Your garbage disposal is a valuable appliance in your kitchen. However, like any other machine, it can occasionally need a tune-up. One of the most common problems with garbage disposals is when the flange that attaches the bowl to the machine becomes loose or worn.
This can cause sewage and food debris to back up into the unit, making it difficult to operate and potentially dangerous. This article will show you how to remove a garbage disposal flange and get your machine back in working order.
What is a Garbage Disposal Flange?
Garbage disposal flanges are the metal pieces that connect the garbage disposal to the sink drainpipe. Garbage disposals require a flange to operate, so if your garbage disposal is not currently connected to the sink drainpipe, you will need to install a new one.
You can get garbage disposal flanges from home improvement stores and Vistop Stores on Amazon.
How Can I Remove My Garbage Disposal Flange
Garbage disposals are a handy tool in the kitchen, but like anything else, they can be a pain to take care of. Follow these steps to remove a garbage disposal flange:
1. Turn off the power to the disposal by turning the breaker or switching off the panel. If you have electric disposal, just unplug it from the wall socket.
2. Remove the cover located below the sink. Sometimes screws hold it in place, but often you can just pull it out. The cover should now be accessible.
3. Locate and remove the garbage disposal flange by sliding it out from under the sink and popping it off its mounting bolts. It should come off relatively quickly – if not, try using a wrench to loosen the mounting bolts first.
4. Replace the flange on your disposal with a new one by re-inserting it into its mounting bolts and replacing the screws if necessary. Be sure to orientate it correctly – facing down into the sinkhole – before reconnecting your disposal to your electrical supply.
That’s it – your garbage disposal is now back in working order!
Replacing the Garbage Disposal Flange
If your garbage disposal is leaking, one of the first things you should do is replace the flange. The flange is a piece of metal that sits on top of the garbage disposal and connects it to the drain pipe. It can leak if it’s corroded or has a hole in it. Here are tips for replacing a garbage disposal flange:
1. Turn off the power to the garbage disposal and remove the water connection from the drain pipe. You may need to disconnect a water line or use a wrench to turn a valve handle.
2. Remove the old flange by unscrewing it from the sink drain fitting. Make you unscrew all bolts so you have enough room to work and wear gloves since plumbers’ putty can be sharp. Save the old flange for reuse if necessary.
3. Screw a new flange by hand, using a wrench if necessary. Tighten it using an Allen key or equivalent. Replace the water connection and turn on the power to the disposal.
You may need to call a plumber if you can’t get the old flange off or don’t have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reuse a garbage disposal flange?
It should work just fine for reusing. Your plumber should be able to remove it and replace it if it’s in excellent condition and functions properly.
However, It is not recommended to reuse a garbage disposal flange. If the disposal is new, the seal between the flange and the waste pipe may not be strong enough to prevent leaks.
If you do need to reuse a garbage disposal flange, it is best to do so by replacing the flange with a new one. Those components are easily accessible.
Are garbage disposal flanges universal?
No, garbage disposal flanges are not universal and are designed to fit specific garbage disposal models.
If you are unsure which garbage disposal model you have, you can look it up online.
How tight should the flange on my garbage disposal be?
It’s advisable to tighten the screws until the extra plumber’s putty has flowed out around the drain opening and the sink flange is snug against the bottom of the sink. However, be careful not to overtighten as you risk squeezing out all the plumber’s putty needed to make the seal.
Conclusion
If you are having trouble removing your garbage disposal flange, there are a few things that you can do to try and fix the problem. If you have tried everything and the garbage disposal still won’t budge, it might be time to call an expert. A broken garbage disposal can become disastrous if not fixed promptly, so don’t take any chances – consult a professional as soon as possible!
