How to Replace a Noisy Garbage Disposal (Step-by-Step DIY)
- The Best Life Awaits
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Is your garbage disposal making an awful grinding noise?
Does it struggle to clear food waste?
Is your sink starting to back up?
That’s exactly where we were.
Our disposal had been loud for months. It was doing a mediocre job, but not failing completely — just slowly getting worse. After a while, the noise started to feel normal.
That’s when we knew it was time to replace it.
Why Garbage Disposals Fail
Most disposals wear out gradually. Common signs include:
Loud grinding or rattling
Reduced grinding power
Frequent resets
Water draining slowly
Leaks underneath the sink
Once the internal grinding components dull or loosen, performance drops quickly.
At that point, replacement is usually easier than repair.
Is Replacing a Garbage Disposal Hard?
It sounds intimidating — it involves plumbing and electricity — but it’s more straightforward than most people think.
The basic process:
Turn off power at the breaker.
Disconnect the drain pipes.
Disconnect the dishwasher hose (if attached).
Remove the old unit from the mounting ring.
Install the new mounting assembly (if required).
Attach the new disposal.
Reconnect plumbing and electrical.
Test for leaks and proper operation.
That’s it.
No advanced plumbing knowledge required — just patience and attention to detail.
Testing Your Installation
After installation:
Run cold water and turn on the disposal.
Check underneath for leaks.
Fill the sink up with water
Pull the stopper to let entire sink drain
Verify smooth grinding sound (no rattling or metal scraping).
Test dishwasher drain (if connected).
If everything is quiet and draining properly, you’re done.
Why DIY Is Worth It
Replacing a garbage disposal yourself can save hundreds of dollars in labor.
More importantly, it builds confidence.
Plumbing tasks can feel intimidating because they’re hidden and unfamiliar. But most home systems are modular — designed to be replaced in sections.
With research, patience, and the right tools, many repairs are well within reach.
This was a very rewarding project for us.
And the first time you flip the switch and hear that smooth, quiet hum — you’ll know you did it right.
Final Thoughts
If your disposal is loud, weak, or backing up your sink, don’t ignore it.
Watch carefully.Take notes.Take your time.
You’re more capable than you think.
And once you’ve replaced one garbage disposal, you’ll never hesitate again.
This video shows you step-by-step details to replace a garbage disposal.
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