FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Help!- Garbage disposal reinstallation

TMagda | Posted in General Discussion on May 20, 2008 04:20am

Help!,

My project for the weekend was to replace the kitchen faucet and soap dispenser. To gain some access I popped out the garbage disposal without really looking at (mistake). It is an Insinkerator Pro 77. It came out easy, just turn a collar and it dropped out. But now I am having a really hard time getting it back in. The collar that tightens to the bottom of the drain seems too big now. The neck of the disposal slips right through – I have no idea how it was held up there in the first place. Did I lose a piece? The install directions on the Insinkerator page are poor with drawings instead of photos and are really no help. 

Thanks in advance for your help.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. dovetail97128 | May 20, 2008 04:36am | #1

    Can you define the "Too Big" .

    My guess is that either you aren't getting the tabs and slots aligned or that you aren't using enough upward pressure to allow you to get the locking ring started.
    I often have to lay on my back under the disposal and use a lot of force to push everything into place and get the locking ring started.
    Ensuring you have the ring correctly aligned is a big part of it.

    They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
    1. TMagda | May 20, 2008 04:44am | #2

      Thanks for the quick response.

      I did get the locking collar caught on all sides (3 tabs) but outside diameter of the neck of the unit seems smaller than the inside diameter of the collar so even when it is locked in place, the unit can still slide out. It seem like the top of the neck should be pressed up agains the rubber bottom of the drain gasket and then the collar tightened. Should the neck of the unit maybe be slid inside of the rubber drain?

      I figured the reinstallation would be simple so I didn't take a good look when I pulled it out.

      1. User avater
        Heck | May 20, 2008 05:22am | #3

        There should be a spring keeper ring that goes on the neck after the collar is placed on the unit, the ring keeps the collar on and is what the collar pushes on when locking the tabs.

          

        There are two kinds of people who never amount to much:those who cannot do what they are told, and those who can do nothing else.       

      2. dovetail97128 | May 20, 2008 07:25am | #4

        What Heck said. With the unit removed it should be possible to check and make sure that the locking ring cannot slide up and off the unit. If it can you have problems with the snap ring on the unit being missing. I cannot remember exactly but it seems to me that the throat of the disposal does not have to slide inside the rubber gasket . Rather the gasket is a compression type with the locking ring, when engaged into tall three notches, and secured all by turning it until it won't turn any more is all that is needed.
        They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

      3. dovetail97128 | May 20, 2008 07:32am | #5

        Best I could see for instructions, not very good. http://insinkerator.com/pdfs/US_ICU1.pdf Notice that their is a gasket (H on the schematic parts list ) that sits on the top of the unit. Is this in place?
        They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

  2. k1c | May 20, 2008 02:28pm | #6

    Maybe you needa new gasket.  It is possible the gasket has become misshapen.  Do you have a magnetic auto switch installed for the grinder?  I once had to install this brand with magnetic switch.  The switch came with its own gasket, to replace the original, and came with instruction that new gasket must be used.  This was grey in color.  I had so much problem trying to fit the gasket, including applying a lot of pressure from under, that I called the manufacturer.  Their rep said I should just use the original gasket! 

    From experience, grinders should not be a struggle to install.  Locking ring may be tough to turn but gasket should not be cause to installation problem.  Good luck.

     

    1. TMagda | May 20, 2008 04:02pm | #7

      Thanks for all of your responses. I think the locking spring is missing. I will stop at HD on my way home tonight to see what comes with the unit. I don't think I lost it - possible it wasn't there from the beginning. This house was 3 years old when I bought it and I have already found several "shortcuts". Thanks again for the help.

      1. TMagda | May 21, 2008 04:28am | #8

        I see how it works now. Picked up a new gasket today - the collar slips over the neck of the unit then the gasket goes on the flange of the neck. This holds the collar onto the unit. Turn the collar and all done. I think the groove that the flange sits in was rotted away on the old gasket so it was hard to see.

        Thanks for all of your suggestions! I'll have more when I try to wainscot the 1/2 bath.

        1. dovetail97128 | May 21, 2008 08:18am | #10

          Glad you solved it, always nice to hear success.
          They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

  3. User avater
    popawheelie | May 21, 2008 06:15am | #9

    Sometimes I put something under it with a lever of some sort. Like a 2X4 or something to lever it up into place.

    just read your last post. they rot fairly easily unless they are stainless steel.



    Edited 5/20/2008 11:17 pm ET by popawheelie

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized
  • Townhouse Transformation

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data