Garbage disposals are extremely handy kitchen appliances that help manage food waste with ease. However, like any other appliance, they can wear out over time and may need to be replaced. If you’re facing issues with your garbage disposal and think it’s time for a replacement, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace it.

1. Gather the required tools and materials: Before diving into the process, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials, including a new garbage disposal unit, wrenches or pliers, plumbers’ putty, a bucket, and safety gear like gloves and goggles.

2. Turn off the electricity: To avoid any accidents, turn off the electricity supply from the circuit breaker that powers your garbage disposal. To ensure that it’s completely disconnected, try turning on the garbage disposal to ensure it doesn’t start.

3. Disconnect the drain pipe: Start by disconnecting the drain pipe from the disposal unit. Place a bucket underneath to catch any residual water or debris that may spill out when you remove the pipe.

4. Remove the old unit: Using a wrench or pliers, loosen and remove all screws connecting the garbage disposal to its mounting assembly. Once all screws are removed, detach the unit by rotating it counterclockwise and pulling it out.

5. Clean and prep mounting assembly: With the old unit removed, clean any debris or leftover plumber’s putty from around the mounting assembly using a cloth or sponge. Verify if any parts of the mounting assembly need replacements; if not, you can use the existing assembly for your new disposal.

6. Install new garbage disposal unit: If your new unit has similar dimensions as the old one, then follow these steps:

– Apply plumber’s putty around the flange of your new disposal.

– Fit it into position by aligning it with the mounting assembly.

– Rotate the new unit clockwise to lock it onto the assembly.

– Tighten the mounting screws to secure the disposal in place.

7. Connect electrical wires: Refer to your user manual and connect the electrical wires accordingly. In general, you should attach white (neutral) wires with white wires, black (hot) wires with black wires, and green or copper (ground) wires with ground wires. Secure each connection with a wire nut and tighten them using pliers.

8. Reconnect drain pipe: Reattach the drain pipe to your garbage disposal unit, ensuring that it’s connected tightly with no leaks.

9. Test your new garbage disposal: After completing all the steps mentioned above, it’s time to test your newly installed garbage disposal. Turn on the water supply, followed by turning on the electricity supply from the circuit breaker. Switch on your garbage disposal and add a small amount of food waste to check if everything is working as expected.

By following these simple steps, you can replace your old garbage disposal unit with a new one and keep your kitchen clean and organized. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning it periodically and ensuring proper usage, will help extend its life and keep it functioning optimally.