What You Need Before You Start

Installing a Badger 500 takes about an hour if you have the right tools and your sink is already set up for a disposal. You will need a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, plumber's putty, and a bucket to catch water from the trap below. If your sink does not have a disposal flange (the metal ring that sits in the drain opening), you will need to remove the old one first — this adds 30 minutes and requires a putty knife.

Before you buy the unit, check that your sink has a three-hole setup or that you have room to drill one. The Badger 500 is a mid-range continuous-feed disposal, meaning it runs while you feed scraps into it, so it needs a standard drain opening. If your sink is porcelain or cast iron, drilling requires a carbide bit and patience. If it is stainless steel, a standard metal bit works fine.

Turn off power to the outlet under the sink before you start. If there is no outlet there, you will need to have one installed by an electrician — the Badger 500 requires a dedicated 120-volt circuit and cannot run on an extension cord.

Key Takeaways

  • The Badger 500 mounts from above the sink using a three-bolt collar system that tightens from underneath, so you need access to the space below the sink.
  • You must remove the old flange and clean the sink opening completely before installing the new one, or the seal will leak.
  • The discharge tube connects to your existing drain trap with a rubber coupling and hose clamp, and you may need to adjust the trap height to fit.
  • After installation, run cold water for 30 seconds before and after grinding to flush the line and prevent clogs.

Removing the Old Flange and Preparing the Sink

If your sink already has a disposal, unplug it and disconnect the discharge tube (the pipe that runs from the disposal to the drain trap below). Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the hose clamp where the tube meets the trap. You may have water in the trap, so position your bucket underneath before you pull the tube free.

Next, loosen the three bolts that hold the old flange collar to the sink from underneath. These bolts are usually brass and sit on a metal ring under the sink. Turn them counterclockwise with your wrench until the collar is loose enough to lift out. If the flange is stuck, tap it gently from above with a rubber mallet while you work the bolts.

Once the old flange is out, scrape away all the old putty from the sink opening with a putty knife. Wipe the opening clean with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Any putty left behind will prevent the new seal from working, and water will leak into the cabinet below.

Installing the New Flange and Mounting the Disposal

Roll a rope of plumber's putty about the thickness of a pencil and press it around the underside of the new flange that comes with the Badger 500. The putty creates a watertight seal between the flange and the sink. Press the flange into the sink opening from above, making sure it sits flat and level.

From underneath the sink, slide the rubber gasket and the metal collar onto the three bolts that stick down from the flange. Hand-tighten all three bolts first, then use your wrench to tighten them in a crisscross pattern — tighten the top bolt, then the bottom, then the side. This keeps the collar from tilting. Tighten until the collar is snug against the gasket, but do not over-tighten or you will crack the sink.

Lift the Badger 500 unit up to the flange collar and align the three mounting tabs on the disposal with the three bolts on the collar. Rotate the disposal clockwise until the tabs lock into place. The unit should hang securely from the collar. Wipe away any excess putty that squeezed out around the flange from above.

Connecting the Discharge Tube and Drain Trap

The discharge tube is the ribbed plastic pipe that comes with the Badger 500. Slide one end onto the outlet port at the bottom of the disposal unit. Use a hose clamp to find it — tighten the clamp with your screwdriver until it is snug but not so tight that you crack the plastic.

The other end of the discharge tube connects to your drain trap, which is the U-shaped pipe under the sink. If you have an existing disposal, you already have a trap with a connection point. If this is a new installation, you may need to adjust the trap height or replace it with a trap that has a side inlet for the disposal line.

Slide the discharge tube onto the trap inlet and find it with another hose clamp. The tube should slope slightly downward from the disposal to the trap — if it slopes upward, water and food waste will back up. If your trap is too high, loosen the bolts that hold it to the wall and slide it down, then retighten.

Electrical Connection and Testing

The Badger 500 comes with a three-prong plug. Plug it into the outlet under the sink — the outlet must be within reach of the cord and should not be shared with other appliances. If there is no outlet, or if the outlet is not grounded (two-prong), you will need an electrician to install a new one.

Before you run the disposal for the first time, fill the sink with a few inches of cold water. Turn on the disposal and let it run for 10 seconds, then turn it off. Listen for any unusual grinding or rattling sounds, and check under the sink for leaks around the flange and the discharge tube connection. If you see water dripping, tighten the hose clamps or the collar bolts slightly.

Once you confirm there are no leaks, run the disposal again with the water running. Feed a small handful of soft food waste (banana peel, cooked vegetable scraps) into the opening while the unit is running. Do not put your hand in the opening, and do not try to clear a jam by hand — always turn off the unit first.

Common Installation Problems and Fixes

If water leaks from the flange where it meets the sink, the seal did not form properly. Turn off the disposal, unplug it, and loosen the collar bolts from underneath. Lift the flange out, scrape away all the old putty, and start over with a fresh rope of putty. This is the most common leak point and usually means the old putty was not completely removed.

If water leaks from the discharge tube connection, tighten the hose clamp with your screwdriver. If tightening does not stop the leak, the tube may be cracked or the clamp may be damaged. Replace the tube or clamp — both are inexpensive and available at any hardware store.

If the disposal makes a loud grinding noise that sounds like metal on metal, something may be stuck in the grinding chamber. Turn off and unplug the unit when ready. Use a flashlight to look into the opening and remove any foreign objects with needle-nose pliers. Do not reach in with your fingers. Once the object is out, plug the unit back in and test it.

Maintenance After Installation

Run cold water before and after each use — this flushes the line and prevents buildup. Do not put starchy foods (rice, pasta), fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), or grease down the disposal. These cause clogs and reduce the unit's lifespan.

Once a week, fill the sink with cold water, add a handful of ice cubes, and run the disposal for 10 seconds. The ice helps clean the grinding chamber. You can also pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar down the drain once a month to keep the line fresh, though this is optional.

The Badger 500 typically lasts 8 to 10 years with normal use. If it stops grinding or makes unusual noises, it may be time to replace it. Repairs are usually not worth the cost once the unit is more than five years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a plumber to install a Badger 500?

No, if you have basic tools and your sink already has a disposal flange, you can do it yourself in about an hour. If your sink does not have a flange or you need to install a new outlet, hiring a plumber is faster and safer, especially for the electrical work.

Can I install the Badger 500 on a double sink?

Yes, but only one side can have the disposal. Install it on the side you use most often for food prep. The other side drains normally through a separate trap.

What if my sink is granite or marble?

Granite and marble require a carbide drill bit and a steady hand to avoid cracking. If you are not confident drilling stone, hire a professional. Once the hole is drilled, the installation is the same as for any other sink.

How long does it take water to drain after I turn off the disposal?

Water should drain within a few seconds. If it drains slowly or backs up, the discharge tube may be kinked or the trap may be clogged. Check that the tube slopes downward and is not bent, and run the disposal with water to clear any buildup in the trap.

Can I use hot water with the Badger 500?

Use cold water only. Hot water softens grease, which then solidifies in the drain line and causes clogs. Cold water keeps grease solid so it grinds and flushes away cleanly.