How To Replace Garbage Disposal Splash Guard?
Replacing the splash guard on your garbage disposal is essential if food waste frequently backs up into the sink drain.
But do you know how to replace garbage disposal splash guard? If not, I am here to help you.
I will show you two methods:
- How do you replace the garbage disposal splash guard that requires disassembling the mounting assembly?
- How do you replace the splash guard on a garbage disposal without disassembling the mounting assembly?
The first method will be helpful to those who have garbage disposals with no removable splash guards.
It’s painful to replace the splash guard on a garbage disposal that requires disassembling the mounting assembly. Fortunately, our step-by-step instructions will make it simple.
And the second method is super simple. It requires no tools like a screwdriver or plumber’s putty. Just get a replacement part and install it.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Tools & Materials Needed:
What tools and materials you need to replace a garbage disposal can vary depending on the model and type of the garbage disposal.
For example, if you have a garbage disposal with a splash guard that serves as a gasket and splash guard, you should have the following tools and materials at your fingertips:
- New splash guard (ensure it’s compatible with your disposal model)
- Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips, depending on your model)
- Pliers
- Plumber’s putty
- Clean cloth or paper towels
On the other hand, you will only require a replacement part or a new splash guard if you have a garbage disposal with removable splash guards.
Table of Contents
- How To Replace The Splash Guard On A Garbage Disposal By Disassembling the Mounting Assembly: Step-By-Step Instructions
- How To Replace Splash Guard On A Garbage Disposal Without Disassembling the Mounting Assembly?
- Troubleshooting Common Issues You May Encounter While Replacing The Splash Guard
- Are Garbage Disposal Splash Guard Universal?
- Splash Guard Care: How To Clean Splash Guard On Garbage Disposal?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
How To Replace The Splash Guard On A Garbage Disposal By Disassembling the Mounting Assembly: Step-By-Step Instructions
This method will walk you through the step-by-step process to replace the splash guard on a garbage disposal that requires you to unscrew the mounting assembly.
1. Unplug The Garbage Disposal
Turn off your garbage disposal. Then, unplug the power cord of the disposal unit from the electric outlet. If your disposal unit is hardwired, cut off the electric supply at the circuit breaker.
Detaching the disposal unit from the power supply will ensure safety against electric shocks.
2. Disconnect Your Garbage Disposal From The Mounting Assembly
Removing the garbage disposal from the mounting assembly is a prerequisite for replacing the splash guard.
Regarding this, disconnect the drain pipe first. Then, disconnect the dishwasher hose from the disposal inlet.
Now, insert a screwdriver into one of the tube-shaped fittings around the edges of the locking ring and turn the screwdriver left to loosen the locking ring.
Once you loosen the locking ring, your garbage disposal should fall straight down.
Put aside the garbage disposal on the floor of the cabinet.
3. Replace the Splash Guard
It’s time to remove the splash guard from the top of the garbage disposal. Just peel the old splash guard off and clean the top of the garbage disposal.
Finally, install the new splash guard on the top of the garbage disposal. Ensure the splash guard you get matches the old one.
4. Reconnect the Garbage Disposal To The Mounting Assembly
Reassemble the garbage disposal to the mounting assembly. Regarding this, lift your garbage disposal up into the mounting ring.
Then, locate the lower mounting ring and align it with the ramps on the mounting ring extending down from under the drain. Turn the lower mounting ring right until tight.
Finally, get a flat screwdriver and insert it into one of the tabs on the lower mounting ring. Rotate the lower mounting ring right until it locks into place securely.
Don’t forget to reconnect the dishwasher line and the drain line.
5. Restore the Power To Your Garbage Disposal
Now, restore electric power to your garbage disposal by plugging the power cord into the electric outlet.
Run cold water and turn on your garbage disposal to test the operation. If no water splashing at you, understand you correctly replace the splash guard.
How To Replace Splash Guard On A Garbage Disposal Without Disassembling the Mounting Assembly?
Garbage disposals from Moen and Waste King come with a removable splash guard. It means you can change the splash guard like a charm.
Here’s the step-by-step process to replace the splash guard without disassembling the mounting assembly:
- Turn off the electric supply to ensure safety.
- Put the stopper aside and grab the splash guard with your fingers.
- Pull the splash guard straight up to remove it from the top of the disposal mouth.
- Install the new garbage disposal by pushing it into the sink drain. The splash guard will fit into the groove.
- Restore the power to the unit and turn on the disposal to test the operation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues You May Encounter While Replacing The Splash Guard
Here are some common problems you may face and how to address them:
- Splash Guard Doesn’t Fit: Verify you choose the splash guard that matches the size and model of the old splash guard. Check the manufacturer’s guide if unsure. But the best bait is to measure the opening of the disposal mount and pick the splash guard according to your measurement.
- Noise from disposal: If you hear a noise from the garbage disposal, check the alignment of the splash guard. Ensure you set the splash guard and slide it into the mouth of the disposal unit.
- Persistent Leaks: Double-check the splash guard installation on the garbage disposal. Ensure the splash guard sits snugly on the top of the disposal mouth. If the issue persists, call a professional.
Are Garbage Disposal Splash Guard Universal?
No, garbage disposal splash guards are not universal because each garbage disposal has a slightly different size opening.
However, you can find some splash guards designed to fit a wide range of food waste disposals and sinks, including those from brands like Moen, InSinkErator, Kohler, Waste King, Sinkmaster, and Whirlaway.
I suggest you measure the opening of your garbage disposal precisely and get the splash guard that matches the measurement.
Splash Guard Care: How To Clean Splash Guard On Garbage Disposal?
Cleaning the splash guard once a month will help you keep the sink free of odor. To clean the splash guard on a garbage disposal, go along with the following steps:
- Remove the splash guard from the sink opening if it’s a newer model or if you installed a removable splash guard.
- If you have an old unit, you should remove the garbage disposal from the mounting assembly. Then, remove the splash guard from the top of the disposal unit.
- Spray a cleaner on the splash guard and rub the splash guard with a toothbrush.
- Wash the splash guard under running water.
- Reinstall the garbage disposal splash guard once you clean it thoroughly.
FAQs
How do I know if my splash guard needs replacing?
Frequent splashing, visible wear & tear, and odor coming out of the garbage disposal are some signs that indicate you need to replace the splash guard.
How do I choose the right splash guard for my garbage disposal?
Measure the garbage disposal opening precisely and choose a splash guard that matches the measurement. You can even check the specifications of your garbage disposal, like the brand, model, and side, and look for a splash guard that meets those criteria.
Can I replace the splash guard myself?
Yes, you can replace a splash guard as it’s an easy task that requires no special skills.
Are there any tips for extending the life of a splash guard?
Never put hard or abrasive food waste and cleaning the splash guard on your garbage disposal can extend the lifespan of the splash guard.
How often should I replace the splash guard on a garbage disposal?
Depending on the usage and maintenance, consider replacing the garbage disposal splash guard every 1-3 years or when you notice signs of wear & tear.
Conclusion
Replacing a splash guard on a garbage disposal is easy.
Disconnect the disposal from the mounting assembly, peel off the old splash guard, and set the new splash guard.
To extend the lifespan of the splash guard, never put abrasive food waste. Clean the splash guard every month with soap and water.
Relevant: How To Install A Garbage Disposal?
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.
