How to Remove & Replace Garbage Disposal Splash Guard – Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Garbage disposal splash guards are an important part of your kitchen sink setup. They help keep everything neat by preventing water and food debris from splashing out when you use the disposal. Over time, though, these rubber guards can crack, wear out, or get clogged, making them less effective. When that happens, it’s time to replace the splash guard to keep things running smoothly.

But don’t worry—it’s an easy fix that anyone can do, even if you’ve never worked on a disposal before. Replacing the splash guard is inexpensive and quick, so there’s no reason to delay it.

What is a Garbage Disposal Splash Guard?

A garbage disposal splash guard is a small but important part of your kitchen sink setup. It’s usually made of rubber or a flexible material and sits at the top of the garbage disposal unit, just below the sink drain. Its main job is to stop food, liquids, and water from splashing out of the disposal when it’s in use.

The splash guard also keeps utensils, like forks or spoons, from accidentally falling into the disposal. Though it’s a small part, it plays a big role in keeping everything running smoothly and preventing leaks.

Why You Should Replace Your Splash Guard

Here’s why you should replace your disposal’s splash guard sooner rather than later:

• Prevent Bad Smells and Build-Up: Over time, food particles can get stuck on the underside of the splash guard. As they break down, they can start to smell bad and attract pests like flies and gnats. Regularly cleaning or replacing the splash guard keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
• Keep Your Disposal Working Well: When splash guards get worn out, they don’t do their job properly. This can lead to leaks or make the disposal work less effectively. Replacing it ensures that your garbage disposal keeps running smoothly and lasts longer.
• Easier Maintenance: Sometimes, you need to remove the splash guard to fix a jam in your disposal. If it’s old and damaged, this can be difficult and frustrating. A new splash guard makes maintenance easier, helping your disposal stay in good shape.

Is It Easy to Remove a Splash Guard?

Removing a splash guard is usually a simple task, but it depends on the model of your garbage disposal. For example, Waste King models have removable splash guards, so you can easily lift them out through the sinkhole for cleaning or replacement. This makes the process quick and straightforward.

On the other hand, models like InSinkErator often have splash guards that are fixed onto the disposal under the sink. In these cases, you’ll need to unhook the entire disposal from the sink to replace or clean the splash guard. While it’s possible to handle this yourself, it might be a good idea to ask a family member for help, as it can make the job easier. Typically, removing and replacing a fixed splash guard takes about 15 to 20 minutes, so it’s not too time-consuming, and you can save money by doing it yourself instead of hiring a professional.

Which Garbage Disposals Have A Removable Splash Guard?

• InSinkErator Splash Guards: InSinkErator is a popular brand, and their splash guards are usually made to fit their models. Some models, like the Evolution series, have removable splash guards, making cleaning or replacing them easier. However, models like the Badger series have fixed splash guards that are a bit trickier to remove.
• Waste King Splash Guards: Waste King disposals often come with removable splash guards. These can be easily lifted out for cleaning or replacing, which makes maintenance quick and simple.
• Moen Splash Guards: Moen offers several garbage disposal models with removable splash guards, including their Chef, Prep, Lite and Host Series. These models are designed to make maintenance easy and fast.

How to Remove & Replace a Garbage Disposal Splash Guard

Here’s an easy guide to help you remove and replace your garbage disposal splash guard, keeping your unit in top shape!

Turn Off the Power

First, safety is key! If your disposal is hardwired, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. If it’s plugged in, just unplug it. Double-check to make sure the disposal is completely off before you start working.

How to Remove & Replace the Splash Guard For (Waste King, Moen)

If you have a model like Waste King or Moen with a removable splash guard, the process is simple:

• Grab the Splash Guard: Use pliers to hold the flaps of the splash guard.
• Turn Counterclockwise: Twist the splash guard to the left (counterclockwise) to loosen it.
• Remove the Guard: Lift the splash guard out carefully.
• Replace with a New Guard: Place the new splash guard in and push it down to lock it in place.

How to Remove & Replace the Splash Guard for InSinkErator (Badger Models)

If you have an InSinkErator Badger model, removing the splash guard is a bit more involved because the guard is installed between the disposal and the sink flange. This process should take around 15 to 20 minutes. Here’s how to do it:

1. Disconnect the Power

Start by turning off the power to the garbage disposal for safety. If your disposal is hardwired, turn off the circuit breaker. If it’s plugged in, simply unplug it. Double-check that the power is completely off.

2. Disconnect the Drain and Dishwasher Pipes

Next, you’ll need to disconnect the drain pipes and, if you have one, the dishwasher hose. Be careful when disconnecting the drain pipes, as they might leak water. Have a towel or container ready to catch any water that may come out.

3. Remove the Disposal from the Mounting Collar

Now, the Badger model is attached to the sink using a 3-bolt assembly. Use a screwdriver to loosen these bolts by turning them counterclockwise to detach the disposal from the mounting collar. Support the disposal from underneath while you do this to prevent it from falling.

4. Remove and Replace the Splash Guard

Once the disposal is loose, you can remove the splash guard from the top. Take out the old guard and replace it with a new one, ensuring it fits securely in place.

5. Reattach the Disposal and Reconnect the Pipes

After the new splash guard is in, reattach the disposal to the collar using the screwdriver, and then reconnect the drain and dishwasher pipes.

6. Turn the Power Back On

Finally, turn the power back on and test the disposal to make sure everything is working correctly.

Here is a video of replacing InSinkerator Garbage Disposal splash guard for you to better understand the process:

Further Reading:
Corded vs. Non-Corded Garbage Disposal
How to clean a garbage disposal?
3 Bolt vs EZ Mount: Which Garbage Disposal Mount is Best?

Conclusion

Replacing your garbage disposal splash guard is a small task that can make a big difference in the performance and cleanliness of your kitchen. A well-maintained splash guard helps prevent leaks, odors, and food particles from escaping, ensuring your disposal unit works efficiently. While the process may seem intimidating at first, it’s actually simple and can be done in just a few steps. Whether you have a removable splash guard or need to unhook the disposal to replace it, you now have the knowledge to handle it on your own!