There are several reasons you might need to permanently remove a garbage disposal from your kitchen sink. Having a septic system, or experiencing issues with clogged drains, are the most common reasons.
Garbage disposals are not recommended for homes with septic systems. If you’ve had problems with a septic system, or you’ve moved into a home that has a septic system, it might be a good idea to remove the disposal. Similarly, kitchen drains that are prone to clogging may be challenged by a garbage disposal; it sends little bits of food down the drain, which might make clogging even more likely. In that case, it’s safer to scrape off all food scraps into the compost or trash to keep your drains clear.
Fortunately, removing a garbage disposal and installing a sink strainer in its place is a job most homeowners can handle on their own.
Before You Begin
When you remove a garbage disposal without replacing it with a new one, you must install a new sink strainer, or basket strainer, in its place. You’ll also need a new sink tailpiece, the vertical drain pipe directly below the strainer. In addition, you will likely need a new continuous waste pipe that extends from the tailpiece to the drain’s P-trap or a tee (for double-basin sinks).
All of these parts are commonly available at home centers. They are inexpensive and easy to work with. If you have trouble fitting any of the new drain parts with the old, it costs very little to replace all of the drain parts leading to the branch drain in the wall or floor.
Warning
If your garbage disposal does not have an appliance cord plugged into an outlet, it is hard-wired and must be disconnected from the circuit wiring. Shut off the power to the disposal circuit at the circuit breaker before working on any wires. Consult an electrician about permanently disconnecting the disposal portion of the circuit.
Source: The Spruce
