Garbage Disposal Splash Guard Sizes: Are They Universal?
It’s essential to be aware of the sizes of garbage disposal splash guards, especially when replacing them. If you choose the wrong splash guard for your garbage disposal, you will experience the following problems:
- The food waste and water will splash out
- Increase noise
- Poor grinding performance
To avoid such situations, you should choose the correct size splash guard. And this guide will cover everything related to picking up the right size splash guard.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Garbage Disposal Splash Guard Sizes: Choose The Right One
Garbage Disposal’s splash guards come in different sizes. The common diameters of splash guards for most garbage disposals across different brands are 3.25″ and 3.125″.
Below, I list the disposal brand names and their corresponding splash guard sizes for each brand.
| Garbage Disposal Brand | Splash Guard Size |
| InSinkErator | 3.25 inches |
| Waste King | 3.125 inches |
| Moen | 3.25 inches |
| Kenmore | 3.125 inches |
| GE | 3.125 inches |
| KitchenAid | 3.125 inches |
| Whirlpool | 3 inches |
| Frigidaire | 3.125 inches |
| Emerson | 3.25 inches |
| Cleesink | 3.125 inches |
| Kohler | 3.25 inches |
| Whirlaway | 3.125 inches |
| Everbilt | 3.375 inches |
| Waste Maid | 3.149 inches |
Remember that these are general sizes. The splash guard sizes can vary slightly between manufacturers and even between different models from the same brand.
Some brands may use proprietary sizes that don’t match these standard measurements.
I recommend you measure the old splash guard with tape and get a splash guard according to the measurement. You can even check the manual for further assistance.
How To Measure Garbage Disposal Splash Guard?
To know the correct diameter of the disposal splash guard, follow these steps:
- Turn off the electric power by unplugging the power cord.
- If the disposal has a removable splash guard, pull out the splash guard with fingers from the sink drain. Otherwise, you should disassemble the mounting assembly to remove the splash guard.
- Once you remove the splash guard, lay it on the flat surface.
- Get a ruler or a measuring tape and measure from one outer edge to the opposite outer edge, passing through the center.
- Note down the diameter in inches or mm.
- I recommend you measure at least two times to ensure accuracy.
- Don’t forget to count the number of flaps (3 or 4) on the splash guard.
Are Garbage Disposal Splash Guards Universal?
No, garbage disposal splash guards are not universal because they come in different sizes based on the brands and models.
Let’s explore more about splash guards and why they are not universal:
Different Sizes
As mentioned, garbage disposals come in two common different diameters: 3.25″ and 3.125″. Even the size of splash guards between different brands from the same brand is not universal.
Removal Vs Non-Removal
Garbage Disposals have removable or non-removable splash guards based on the brand and model.
For example, Waste King garbage disposal comes with removable garbage disposal. You can effortlessly remove it by pulling the splash guard from the top.
If you get a removable splash guard, it won’t fit on a garbage disposal with a non-removable splash guard.
Design
Garbage disposal splash guards come in different designs. For example, some garbage disposals have three flaps on the splash guard while others have four flaps.
Similarly, some InSinkErator Evolution Disposals have a splash guard with an anti-microbial coating. If you get it for other models like the Badger, the splash guard will never fit on the disposal.
How Do You Replace A Garbage Disposal Splash Guard?
Once you choose the correct splash guard for your garbage disposal, it’s time to make the replacement. Follow the below step-by-step instructions to change the splash guard:
- Cut the electric supply to the garbage disposal.
- Remove the old splash guard.
- Install the new splash guard and push it into the sink drain.
This process will only work if you have a garbage disposal with a removable splash guard.
But what do you do if you have a garbage disposal with a non-removable splash guard?
Don’t worry!
Read this article on how to replace the garbage disposal splash guard to explore the detailed guidelines.
FAQs
What Is a Garbage Disposal Splash Guard?
A splash guard on a garbage disposal is a rubber or silicone ring that sits on the opening of the garbage disposal. The splash guard prevents food particles and water from splashing out when using the disposal unit.
Are all garbage disposal splash guards the same size?
No, garbage disposal splash guards come in different sizes. The size of the splash guard you need depends on the brand and mode of the garbage disposal.
Can I use a universal splash guard for any garbage disposal?
Though some splash guards are labeled as universal, I highly suggest you check the compatibility with your specific disposal unit model. Universal splash guards fit only on standard sizes but may not work with all models.
What happens if I use the wrong size splash guard?
Using the wrong size splash guard can decrease the performance of your garbage disposal. For example, water and food particles can splash at you if the splash guard is not sized correctly.
Where can I purchase replacement splash guards?
You can buy a replacement splash guard from hardware stores, home improvement centers, and online retailers. Before purchasing a splash guard, measure it and choose a new one according to the measurement.
Conclusion
Choosing the right splash guard size for your garbage disposal is crucial for optimal performance.
Sizes are not universal, so measure your current splash guard or consult your disposal’s manual before purchasing a replacement to prevent issues like splashing and increased noise.
Prioritize safety during installation to maintain efficiency and extend the disposal’s lifespan.
Read Also:
Sohel Rana is the founder of FixTheDisposal.Com. He is a plumbing expert with 7+ years of hands-on repairing garbage disposals, water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances used in a home. Before the launch of Fix The Disposal, he wrote and provided advice on water heaters, sump pumps, and space heater repairing & troubleshooting tips for LilDutchUncle.Com.
