Learn to troubleshoot and, if necessary, replace a garbage disposal with basic tools—saving yourself a bundle!

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Uh oh! You turn on the tap, flick the switch, and after a groan your garbage disposal goes silent, leaving you with a sink full of scraps. Before calling a plumber to install a new one, consider replacing the unit yourself—a fairly easy DIY project for anyone with some experience using basic tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and putty. Here’s what you need to know before heading down under the kitchen sink.

Garbage disposal installation costs between $130 to $600 with most spending $185 to $379 on average. Prices depend on the motor size, the feed-type and brand of unit, and if a handyman or plumber is installing the unit. On average, a disposal unit costs $161, while labor runs $105. Get free estimates from pros near you or view our cost guide below. The person who installed the garbage disposal called early in the morning and wanted to come right in, but my appointment was not until later period he said that they are assigned certain routes and had to be done by a certain time period when he came to install the garbage disposal at my house, he seemed to be irritated to be there longer than. In this video I'll walk you step-by-step through a garbage disposal installation. If you are having a hard time with the installation, leave a comment or use.

RELATED: 15 Things Never to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

1. Make sure the garbage disposal is truly broken.

Often, when a garbage disposal stops working, it isn’t actually on the fritz. There are two troubleshooting avenues to try, depending on how the unit is malfunctioning:

If you flick the power switch and nothing happens, check the outlet, usually located underneath the sink, where it’s easy for the plug to be accidentally dislodged while accessing supplies stored in this space. If the device is securely plugged in, it’s possible that the built-in circuit has tripped. Locate the little red button on the bottom of the unit and push it to reset the circuit. Turn on the disposal; if it’s still silent and still, it’s time for a replacement.
If, when you flick the switch, the disposal’s motor hums, but the blades don’t turn, chances are the blades are jammed. Use a flashlight to look down into the unit. If you spot a stray utensil, peach pit, or another blockage, or there is a lot of fibrous waste, such as celery, wrapped around the blades, cut the power to the appliance and use a long fork or pair of pliers to retrieve the offending item. Never stick your fingers into a garbage disposal: Those blades are sharp! After unclogging the garbage disposal, turn it on and give it a try; if it still only hums, it requires a replacement.

2. Save money by replacing it yourself.

A new garbage disposal can cost as little as $50—although at that low a price, you’ll get a small, low-powered device likely to struggle grinding up much beyond the softest of scraps. At the high end, about $200, you’ll get a powerful, reasonably quiet appliance with stainless-steel components, that has a several-year warranty and, often, an auto-reverse start, which means that the blades first whirl in one direction, and then reverse, to avoid most problems with jams. For most folks, a garbage disposal in the $75 to $100 range has sufficient power and longevity to handle typical kitchen demands.

The big savings come from not hiring a plumber to handle the installation. Typically, the job takes a couple of hours, at an average cost of $100 per hour. Keep in mind, however, that most installation time will be spent crouching down to access the small area underneath your kitchen sink, so if your back isn’t up to a lengthy and uncomfortable lean, you might be better off paying a professional.

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RELATED: 9 Tips for Keeping Your Garbage Disposal in Top Shape

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3. The job requires basic tools.

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To replace a defunct garbage disposal, you’ll need a new unit (here’s everything you need to know about buying a new garbage disposal) and some basic tools. While install specifics can vary depending on the model, the most common required tools include:

Flat-headed screwdriver
Philips-head screwdriver
Needle-nose pliers
Hammer
Plumber’s putty
Putty knife
Flashlight

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4. Shut off the electricity before getting started.

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As with any repair or replacement of an appliance powered by electricity, don’t do a thing until you’ve shut off the power. First, unplug the garbage disposal (the outlet is most likely underneath the kitchen sink but may be on the wall by the countertop). Then switch off the electricity to the garbage disposal head to your home’s main circuit-breaker box (often, the appliance shares a circuit with the dishwasher). If you aren’t sure which circuit breaker powers your garbage disposal, turn on the disposal (or the dishwasher, if the disposal is completely nonfunctional) and flip the circuits one by one until you hit the one that shuts off the disposal.

5. Understand the basic process of replacing a garbage disposal.

While the process can vary depending on the existing model and the replacement, it’s generally a fairly straightforward procedure. Clear out the space underneath your kitchen sink and lay down an old towel to catch any water drips. Set a flashlight in place to provide sufficient light while you work. Then, follow the instructions below to remove the old unit to prep for installing a new garbage disposal:

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Unscrew the discharge tube–the rigid PVC or metal pipe that carries water and ground-up waste from the disposal into your home’s plumbing system–and then give the tube a gentle tug to separate it from the garbage disposal.
Older kitchens often have a dishwasher drain connection running into the garbage disposal, as well. If so, this will be a flexible hose usually positioned above the discharge tube. Unscrew or unclip the dishwasher drain connection (use pliers if the tube is clipped in place) and give it a tug to disconnect it from the garbage disposal.
Locate the mounting ring, a thin metal ring with three extending grips at the top of the garbage disposal. With one hand, grasp the grips and rotate the ring counterclockwise while supporting the garbage disposal with the other hand. Be prepared: Once the mounting ring is loosened, the disposal will come free, and these appliances can weigh as much as 15 pounds.
Unscrew the metal faceplate from the bottom of the garbage disposal.
Slip the copper grounding wire out from underneath the green screw holding it in place, and then unclip the two electrical wires that connect your home’s electrical system to the disposal. You might need your needle-nose pliers to squeeze the clips. Set the old garbage disposal aside.
Remove the rubber snap ring from inside the old mounting bracket’s flange. You might need to wedge a screwdriver between the rubber ring and the mounting bracket to displace it.
Remove the old mounting bracket; you might need to unscrew this, but often, it will simply slide off.
Push up the sink flange (the metal ring inside your kitchen sink that encircles the open

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