How To Replace a Garbage Disposal

Introduction

When you flip the switch to turn on the garbage disposal and all you get is a hum-or a loud, metal-on-metal grinding noise-you know something's wrong.

Like most power equipment, garbage disposals don’t last forever, so those noises coming from your unit might be trying to tell you something. On average, garbage disposals last between 10 and 15 years, and over that time, the blades get dull and the moving parts just function as well as they did when it was first installed.

Fortunately, replacing a garbage disposal is a pretty straightforward DIY task that’s a reasonable project for most beginners. Here, we’ll show you how to remove your old one and replace it with a new unit.

When to replace a garbage disposal

Timing is an obvious factor here. If it’s been a dozen years or more since your garbage disposal was installed, it could be time to replace it. There are other signs to look for besides the odd hums and unusual grinding. Other signs to look out for include frequent clogging, leaks, power issues or if you’re having to reset the unit often.

When to call a pro

Don’t be intimidated by replacing a garbage disposal. It’s not hard, and in most cases, you won’t need anything more than a very rudimentary understanding of how plumbing works. I replaced the garbage disposal in my house in 2023, and it took me less than two hours. The old one was struggling with even the most basic waste and making noises that sounded like they were recorded for a horror flick. In my case, it was pretty straightforward; I didn’t even have to adjust the size of the discharge tube.

However, if you’re uncomfortable working with plumbing or if you notice unusual leaking under your sink, it might be best to call a professional plumber or a general contractor. Installing a garbage disposal where there wasn’t one before is a more complicated task that could require some electrical work, like adding an outlet under the sink, which could require hiring a pro.

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