Professional Garbage Disposal Replacement in Tampa, FL
On this service call in Tampa, FL, I was tasked with diagnosing a completely failed garbage disposal. The unit had rusted through, the motor was fully seized, and it was beginning to impact surrounding plumbing components. After a detailed inspection, a full replacement was clearly the best and safest option for restoring proper kitchen sink drainage.
I began by disconnecting the disposal, inspecting the drain trap and discharge tube, and confirming the motor was locked up using a disposal wrench. The flywheel barely moved, indicating severe internal failure. Once the old unit was removed, I cleaned the sink flange thoroughly, reapplied plumber’s putty, and prepared the mounting assembly for the new disposal installation.
After prepping the drain assembly and confirming the P-trap and dishwasher connection were in good condition, I installed a new 1/2 HP garbage disposal. I reconnected the discharge piping with proper alignment to ensure smooth drainage and prevent future clogs. Once mounted securely, I tested the unit under running water and checked for vibrations, leaks, and proper motor operation.
The final inspection included verifying efficient sink drainage and ensuring all plumbing components were functioning correctly. With the new disposal running smoothly and no leaks detected, the kitchen sink was fully restored to reliable performance.
Inspecting the Failed Garbage Disposal
This image shows the original garbage disposal before removal. The heavy corrosion and rust damage were clear indicators that the unit had fully deteriorated. I inspected the mounting ring, electrical connection, and drain piping to assess the extent of damage and prepare for a safe, clean removal. This step ensures no hidden leaks or weakened components remain once the disposal is taken out.
New Garbage Disposal Successfully Installed
This image captures the newly installed garbage disposal mounted securely using the three-bolt system. With the new unit connected to the discharge pipe and dishwasher inlet, I verified proper alignment and ensured all compression fittings were tightened. The fresh installation provides improved grinding performance, reduced vibration, and long-term reliability.
Final Testing – Sink Draining Smoothly
The final image shows the kitchen sink draining properly after installation. I flushed the system with running water, checked the trap for leaks, and verified that the disposal discharged water at the correct flow rate. Proper drainage confirms that the plumbing system is sealed, aligned, and functioning exactly as it should after a professional disposal installation.