?Replace rubber "boot" for garbage disposal?

[phildcrowNOSPAM]

On my current list of honey-do's is to replace the rubber gasket thingy that obscures the whirling blades of death on the disposal. I suspect that the brand of the unit is irrelevant other than to find a replacement boot, but I'd like to know what I'm getting into before I tear up the kitchen sink. In the spirit of Usenet clarity, I have some specific questions:

1. Can I replace the boot from above, or do I have to remove the disposal unit to do so?

1. How does it detach from the sink bowl? Is it part of the flange between sink and plumbing?

2. Is this going to be a huge pain in my, um, side?

Thanks,

-Phil Crow

[Robert Allison]

You will need to remove the disposal.

There is usually a large flange with three lugs around the circumference of the flange. There will be a convenient hole in each lug into which you can place a screwdriver. Turn the flange about 1/4 turn in a counterclockwise direction (looking at it from below) and the GB will fall out (probably crushing your hand in the process, if you are not holding it).

No.

Look at this site for more detailed info:

[Bishoop]

On mine, not sure of the brand, the rubber shield is removable from the top and replacements are available at Lowes, HD etc. No disassembly required.

[DAC]

1. Can I replace the boot from above, or do I have to remove the disposal unit to do so?

below

1. How does it detach from the sink bowl? Is it part of the flange between sink and plumbing?

no it doe not detach from the sink bowl, and is more of a part of the disposer. IIRC it's more like a gasket between the disposer and the mounting flange, held in place when the lower mounting ring is snugged up.

1. Is this going to be a huge pain in my, um, side?

could be, depending on the plumbing involved...

Good luck to ya!

Darwin

[John McGaw]

It really depends on the manufacturer and model. The InSinkErator 555S that I have now requires that the motor be dropped to replace the splash shield since it is molded as part of the gasket which joins the basket to the grinder. Replacements for this part are sold at my nearest Borg for around $5 IIRC. But I've had disposals before where the shield was held in place by a wire snap ring and was replaceable from the top.