How to Dismantle an Under-the-Sink Garbage Disposal

Empty the cabinet underneath the sink of all items that may obstruct the work process.

Unplug the garbage disposal's electrical cord from the outlet in the wall.

Locate the discharge tube toward the base of the garbage disposal. Remove it by turning the two screws that secure it counterclockwise with a Phillips screwdriver, and then twist the tube out of the way with your hands.

Loosen the screw that tightens the band clamp around the end of the hose from the dishwasher, if one is present. Turn the screw counterclockwise until the clamp loosens enough to pull the hose off of the disposal.

Grasp the mounting ring underneath the sink drain with one hand and hold the bottom of the garbage disposal with the other. Turn the mounting ring counterclockwise and remove the disposal unit.

Unscrew the three screws that secure the snap ring directly under the sink, if you are installing a standard drain pipe and not a new garbage disposal. Remove the snap ring, the mounting ring, the backup ring and the gasket. From inside the sink, remove the sink flange.