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These appliances certainly increase the number of things allowed down the drain, but they’re not foolproof. There are several items you shouldn’t put in your garbage disposal, according to manufacturers and technicians. Don’t put coffee grounds down the drain. The same goes for eggshells, potato peels, hard foods, onion skins, and any dry, expandable food. Most importantly, never put grease or oils down the drain.

Whether it's worth repairing your garbage disposal depends on its age and the specific problem. Generally, if the unit is eight years old or younger, repair is a good option. For minor issues like a bad seal or a simple jam, a repair can be inexpensive, sometimes under $10. However, if the motor is broken (a repair that can cost $150 or more) or the unit is getting old, it's often more cost-effective to replace the entire disposal.

No, you do not need a garbage disposal to have a dishwasher. A dishwasher will work without one, and while it's rare to see a home with a dishwasher that doesn't have a disposal, it is possible. The two appliances pair well and are often installed together because a disposal simplifies meal cleanup.

However, your dishwasher should not be used as a replacement for a garbage disposal. Subjecting it to continuous food leftovers can lead to major clogs. If you choose not to install a garbage disposal, you should thoroughly rinse your plates or scrape excess food into the trash or a compost pile before loading them into the dishwasher to prevent plumbing issues.

Once you have your garbage disposal disconnected, you can remove the mounting bracket by unscrewing the bolts that are holding the bracket. You can back them out just enough to pop off the snap ring, which prevents the bottom portion of the bracket from disconnecting from the top when you unscrew the bolts. Use a regular screwdriver to pop off the snap ring, and the rest of the components should fall off by themselves.