Plumbing & Irrigation
Plumbing & IrrigationUpdated 10/3/2026

How to Replace a Broken Garbage Disposal Splash Guard and Flange

A worn, smelly splash guard is a quick fix right before holiday hosting. Swap the baffle and sink flange and the disposal looks and smells new.

Plumbing & Irrigation
How-To Guides
Difficulty
Beginner
Time
45 minutes
Budget
$
Safety
Low

Tools needed

  • Screwdriver set
  • Putty knife
  • Rag

Materials needed

  • Universal garbage disposal splash guard
  • Sink flange kit
  • Oatey plumber's putty

Step-by-step

  1. 1

    Unplug the disposal and loosen its locking ring to drop the unit from the sink mount.

  2. 2

    Pull out the old, worn rubber splash guard.

  3. 3

    If replacing the flange, push out the old sink flange and scrape off the old putty.

  4. 4

    Roll fresh plumber's putty into a rope and set the new stainless flange into the drain.

  5. 5

    Seat the new splash guard and reattach the mounting assembly from below.

  6. 6

    Lift the disposal back onto the mount, lock the ring, restore power, and run water to check for leaks.

Common mistakes

  • • Forgetting to unplug the disposal first
  • • Using too little putty so the flange seeps
  • • Cross-threading the locking ring

Maintenance & next steps

Run cold water with the disposal and grind a little ice and citrus to keep it fresh.

When to call a professional

For a disposal that hums or won't spin, or persistent leaks at the discharge.

Editor's note: This is instructional content for How to Replace a Broken Garbage Disposal Splash Guard and Flange. Replace with your own firsthand experience and photos before publishing.
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3 items

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Universal Garbage Disposal Splash Guard
Sink Flange Kit
Black-Handled Screwdriver
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Universal Garbage Disposal Splash Guard
Core item
Essential Values

Universal Garbage Disposal Splash Guard

Best for: Replacing the worn baffle

Universal fit

Sink Flange Kit
Core item
InSinkErator

Sink Flange Kit

Best for: Resealing the sink drain

Stainless • 3-bolt

Black-Handled Screwdriver
Tool
Klein Tools

Black-Handled Screwdriver

Best for: Loosening the locking ring

Flat & Phillips