How to Remove a Garbage Disposal Wire Connection

Cut the power for the garbage disposal where you will be removing the wire connection. This should be done at the main circuit. Locate the main circuit breaker panel for your house or apartment. The circuit that controls the disposal may be tied into the kitchen circuit or it may be on its own. Flip the switch to the "off" position.

Remove the cover plate on the side of the disposal where the electric wire enters, using a screwdriver. Use the flashlight for light, if needed.

Test that the circuit is cut off, using a voltmeter. Touch one of the probes on the meter to the hot terminal and the other to the neutral terminal. These may be identified by colors (black is hot, white neutral) or by identifying language on the disposal. The voltmeter should read zero if the power has been cut correctly.

Loosen the terminals where the black wire connects by turning the screw counterclockwise with a screwdriver. Use the needle-nose pliers, if needed, to grab the wire and pry it off the terminal. Repeat this process for the white and green wires.

Insert wire nuts over the bare end of the wires. Secure the nuts with electrical tape. Push the wire gently into an out-of-the-way location.

Restore power to the electrical circuit.