How hard is it to replace a garbage disposal (and other related questions)?

[RusticBohemian]

I've got a "Badger Insinkerator 1, Model 1-87, S/N 12021598691" that stopped working and needs to be replaced.

I've done almost no plumbing except for fixing some malfunctioning toilet parts and a faulty bathroom sink stopper.

1) How approachable is it to replace a garbage disposal for someone with little experience with plumbing and a modest overall handiness level?

2) If I decide to replace the garbage disposal, will it save significant amounts of effort to buy the exact same model and slot it in? Do the fittings carry over?

3) I saw that Home Depot sells this garbage disposal (link below), but it has a new label. It's unclear to me if it's changed in other ways. How can I determine if it's the same one for carrying over fittings, etc?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/InSinkErator-Badger-1-Standard-Series-1-3-HP-Continuous-Feed-Garbage-Disposal-BADGER-1/100036481

[BC_Goldman]

I replaced my Insinkerator disposal a few years back. It didn't seem to be that difficult. If the output hole lines up with the existing drain line, there shouldn't really be anything complicated. I think all I did was disconnect everything, pull the old one out, put the new one in, and reconnect everything.

[Greystache]

The fittings should be the same. If in doubt, just take a picture of the fittings and compare them to the new one at HD.  I have replaced a disposal before and it seemed pretty straight forward to me. If you are unsure, Youtube is your friend.

[jamaicaspanish]

If you have a dishwasher, be sure to knock out the dishwasher fitting when you connect it.
Ask me how I know this is a key step ...

[HPstache]

I would say super easy

[mozar]

How long has the original been in there? I’m glad I hired someone because my old one was really stuck and I didn’t have the physical capacity to do it. After that when I was remodeling my kitchen I took out the newish one and put it back myself.

[YttriumNitrate]

In my experience of replacing two different garbage disposals (and creating an apple grinder using a garbage disposal), the difficulty is almost entirely dependent on how easy or hard it is to access the various things you need to disconnect and reconnect.

[Omy]

It's not hard. The toughest part is usually contorting your body to access it.

[Dee_the_third]

Watch a few youtube videos and get a feel for it. The hardest part is usually undoing old fittings, but in the best case scenario it's just an "unscrew old one, screw in new one" job. Budget at least 3x as long as you think it'll take though, these things always take a lot longer than you think.

[Papa bear]

If you buy the same brand, most of the fittings to the sink should go back together in the same spots.  Your difficulties may be in removing the old unit from the bottom of the sink. They tend to get stuck.  Get a big screw driver and a hammer, tap it in the direction to loosen, and it should break.

Before reinstalling:

Make sure you pop out the plug for the dishwasher before.  It’s a surprise when you forget. 

How is the electrical run? Is it hardwired or a plug?  You will have some minor electrical work to do.
- If it’s a plug, remove the plug from the old unit and reinstall it on the new unit. 
- if it’s hardwired, you have 2 options.  Hardwire it back in after it’s installed, which can be a royal pain in the ass because of lack of space.  Or take the hardwire and install an electrical box in the back of the cabinet, put in an outlet, and wire a plug into the disposal.


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[ArtOfFIRE]

I'm also only modestly handy with minimal plumbing experience. I've replaced my garbage disposal twice. The first time, I took a handier friend with me to the hardware store to select a unit and then he showed me how to install it. Once I saw how easy it was, I did it by myself the second time years later. I believe the original and both replacement units were all Insinkerators (though most likely different models) and there were no issues with the fittings lining up. The one thing I didn't anticipate was that it's helpful to have a second pair of hands so one person can hold the unit in place while the other attaches the hardware. They are heavy, and I managed to get it installed by myself by wedging my knee underneath it to hold it up while I attached it, but that might not be feasible for everyone.