Special Tools to Break a Garbage Disposal Loose

Garbage Disposal Mounting Assembly

• Garbage disposals connect directly to the underside of the fixture that fills a sink basin's drain opening, called a sink strainer. Some disposal manufacturers include a specially designed fixture to replace existing strainers and others provide a threaded flange that "screws-on" to existing sink strainers. In both cases, a flange around the disposal's upper rim corresponds to the flange attached to the strainer and the disposal's flange usually slides over the strainer and attaches to strainer's mounting flange via slip-and-lock connection. Waterproof and resistant to the machine's vibrations, the connection is exceptionally tight and nearly impossible to remove by hand.

Manufacturer-Supplied Tools

• Manufacturers sometimes provide simple tightening and removal tools with garbage disposal units. Manufacturer-supplied tools often resemble hex wrenches or small box wrenches. Although generally suitable for only a single task, manufacturer-supplied tools are certain to fit within a garbage disposal's mounting bracket.

Screwdriver

• Loops or circular openings stud most garbage disposals' mounting rings. Standard screwdrivers easily fit into mounting rings' loops or openings and provide ample leverage for both loosening and tightening mounting rings. All types of screwdrivers apply to disposal mounting rings, including common Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. However, because the diameter of mounting ring openings varies, only a comprehensive set of screwdrivers ensures a correct fit.

Hex Wrenches

• Hex wrenches, also called "Allen wrenches," are hexagonal rods bent on one end at a 90-degree angle. As suggested by their shape, hex wrenches loosen and tighten screws with six-sided slots. Relatively small and maneuverable, hex wrenches easily fit into the openings of garbage disposal mounting rings. Additionally, hex wrench's 90-degree offset helps plumbers easily turn mounting rings in the confined spaces beneath sinks.

Removal Process

• Several important steps precede loosing a mounting ring. To prevent serious injury, you must shut off power to the garbage disposal unit. Homeowners must unplug plug-operated units or flip the circuit breakers to hard-wired units. Additionally, homeowners must remove plumbing drain connections before loosening the garbage disposal unit. This includes both dishwasher drain hoses and rigid plastic drain pipes. Finally, homeowners must support the disposal from beneath as they loosen the mounting ring. Support from beneath not only facilitates easy removal, but also prevents the heavy disposal units from causing injury or damage.