How to Install a New Garbage Disposal Splash Guard

Unplug the power cord of the disposal from the outlet under the sink. Shut off the circuit breaker for the circuit that the disposal is wired to if the machine is hard-wired. Hold a not-touch circuit tester to the disposal wiring to ensure the power is off before proceeding further.

Locate the drain pipe under the sink that attaches to the disposal. Remove the retaining screw on the drain pipe flange with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the drain pipe from the disposal and push it to the side.

Place the end of a flat-blade screwdriver into one of the tabs on the large circular nut that secures the disposal to the bottom of the sink. Hold the bottom of the disposal with one hand. Use the screwdriver in the other hand to twist the nut one-quarter turn in a counterclockwise direction. Lower the disposal from the underside of the sink and lay it on the cabinet bottom. Do not put undo stress on the electrical wiring coming from the disposal.

Pry the existing splash guard off the top of the disposal with a flat-blade screwdriver. Push a new splash guard over the top of the machine until it is fully seated all the way around.

Raise the disposal to the underside of the sink. Ensure the unit is positioned in its original orientation so that the drain outlet aligns with the drain pipe. Twist the large nut with a flat blade screwdriver one-quarter turn in a clockwise direction to securely mount the unit to the underside of the sink.

Push the drain pipe onto the drain outlet on the disposal and tighten the retaining screw.

Plug the disposal back on or turn on the circuit breaker. Turn on the water in the sink and let it run. Turn the disposal on at its power switch and check for leaks underneath. Tighten the large nut or the drain pipe retaining screw as needed if a leak is detected.