When most people think about garbage disposals, they think of them as an appliance that will last forever. But if you’ve had yours for more than 10 years, it’s probably time to replace it or at least repair it so it lasts longer into the future. If your disposal has stopped working or made some strange noises lately, this how-to guide will help you figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it quickly and easily with the minimal amount of hassle.
Prepare
If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, it will eventually break down and need replaced. The good news is that replacing a garbage disposal is not difficult at all. Just follow these steps to get rid of your old disposal:
-Turn off power and water supply lines under the sink. -Remove the screws from any pipes or hoses attached to the drain pipe for your disposer. These are usually located near where they attach under the sink.
Disconnect Power
It’s always a good idea to disconnect your garbage disposal before removing it. This way you can be sure that there is no power going through the unit and reduce your risk of being shocked. To disconnect power, turn off the breaker or unplug it from the outlet. If you’re not sure where your breaker box is, use a flashlight and look for a metal box with two or three switches on top. Use a screwdriver to open up one side and turn off the switch that corresponds with your disposal.
Open Sink Drain
Turn on the cold water and let it run for about ten minutes. If you have a dishwasher, this is a good time to run it as well. This will help clear out any standing water left inside your drainpipe and make sure that there are no bits of food lodged in your pipes. Pour a generous amount of baking soda into your drain followed by vinegar. Let these two chemicals do their work for five minutes before turning off the water.
Unscrew Plumbing Connections
1. Unscrew the plumbing connections by turning counterclockwise. 2. Push down on the garbage disposal until it dislodges from under the sink and push it into a bucket or container. 3. Find a new spot for your garbage disposal, making sure that there is enough room around it, and screw in your plumbing connections. 4.
Pull Out Old Garbage Disposal
If you have an old garbage disposal, the best way to get rid of it is by pulling it out. If you are not sure how to do this, follow these steps:
1) Find a wrench that will fit over both sides of your disposal. 2) Put one side on top and the other on the bottom so that they are lined up with each other. 3) Twist them in opposite directions in order to loosen and eventually remove your disposal.
