Replacing a Badger 5 is a job you can do yourself if you are comfortable working under a sink
A Badger 5 garbage disposal can last 8 to 15 years before the motor burns out, the seal fails, or the grinding chamber cracks beyond repair. When replacement time comes, you have two paths: hire a plumber, or do it yourself if you have basic tools and are willing to spend 1 to 2 hours under the sink. The Badger 5 is one of the simpler models to swap out because the mounting system is straightforward and the electrical connection is usually a plug you can unplug rather than hardwired into your home's circuit.
This guide walks you through the removal and installation steps. If at any point you feel unsure about the plumbing or electrical work, stop and call a plumber—there is no shame in that, and a mistake can cost you more than the service call.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker before you touch the disposal, and test that the outlet is dead using a voltage tester.
- You will need a bucket, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, plumber's putty, and a new Badger 5 unit; most hardware stores stock them or can order one in a day.
- The hardest part is usually breaking the old mounting ring loose—it may have been sealed with plumber's putty for years and will not budge without patience and leverage.
- The new unit plugs into the same outlet as the old one in most cases, so you do not need an electrician unless the outlet is hardwired or damaged.
- After installation, run water and test the disposal before you call the job done, because leaks often show up only when the unit is running.
What you will need before you start
Gather your tools and materials in one place before you begin. You will need an adjustable wrench (or two, if you have them), a screwdriver (both Phillips and flathead), a bucket or large bowl to catch water and debris, plumber's putty, a flashlight, and a voltage tester to confirm the power is off. A headlamp or clip-on work light makes the job much easier because the space under a sink is dark.
You will also need the new Badger 5 unit itself. Badger 5 disposals are sold at most big-box hardware stores, online retailers, and plumbing supply shops. The price ranges widely depending on where you buy, but a new unit typically costs between $100 and $200. Before you buy, confirm that your sink has a standard 3.5-inch drain opening—the Badger 5 is designed for this size, and it will not fit if your drain is different.
If your old disposal is hardwired into the wall (meaning the wires go directly into the wall rather than into a plug), you will need an electrician to disconnect it and wire the new one. Do not attempt to cut wires or work with the electrical box yourself.
Turn off power and confirm the disposal is dead
Go to your home's circuit breaker panel and flip the breaker that controls the kitchen outlet where the disposal is plugged in. If you are not sure which breaker it is, flip the one labeled "kitchen" or "disposal," or turn off the main breaker if you cannot find it. Once the breaker is off, go back to the sink and try to turn on the disposal switch—nothing should happen.
Use a voltage tester (a battery-powered tool that costs $10 to $20 at any hardware store) to touch the outlet where the disposal is plugged in. The tester will beep or light up if power is still flowing. If it does, go back to the breaker panel and flip the correct breaker. Never assume the power is off without testing.
Disconnect the old disposal and remove it from under the sink
Unplug the disposal from the outlet. If it is hardwired, stop here and call a plumber. If it is plugged in, you can proceed. Place your bucket under the disposal to catch any water that drains out when you loosen the connections.
Look at the discharge tube (the pipe that carries waste water from the disposal to the drain). Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the hose clamp that holds it to the disposal outlet. Slide the tube off and let any remaining water drain into your bucket. If the tube is glued on with plumber's putty or caulk, you may need to cut it free with a utility knife or carefully pry it loose.
Next, locate the mounting ring—the large collar that holds the disposal to the sink drain from underneath. It has three or four bolts around it. Use your wrench to loosen these bolts by turning them counterclockwise. They do not need to come all the way out; just loosen them enough that the disposal can drop free. The disposal is heavy (about 7 pounds), so support it with one hand as you loosen the bolts so it does not fall on your face or hands.
Once the bolts are loose, twist the disposal counterclockwise (when viewed from below) and it should unscrew from the mounting ring. If it is stuck, tap it gently with a rubber mallet or a hammer wrapped in a cloth—do not hit it hard. Once it is free, lift it out and set it aside.
Clean the sink opening and prepare for the new unit
With the old disposal out, you can see the mounting ring still attached to the sink drain from above. Use a scraper or old knife to remove all the old plumber's putty and caulk around the drain opening. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and let it dry. This step matters because old putty can prevent the new unit from sealing properly and cause leaks.
