Garbage disposal replacement -- can we do this ourselves?

[Missy Vixen]

Our garbage disposal crapped out on us last weekend when we only had, oh, twenty people over for DH's 40th birthday party. I suppose it's not appropriate to call an inanimate object a nasty name, but I did.

We have to replace Mr. Garbage Disposal. Today. DH is making it sound like changing a light bulb. I, on the other hand, am concerned that this is a job for a plumber.

What do you all think? Have you successfully switched out a garbage disposal before?

Julie

[trof]

1. Liddle bit o plumbing & liddle bit o wiring.

How handy are ya?

[physioex]

2. Not that difficult based on your abilities....

But it would be nice if you had a little bit of basic experience in plumbing.

1. Turn of the power at the fuse box.
(Electricity and water don't mix)
Don't reuse those twist connectors,replace them.

2. When you put on the top ring use plumber's putty.

3. If you have a dishwasher, make sure you knock out
the tab for the dishwasher connection. Just take
a screwdriver and hammer and knock out the plastic
tab.

4. You will need a hacksaw to cut to length pipes you
will be installing. Plus other basic tools like
plier that can open to 1.5 inches.

If you feel comfortable with these tasks then it is not
a problem. Good Luck......

[politicat]

3. It's about as difficult as installing track lighting.

We've done it a few times over the years - I have to take the disposal off to change the rubber thing in the sink. If you're patient and not easily frustrated, can handle basic tools and turning water off and on, and breakers off and on, it's not bad.

RTFM, take it slow, use good flashlights, and if you can't handle the thought of him messing around with it, get out of the house. I know I've send DH out of the house a when I have been doing that kind of stuff because he's of the opinion that we should pay people for things that aren't very low skill level (like painting) and I disagree.

[madrchsod]

4. never do this on a sunday unless

you have a open hardware store nearby. believe me you will probably need to get something.

[Speck Tater]

5. Piece of cake, provided...

You know how to work a monkey wrench,

AND

you know how to change a wall socket or light switch without electrocuting yourself.

[Lefta Dissenter]

6. Hey,

that's how we spent our Friday evening! Do we know how to have a good time, or what?????

My husband is pretty handy, and replaces/fixes the g.d.disposals (yes, that's what he calls them) routinely in our house and apartments. He just doesn't like the yuck of the old one, particularly if he's fixing rather than replacing.

Heed all of the above warnings posted by others, however.

:hi: