How to take apart a garbage disposal for DIY repairs

Having trouble with your garbage disposal and thinking about fixing it yourself? Taking it apart might seem like a big deal, but with some guidance and a few safety tips, you’ll be ready to get your hands dirty. Let’s go through how to safely take apart your garbage disposal so you can repair it yourself.

The info here might not match your exact appliance model. We try to give helpful advice for all kinds of DIY fixes, but different models can change up the steps, error codes, parts, and so on. For spot-on guidance, it’d be best to peek at the manufacturer’s documentation for your specific model or find your appliance’s model number for tailored instructions.

Put safety first

Before you start taking things apart, safety should be your top concern. Here’s what to do:

• 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.

 Gather your tools 

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Pliers
• Hex key (Allen wrench)
• Bucket or towels for catching water
• Flashlight
• Multimeter (for electrical testing, if needed)

Removing the garbage disposal unit

Now that you’ve cut the power and prepped the area, it’s time to remove the garbage disposal from under the sink. This step will give you full access to the unit so you can inspect, clean, or repair any components. Follow these steps carefully to avoid damaging any parts.

Loosen the mounting ring

1. Look for the mounting ring that connects the disposal to the sink drain.
2. Use a wrench or your hands to turn the ring counterclockwise until the disposal comes loose.
3. If the unit is stuck, gently wiggle it to break the seal before pulling it down.

Support the disposal while removing it

1. Garbage disposals can be heavy, so support the unit with one hand while loosening the mounting ring.
2. Once the disposal is free, lower it slowly to avoid dropping it or damaging the pipes.

Disconnect the drain pipes

1. Locate the discharge pipe that connects the disposal to the main drain. Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the clamp or screws.
2. If your disposal is hooked up to a dishwasher drain hose, detach it by loosening the clamp and pulling the hose off.
3. Place a bucket or towels under the pipes to catch any leftover water.

Remove the electrical connections (if needed)

If your disposal is plugged into an outlet, you’re all set—skip this step. If it’s hardwired, follow these steps:

1. Remove the bottom cover plate of the disposal with a screwdriver.
2. Use a voltage tester or multimeter to make sure no power is running to the wires.
3. Unscrew the wire nuts and carefully disconnect the wires.
4. Loosen the strain relief clamp to fully free the electrical cord.

Now that the garbage disposal is fully disconnected, you’re ready to take it apart and inspect the internal components. 

Opening up the garbage disposal

With the garbage disposal fully removed, you can now take it apart to inspect and troubleshoot any internal issues. Whether you’re dealing with a jam, a leak, or a worn-out part, disassembling the unit will help you pinpoint the problem. Follow these steps to safely open up your garbage disposal.

Remove the bottom cover

1. Flip the disposal upside down so you can access the bottom cover plate.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the cover.
3. Once removed, you’ll see the electrical connections and motor housing. If you’re troubleshooting an electrical issue, this is where you can check the wiring.

Access the grind chamber

1. Locate the clamps or screws that hold the outer casing of the disposal in place.
2. Depending on the model, you may need a wrench, screwdriver, or pliers to loosen and remove these fasteners.
3. Carefully lift off the outer shell to expose the grind chamber and impellers.

Inspect key components

Once the disposal is open, check the following parts for signs of damage or wear:

1. Impellers and shredder ring – these should move freely but not be overly loose. If they’re jammed or dull, they may need cleaning or replacement.
2. Motor and flywheel – check for obstructions or burnt-out components. If the motor smells burnt or won’t spin, it may need replacement.
3. Seals and gaskets – inspect for cracks or leaks that could be causing water to escape from the unit.

Clear any jams

1. If food particles or foreign objects are blocking the impellers, use pliers or tongs to remove them.
2. To manually rotate the flywheel and free up any stuck debris, insert an Allen wrench into the bottom hex slot and turn it back and forth.
3. Avoid using your hands inside the disposal—some parts may still be sharp.

Reassembling and reinstalling the disposal

Now that you’ve cleaned or repaired your disposal, it’s time to put it back together.

1. Secure the grind chamber, impellers, and shredder ring in place.
2. Ensure everything moves freely and tighten any screws or clips.
3. Align the outer shell and secure it with screws or clamps.
4. If hardwired, reconnect black (hot), white (neutral), and ground wires, then replace the cover plate.
5. If plugged into an outlet, simply reconnect the plug later.
6. Secure the discharge pipe and dishwasher hose with clamps or screws.
7. Check all connections for a snug fit to prevent leaks.
8. Align the disposal with the mounting ring and twist it clockwise until locked.
9. Restore power, run cold water, and test for proper function, leaks, and unusual noises.

If everything runs smoothly, you’re all set! If problems persist, it may be time for a full replacement.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you need replacement parts, grab your model number and head to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need help finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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