Confirm that the power supply has been shut off by attempting to turn the garbage disposal on before proceeding.
If the unit is hardwired to the house then you have to use a screwdriver to remove the plate covering the wire connections on the disposal. Disconnect the exposed wires and then remove the plate covering the junction box on the wall. Untwist the wire caps securing the disposal wires to your home wires and set the disposal’s wires on the side. Twist the wire capes over the exposed wires in the junction box, put the wires into the junction box and reattach the junction box plate. Use a voltage tester to ensure that there is no electrical voltage before putting the wires back in the junction box.
Make sure to hold the underside of the garbage disposal with your hand while removing. They are very heavy! You may want to put rags on the bottom of your cabinet as protection; in case the disposal drops this will protect your cabinet floor from damage.
Clean out any remaining sealing gaskets, plumber’s putty, or debris from the sink opening. If you are replacing your disposal with the same disposal then you can leave the mounting assembly.
If the putty is too difficult to remove, use rubbing alcohol or spirits to remove the putty.
It may help to have someone hold the drain from the top so it does not move around. Remove excess putty after securing the drain.
Make sure that the water is cut off before you get started.
You will need to use putty if your disposal does not include a rubber seal.
The mounting bracket is now attached and ready for the new garbage disposal.
If you are connecting the disposal to a dishwasher, then you must remove the knock out plug using a hammer and screwdriver.
Dry fit the pieces together at first. Connect the pipes using PVC glue on both the outside of the pipe and inside of the fitting. PVC glue will melt the material a little to give a strong weld.
If it makes a humming sound but does not work, then it may be stuck or need the sub-breaker reset.
If none of these steps is effective, then the disposal will have to be replaced.
