Replace your garbage disposal (You Can do This!)

Replacing your old garbage disposer might sounds really hard and complicated, but in reality, it's one of the easier projects I've undertaken.  Putting in a new one requires running an electric connection, which I would not attempt, but replacing it is really an easy, hour long project at most.

I really don't like working with electricity at all, and although I've replaced quite a few light fixtures and outlets, it's still not my favorite thing.  I make sure I follow very good safety rules, and check and double check before I do anything with wires.  Here are my steps:

• Turn off the power at the outlet box.
• Turn ON the switch that works the disposer; make sure it is off.
• Turn the switch back off. 
• To even be double safe, I tape over the switch in the off position. You never know when you might be called away and have to come back into a project, and in the meantime, you want to make sure nothing has changed. 

The only tools I used were a hammer (not completely necessary, but useful for small hands), a flat head screwdriver, and a large wrench.

There are three connections (two if you don't have a dishwasher), and you disconnect each:

Waste water connection from the dishwasher

Drain that takes water away from the sink

The connection to the flange at the sink

This last one is where I use my hammer: It's a slight turn to loosen it (and again to reattach), but it's tight: I tap it loose with the hammer to save my hands: I just don't have the strength, and this gets the job done.

Now on to the electrical:  Always pay attention before you disconnect your wires: How it comes off is how it goes back on.  As you see here, white is to white, black is to black, and copper goes to the green screw (the ground).   Twist the two wires together and screw on a wire nut to bind.


Now redo your three connections, and you have a new disposer!  The difficult part is managing the weight of the disposer and trying to twist it into place at the same time.  This was a little frustrating, and my shoulders were burning in the odd position under the cabinet.  Even with that challenge, I was able to get it installed in 13 minutes!  It really is that easy!

And don't forget: at this point, check for water leaks.  I keep a bucket under the disposer and turn the water on and let it run.  After a few minutes of being sure I see no leaks, I feel comfortable that all connections are good and tight.

I was able to do this by reading the instructions that came with it both times, but videos are also very helpful.  I love www.diynetwork.com for issues like this.....very helpful (and a great tip on how to avoid holding it up as you attach it....too late!)

So...this is a "You Can Do This" post from the mom with nails.  Total cost: $84 complete.