Inspect the mounting ring itself. If it is corroded, cracked, or damaged, you may need to replace it—some new Badger 5 units come with a new ring, but check your box. If the ring is fine, you can reuse it. If you need to remove it, the bolts holding it to the sink are usually accessible from above, but this is a more involved job; if you are unsure, leave it in place and work with what you have.
Install the new Badger 5 disposal
Take the new disposal out of the box and read the manufacturer's instructions—they are usually short and clear. Roll a rope of plumber's putty about the thickness of a pencil and press it around the underside of the drain flange (the part that sits on top of the sink). This creates a watertight seal.
From underneath the sink, line up the new disposal with the mounting ring and screw it in by turning it clockwise. It should go in smoothly; if it is fighting you, stop and check that the putty is seated evenly. Once the disposal is hand-tight, use your wrench to tighten the three or four bolts on the mounting ring. Tighten them in a star pattern (opposite sides alternately) so the pressure is even. Do not over-tighten—snug is enough.
Reconnect the discharge tube to the outlet on the new disposal and tighten the hose clamp. If the old tube is cracked or corroded, replace it with a new one from the hardware store (they cost $5 to $15). Make sure the tube slopes downward toward the drain so water flows freely and does not pool inside the disposal.
Plug in the new disposal and test it
Go back to the circuit breaker and flip the breaker back on. Return to the sink and plug the disposal into the outlet. Turn on the cold water and flip the disposal switch. Let it run for 10 to 15 seconds, then turn it off and the water off. Listen and watch for leaks around the drain opening, the discharge tube connection, and anywhere else you worked.
If you see water dripping, turn off the disposal and water when ready, flip the breaker back off, and check your connections. The most common leak is at the discharge tube clamp—tighten it another quarter turn and test again. If putty is leaking out from under the flange, that usually stops once the putty sets (give it an hour). If water is pooling inside the disposal itself, the seal may not be tight; you may need to remove the unit and reseat the putty.
Once the disposal runs dry and quiet, run the water for another 30 seconds to make sure everything is working. The disposal is now ready to use.
When to call a plumber instead
Call a plumber if the old disposal is hardwired into the wall rather than plugged into an outlet. Call one if you cannot loosen the mounting bolts after 15 minutes of trying—forcing them can strip the threads and damage the sink. Call one if you discover the drain opening is not the standard 3.5-inch size, or if the sink itself is damaged or cracked. Call one if water leaks from inside the disposal after you have tightened all the connections, because that usually means the internal seal is faulty and the unit needs to be removed and reinstalled with a new gasket.
A plumber can do this job in 30 to 45 minutes and will handle any complications. The service call typically costs $150 to $300 depending on your area and whether the plumber needs to make any repairs to the drain line itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a Badger 5 with a different brand of disposal?
Yes. Most disposals use the same standard 3.5-inch sink opening and mounting system, so you can swap a Badger 5 for an InSinkErator, Waste King, or any other brand. The installation steps are nearly identical. Check the drain opening size before you buy to make sure it matches.
What if water is still leaking after I tighten everything?
The most common cause is the plumber's putty seal not being tight enough. Turn off the disposal and water, flip the breaker off, and loosen the mounting bolts slightly. Press down on the disposal to compress the putty, then retighten the bolts. If that does not work, you may need to remove the unit, scrape out all the old putty, and start over with fresh putty.
Do I need to replace the discharge tube when I replace the disposal?
Not always, but if the old tube is cracked, corroded, or does not fit the new disposal outlet snugly, replace it. A new tube costs $5 to $15 and takes two minutes to install. It is cheaper than dealing with a leak later.
How long does a new Badger 5 last?
Most Badger 5 disposals last 8 to 15 years with normal use. The lifespan depends on how often you use it, what you put down it, and how well you maintain it. Running cold water while the disposal is on and avoiding fibrous foods and grease helps it last longer.
What should I do with the old disposal?
Most garbage disposals contain metal and can be recycled. Call your local waste management facility or recycling center to ask if they accept appliances. Some will pick them up for free or a small fee. Do not put it in the regular trash.