Removing the garbage disposal unit is imperative if you want to replace a failed system or the sink. Sometimes it is imperative for effective rubbish removal which can get stuck in between system which stops it from working. That said if you have been thinking about replacing your unit for a while the process of removing the system is pretty much the same as we will look at towards the end of this tutorial.

Removing the disposal system

Removing the disposal system happens to be easier than you think. However, you should be willing to get your hands dirty in order to achieve this. You also need to have the right tools.

You will need a few basic tools like:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Putty knife
  • Hacksaw
  • Plastic scouring pad
  • Bucket

Removing the system

If you want to remove and then replace the garbage disposal system with a similar type unit then the removal process will not include removing its mounting assembly. To remove the system follow the steps outlined below:

  • Start by turning off the power to your unit via the service panel.
  • You also need to turn off the dishwasher if it’s attached to the unit, then use a screwdriver to loosen all the hose clamps which are attached to the dishwasher’s hose, and attach it to the dishwasher nipple then remove the hose.
  • Now, it’s time to remove the “P” trap waste line. Just place a bucket right under the “P” trap in order to catch all the waste water and then use an adjustable wrench or a huge mouth tongue and loosen then unscrew the slip nut which is connected to the waste pipe from the disposal’s discharge tube.
  • If you find that the slip nuts are not budging from their place and because of it not able to separate the pipe, then it will need to be cut using a hacksaw straight down the waste pipe.
  • The next thing you ought to do is to remove the disposal from its mounting assembly by inserting a small screwdriver into one of the mounting ring lugs which are attached to the lower mounting ring. You turn this to the left or counter clockwise until this ring has been separated from the disposal then remove the unit from its mounting flange.

Garbage Disposal Removal mounting assembly

Removing the mounting assembly can be a bit tricky so take your time with this. There are just a few steps you need to follow:

  • Loosen the mounting screws (usually three) using a screwdriver. These screws help to hold the lower and upper parts of the mounting assembly.
  • Then remove the ring which happens to be in the groove on your sink sleeve and then remove the mounting assembly.
  • You also have to remove the flange, sleeve and fiber gasket.
  • It is also important to remove the plumber’s putty which is located under the sink opening using a knife. This is a rather large chunk so it can take some time to remove. Once removed you should use an abrasive pad to clean off the residual putty from the sink.
  • You finally need to clean all the components which includes the sink, flange and sleeve.

 Finding a replacement system

If you want to fit the replacement rubbish removal system yourself you need to find an exact replacement. An exact replacement will save you from having to reroute the lines and the electric cord. If you haven’t yet purchased a replacement unit, it is strongly advised that you take along the existing unit to the shop and ask for an exact replacement. You can either purchase the very same model and if that is not available then something similar will suffice.

When it comes time to insert the new system under your sink simply reverse the process stated above. The only exception here should be to make sure to use new clamps. You should also wear gloves and googles when installing the new system especially since you want to avoid getting dirt in your eyes or injuring your hands under the sink which is often not clean.

Removing the garbage disposal system is easier than most people think. The important thing here is to take things one step at a time.

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License: Creative Commons

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Mark has been a handyman and appliance repair professional for over a decade. He currently runs his own rubbish removal service in Sydney which called All Trash Rubbish Removals .