Replacing an Existing Garbage Disposal

Turn the breaker switch to the "off" position for the garbage disposal at the breaker box before attempting to replace the disposal.

Take the cover off the bottom of the garbage disposal with a screwdriver. Set the cover aside, and remove both wire connectors from inside the unit.

Unfasten the drain pipe leading from the disposal using a pipe wrench to loosen the nut and sliding the pipe away from the disposal.

Turn the mounting ring at the top of the garbage disposal counterclockwise by hand while holding the unit up until it releases from under the sink.

Unfasten the bolts and retaining ring with a socket wrench, pushing the ring up through the top of the sink. Use a putty knife to remove any remaining adhesive from around the old ring.

Place a bead of plumber's putty about half an inch thick around the top lip of the drain hole where the new garbage disposal will sit, and press the new drain flange over the hole until it is seated firmly over the drain.

Slide the cardboard washer and backup ring over the drain flange from underneath the sink, and attach the mounting ring as well as the retaining ring over the flange, securing the bolts with a socket wrench.

Secure the retaining ring with a screwdriver, tightening it until the drain flange is snug and the putty surrounds the ring.

Attach the lead wires from the electrical wiring harness to the same color wires at the bottom of the disposal (the black wire to the black and the white wire to the white). Use plastic wire connectors to secure them, and use a screwdriver to attach the bottom plate to the disposal.

Place the garbage disposal at the bottom of the retaining rings and secure it by turning the rings clockwise until it is locked in position.

Attach the drain pipe to the side of the garbage disposal by using a pipe wrench to tighten the nut on the pipe, and clean off any excess plumber's putty from the top of the sink drain with a damp cloth.

Turn the breaker switch at the breaker box for the garbage disposal back to the "on" position.