How to Remove a Garbage Disposal Splash Guard

Remove Splash Guard

• 1

  Pull the electrical cord from the wall socket under the sink cabinet. Turn off the circuit breaker that your disposal is connected to if the machine is hardwired.

• 2

  Remove the screw from the drain pipe flange on the side of the disposal with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the drain pipe slightly away from the disposal.

• 3

  Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into one of the tabs on the disposal's locking ring on the underside of the sink drain. Place one hand under the disposal to support it once the locking ring is disengaged. Rotate the locking ring in a counterclockwise direction about one-quarter of a turn. Lower the disposal straight down from the sink drain. Lay the disposal on its side on the bottom of the base cabinet. Ensure the electrical wiring from the disposal is not stressed or kinked.

• 4

  Pry the rubber splash guard off the top of the disposal with a flat-blade screwdriver.

Install Splash Guard

• 5

  Lubricate the replacement splash guard with liquid dish soap to make installation easier. Push the guard over the top of the disposal, ensuring that its lip is fully seated in the groove in the top of the disposal.

• 6

  Raise the disposal to the sink drain. Ensure the drain outlet on the disposal aligns with the drain pipe removed earlier. Support the weight of the disposal with one hand while turning the locking ring in a clockwise direction with a flat-blade screwdriver.

• 7

  Push the drain pipe back into place and tighten the retaining screw.

• 8

  Plug the disposal back in or turn on the circuit breaker. Turn the water on in the sink and check for leaks. Tighten the drain pipe or locking ring as needed.