Sweetie, I think the garbage disposal is broken?!
Oh no, the garbage disposal! I was really looking forward to taking a nap when I heard those words but the call of duty was more important than my nap. Not really but I would have to do it anyway so I figured it was better to do it now and take my nap later and besides I would be tired afterwards so I would sleep better!
Always trying to make the best of any situaton.
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Well, I decided that I could not get it working using the "key" that came with it. The "key" is a little tool like an S-shaped allen wrench that came with your disposal and it fits in a slot on the bottom.
It's basically a manual turning tool for the disposal. Sometimes it clears the obstruction and sometimes it doesn't.
It is always a good idea to try it first. If you lost it, any allen wrench of the correct size will work.
I tried plunging the sink but to no avail. I guess I'm going to the store to buy a new garbage disposal and replace the broken one. Don't worry too much, they're not too expensive and quite easy to replace.
I opened the cabinet under the sink and determined the make and model in question. I then trudged off to the hardware store to see what I could get to replace it. That being done, I returned home with my new unit to start the project.
Replacing the Garbage Disposal
- A bucket
- Screwdrivers, both slotted and phillips.
- A pair of pliers (slip lock style like channel locks)
- A pair of wire cutters
- An adjustable wrench
- Some plumbers putty (very similar to modelling clay but waterproof)
- Electrical tape
- A flashlight or portable light
- Towels
- Some blocks of wood or a small hydraulic or car jack to hold the unit in place while you're securing it to the sink. I say jack because they are adjustable not because of the weight of the disposal! But trust me, they seem to weigh more when you're on back trying to hold it into place
Here are the general steps you should follow but please refer to the manufacturer's directions for that specific model of garbage diposal.
Here's a great tip to save your back. If you have a big bag of dog food or cat food or birdseed lay it on the area where the sink cabinet meets the floor to act like a cushion. You could always use a large pillow too - just make sure you ask your wife first as it may get wet.
1. A good idea but not completely necessary is to turn off the water supply to the sink. It's quite a mess if you have to leave for something and somebody turns on the water while you're gone.
2. Remove as much of the water in the sink as possible. Whatever you don't get out will spill when you remove the broken unit.
3. Disconnect the power supply from the unit. It can be a plug or cabled wires to a box under the sink. This must be done before you continue!
4. Remove the drain tube from the unit. Sometimes it's connected with a worm drive hose clamp or a spring loaded clamp.
5. Remove the broken garbage disposal by unscrewing it from the ring clamp. Be careful because any water in the sink will spill at this time. If the new and old models are identical you will not have to remove anything else.
If not, then remove the screws on the clamp holding it to the bottom of the sink. It's the ring between the sink and the unit, usually triangular shaped but not always. You'll see it when you look up at the bottom of the sink from underneath. It usually has three screws on it.
6. Once the unit is removed, you can set it aside and clean up any water that may have spilled. At this time you can remove the flange insert in the drain hole of the bowl of the sink and the old putty as well.
7. Clean off any and all old putty and water from the sink and dry with a towel.
Now it's time to put your new garbage disposal in place.
8. If the models are the same then just screw the new one into the ring and reconnect the drain and power. If they're not the same the read on.
9. Replace the bowl flange with the putty in place. Go underneath and replace the holding clamp to the flange.
10. Screw on the new garbage diposal to the ring clamp and reconnect the drain tube. Turn on the water and run some into the sink to make sure that there are no leaks. If none then continue; if there are leaks check the putty seal and the tightness of the clamp and the drain tube connection. Fix as needed.
11. Once the garbage disposal is in place and all leaks are fixed, reconnect the power supply. Once again run some water to check for leaks, if none are present then you are done my friend.
Now think about this. You just replaced your garbage disposal in about three hours or so and you spent under $100 (depending on model. You could have called a plumber at roughly $60 an hour plus materials which would mean about $280 and they would get to you when they were available. Saturdays and Sundays are considered "emergencies" which means even more $$$.
Take a much deserved nap and be confident that you won't be awakened by the call.
