst part about replacing the disposal is working on your back in a crowded space with your arms up in the air. But it's a lot cheaper than hiring someone to do it.

Answer 3

It's pretty easy if you're at all handy. The hardest part is probably getting the basket off the bottom of the sink and the new one on. See if the old disposer comes off with a quarter twist as many do and take it with you to get a new one. If you happened on one that fit the old basket, I wouldn't change that part.

Buy it at a hardware store - not a hardware warehouse if you know what I mean. If you get stuck there are probably people at the hardware store that can give good advice. From what I've seen the days of such people at th big box stores are long past.

Answer 4

Richard gave all the info but here's a tip : Cut a 2x4 to fit under the disposal to help hold up and you can use two hands to work with. Once you have it loose get out of the cabinet and hold the disposal and kick the board out. It will save a lump to the head.