Step 1: Kill power (either at breaker or unplug the disposal if it's not hardwired).

Step 2: Disconnect the dishwasher drain hose (if equippedI'm guessing you don't make your wife hand wash the dishes) It probably just has a hose clamp around the end. Have a bucket and some rags handy, as the hose is likely going to have trapped water in it. Empty it into the bucket and then tie it aimed up so it won't continue to drip.

Step 3: Disconnect the main drain from the disposal. This is probably the trickiest part, depending on what type of P-trap and piping you have. If it's plastic with compression fittings, you should be able to simply loosen the locking nuts by turning them counter-clockwise. Once again, have a bucket handy. Once disconnected, you may want to place a piece of tape or rag over the end of the drain pipe stubbed out of the wall to prevent sewer gas from stinking up your house.

Step 4: Insert an allen wrench or screwdriver into one of the "C" looking clips (just right of center in your image) and turn it counter-clockwise - it should loosen and then disposal should start to separate from the disposal adapter. Be ready to catch it - it will be pretty heavy. You don't want to spill its contents, as it will be pretty nasty.

Step 5: If you're purchasing a new InSinkErator disposal, get one of these quick-lock mount kits with it (see link below). Read the instructionsbut basically it clamps above/below the sink drain outlet using the three screws, and then the new disposal mounts to it in the opposite of how the old one came off.

Step 6: Re-connect everything that you took off initially, and energize the new disposal. Run water and check for leaks. Run the dishwasher for a moment and then cancel the cycle to force it to drain and check the drain hose for leaks.


I've over-simplified things a bit, and it's been a couple of years since I've done one of these, but that covers the basics. I'm sure YouTube has much better information. You've got this, though...good luck!



EDIT: I realized I forgot to mention that if your disposal is hard-wired, you're going to have to deal with wiring the new one. It seems like I may see a plug in the background of your photo, so hopefully you can just unplug the existing one and plug in the new unit. If the new disposal is not equipped with a cord, you can purchase a short cord from Lowes or Home Depot and wire it yourself. Link below:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/InSinkErator-Power-Cord-3-ft-3-Prong-Black-Garbage-Disposal-Appliance-Power-Cord/1269937
[Post edited by MP4VT2004 at 10/05/2020 9:25PM]