How to replace a missing or broken garbage disposal splash guard

Finding out that your garbage disposal’s cap—better known as the splash guard—is missing or broken can be a real headache. Not only does it mess with your disposal’s performance, but it can also lead to annoying splashes and bits of food flying around your sink. The upside? Swapping it out is a super easy DIY job that won’t take much time or effort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to get your garbage disposal back to working smoothly.

Heads up: The info here might not be exactly right for your specific appliance model. We aim to give helpful advice for all kinds of DIY repairs, but different models can have different steps, error codes, parts—you name it. For the best guidance, it’s a good idea to check your appliance’s manual or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

What is the splash guard?

The splash guard is that rubbery ring at the top of your garbage disposal. It keeps food scraps and water from splashing back up while still letting waste pass through easily. Over time, it can get worn out, tear, or even go missing, leading to less efficiency and more mess. 

What you’ll need

• New splash guard
• Bucket or towels
• Screwdrivers

Safety first!

Before you dive in, let’s make sure you’re staying safe:

• Always turn off the power by unplugging the appliance or switching off the circuit breaker before starting. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Take your time and work at a steady pace to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep your area organized and free of clutter, and ensure children and pets are kept away from the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Make sure both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Check your appliance’s user manual for specific instructions or safety guidelines related to your repair.
• Handle parts gently to prevent damaging the appliance or injuring yourself by using too much force.
• Wear safety glasses if you’re dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections before disconnecting anything. This makes reassembly much easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you need to handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

How to swap out the splash guard 

Get your workspace ready

First things first—make sure the disposal won’t turn on while you’re working.

1. If your garbage disposal plugs into an outlet, just unplug it.
2. If it’s wired directly, find your home’s breaker box and flip the switch for the disposal.
3. Double-check by trying to turn it on—it shouldn’t do anything.
4. Clear out anything stored under the sink so you have plenty of space.
5. Have your new splash guard and any tools you need within reach.

Take out the old splash guard

Most of the time, you can replace the splash guard from above without removing the disposal unit.

1. From the top of the sink, reach into the drain and grab the edge of the old splash guard.
2. Carefully pull it up and out. You might need to wiggle it a bit or gently pry with your fingers.
3. If it’s being stubborn, be careful not to scratch up the sink or drain.
4. Once it’s out, wipe around the sink opening with a damp cloth to clean off any gunk. This helps the new splash guard fit snugly.

Put in the new splash guard

Now let’s get the new one in place.

1. Line up the new splash guard with the sink opening.
2. Press it down firmly, making sure it’s snug all the way around.
3. The splash guard should sit flush with the sink, and the flaps should move easily when pushed.

Turn the power back on

1. With the new splash guard installed, you can restore power to the disposal.
2. Run some water into the sink and turn on the garbage disposal.
3. Watch the new splash guard to see that it stays put and works properly while the disposal’s running.
4. Listen and feel for any weird noises or vibrations under the sink.

Removing the disposal to replace the splash guard

If your disposal model doesn’t let you replace the splash guard from above, you might need to take out the disposal unit to get to it. Here’s how:

1. Make sure the disposal’s off.
2. Clear out under the sink and put a bucket down to catch any water.
3. Use a screwdriver or wrench to unhook the drain pipe and twist the disposal unit off the mounting assembly by turning the locking ring counter-clockwise.
4. With the unit out, pull off the old splash guard from the top.
5. Fit the new one onto the disposal unit, making sure it’s secure.
6. Attach the disposal unit back to the mounting assembly, reconnect the drain pipe, and make sure everything’s tight.
7. Turn the power back on to the disposal.
8. Run water and turn on the disposal to make sure it’s working right and there are no leaks.

All done!

If you need any replacement parts or more assistance, we’re here for you at AppliancePartsPros.com. Check out our huge selection of quality parts tailored to your appliance needs. Stay connected with us on social media for more tips, tricks, and updates.

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