How to Install a Garbage Disposal

Congratulations! You got your wife a new garbage disposal for Christmas. But there's a problem. She wants you to install it. Something about serving you right, she said. And you have no idea how to go about changing a garbage disposal. Relax. I can help you. It's easier than you might think.

Clean out the junk from inside the sink cabinet.

Take advantage of the opportunity to get rid of the mousetraps, loose garbage bags, cleaning supplies, etc.

While you're under there, take a careful look at the drain pipes. If they look corroded or stained, consider changing them at the same time you change out the disposal.

Disconnect the electrical.

Follow the electrical cord from the disposal. If it ends with a plug at a wall outlet, unplug it. If the electrical cord or wire disappears in the wall or is hard wired to an electrical junction box, find the appropriate circuit breaker in the electric panel and turn it off. Be sure to check for the presence of electricity with a multi-meter or electrical tester even after turning off the circuit breaker. Don't trust the label in the electric panel. There is a chance it might be miss labeled. If the disposal is hard wired wait to disconnect the wiring until after the old disposal is removed from the sink. It is much easier that way. You don't have to lie on your back and work under the old disposal.

Disconnect the drain pipe.

The drain pipe may be chrome plated brass or cream colored pvc plastic. If it is metal, use a small 12 or 14 inch pipe wrench also called a monkey wrench, water pump pliers, sometimes called channellocks, or slip joint pliers, to undo the slip joint nuts. They can cut your hands. Don't worry if the corroded metal falls apart or breaks, you're going to replace it anyway. In most cases you can unscrew the plastic slip nuts with your hands. Sometimes they are corroded in place, as well, and you may need to use a wrench. Be careful not to squeeze the plastic out of round or it will not come unscrewed. Catch the drain water in the p-trap (the u-shaped piece of drain pipe) with a small pail or container.

Remove the old disposal.