What You Need Before You Start
A Badger 5 installation takes about an hour if you have basic plumbing experience and the right tools. You will need a screwdriver (Phillips and flathead), an adjustable wrench, plumber's putty, and a bucket to catch water from the old unit. If your sink does not already have a disposal, you will also need a mounting ring kit, which usually comes with the Badger 5. Check that your sink has a three-and-a-half-inch drain opening — that is the standard size for this model.
Before you begin, turn off the power at the circuit breaker to the outlet under your sink. If there is an existing disposal, unplug it and turn off the water. Place a bucket underneath the drain to catch any remaining water or debris. Read through the Badger 5 manual that comes in the box — it includes a diagram of the mounting assembly and electrical connections specific to your model year.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker before removing an old disposal or working on electrical connections.
- The mounting ring screws to the sink flange with three bolts; tighten them evenly in a triangle pattern to avoid leaks.
- The Badger 5 hangs from the mounting ring and locks in place with a rotating collar — do not force it or you will crack the unit.
- The drain outlet connects to your P-trap with a slip nut; hand-tighten first, then use a wrench for a quarter-turn more.
- Test the unit with cold water before running food waste through it, and never put your hand down the drain while it is plugged in.
Remove the Old Disposal (If You Have One)
If you are replacing an existing unit, disconnect the drain line first. Loosen the slip nut that connects the disposal outlet to the P-trap under the sink — the curved pipe that holds water. Use an adjustable wrench and turn counterclockwise. Have your bucket ready; water will spill out. Once the nut is loose, you can unscrew it by hand and pull the drain line away.
Next, disconnect the electrical cable. Most disposals have a plug that unplugs from an outlet under the sink, or a wire connection held by a wire nut. If it is wired directly, you will need to unscrew the wire nuts and separate the black, white, and ground wires. Loosen the collar that holds the disposal to the mounting ring — it usually has three tabs you push inward or a rotating ring you turn counterclockwise. The old unit will drop into your hands. Set it aside.
Install the Mounting Ring on the Sink
If you are keeping the old mounting ring, skip to the next section. If you need a new one, remove the old ring first by unscrewing the three bolts that hold it to the sink flange from underneath. The sink flange is the metal ring that sits in the drain hole. Clean away any old putty with a flathead screwdriver.
Roll a rope of plumber's putty about the thickness of a pencil and press it around the underside of the new sink flange. Push the flange into the drain hole from above and press it down firmly. From underneath, slide the mounting ring up onto the flange. Insert the three bolts through the ring and into the flange holes. Tighten them in a triangle pattern — one bolt, then the one across from it, then the third — rather than tightening one all the way first. This keeps the ring level and prevents leaks. Tighten until snug; do not over-tighten or you will crack the flange.
Hang the Badger 5 and Lock It in Place
The Badger 5 hangs from the mounting ring by a rotating collar at the top of the unit. Lift the disposal up and align the three tabs on the collar with the three slots on the mounting ring. Push the unit up gently until the tabs slide into the slots. The disposal should hang freely at this point.
Once the tabs are seated, rotate the collar clockwise by hand until it stops. You will feel it tighten and lock. Do not use a wrench or tool to force it — hand-tight is correct. If the collar does not turn smoothly, the tabs are not fully seated; lift the unit slightly and try again. When it is locked, the disposal should not move or rattle.
Connect the Drain Line
The outlet of the Badger 5 points downward and connects to the P-trap with a slip nut and rubber washer. Slide the rubber washer onto the outlet first, then thread the slip nut onto the outlet by hand. Once it is hand-tight, use an adjustable wrench to turn it another quarter-turn clockwise. Over-tightening will crack the rubber washer and cause leaks; under-tightening will drip. A quarter-turn past hand-tight is the target.
If your old drain line does not fit the new outlet, you may need a new tailpiece — the pipe that connects the disposal to the P-trap. These are sold separately at hardware stores and come in different lengths. Measure the distance from the outlet to the P-trap inlet before you buy one. Screw the tailpiece into the outlet with a slip nut on each end, one to the disposal and one to the P-trap.
Wire the Electrical Connection
Before you plug in or wire the disposal, confirm that the power is still off at the circuit breaker. Most Badger 5 units come with a three-prong plug attached. If your outlet under the sink is accessible and working, straightforward plug the unit in. If there is no outlet or the outlet is not near the disposal, you will need to run a new circuit or hire an electrician — this is not a task for a first-timer.
If the disposal is hardwired (no plug), you will see three wires inside a junction box at the top of the unit: black (hot), white (neutral), and green or bare copper (ground). Match them to the wires in your wall or existing cable using wire nuts. Twist the black wires together, screw a wire nut clockwise until tight, and repeat for white and ground. Tuck the wires into the junction box and close the cover. Once all connections are made, turn the circuit breaker back on.
Test Before You Use It
Turn on the cold water and let it run for a few seconds. Flip the switch to turn on the disposal and listen for the motor to start. It should hum and spin smoothly. Watch underneath for drips at the slip nut connections. If water drips, turn off the disposal and tighten the nut another quarter-turn with a wrench. Do not over-tighten.
Run cold water for another 30 seconds while the disposal runs, then turn it off. Let the water drain completely and check again for leaks. Once you are confident there are no drips, you can begin using the disposal normally. Always run cold water while the unit is on and for a few seconds after you turn it off — this helps push food waste through the trap and keeps the blades cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a Badger 5 if I do not have an existing disposal?
Yes. You will need to install a new mounting ring and sink flange if your sink does not have one. The Badger 5 comes with the collar and hardware; you provide the ring kit (sold separately at hardware stores for $15 to $30). The process is the same — mount the ring, hang the disposal, connect the drain and power.
What if the disposal does not spin or makes a grinding noise?
A grinding noise usually means something is stuck in the chamber — a bone, glass, or metal object. Turn off the power at the breaker, wait 30 seconds, and use tongs or pliers to fish out the object. Never put your hand down the drain. If the motor does not spin at all, check that the power is on and the outlet is working by plugging in a lamp. If the outlet works but the disposal does not, the motor may be faulty and the unit may need to be replaced under warranty.
How tight should the slip nut be?
Hand-tight plus one quarter-turn with a wrench. If you tighten it more, you will crush the rubber washer and create a leak. If you leave it loose, it will drip. A quarter-turn is the sweet spot. If it still leaks after that, the washer may be damaged and needs to be replaced.
Do I need a plumber to install this?
Not if you are comfortable with basic tools and following steps in order. The Badger 5 is designed for homeowner installation. The only exception is if you need to run a new electrical circuit — that requires a licensed electrician in most places.
Can I install the Badger 5 on a double sink?
Yes, but only on one side. The disposal mounts to whichever sink basin has the drain opening. The other side drains normally through its own P-trap. Make sure both P-traps are connected and not blocked.