This repair guide will help you fix your garbage disposal.
Need a Replacement Garbage Disposal?
InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal, Standard Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Food Waste Disposer, Black, Set of 1
Price: $114.00
Common Symptoms & Causes
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s likely time to replace your garbage disposal’s splash guard.
🔨 Pro Tip from Dave
One of the biggest mistakes I see DIYers make is forcing the new splash guard down without fully removing the old one first. Always peel the inner flap out completely before seating the replacement. For most standard disposals including InSinkErator Badger models, look for part number 76707 (Quiet Collar Sink Baffle), which fits the Badger series and drops right in without tools. Don’t use a knife to pry the old one out or you risk nicking the disposal flange seal.
- Black rubber flaps are visibly cracked, torn, or missing entirely
- Water and food debris splash back up into the sink during operation
- A persistent foul odor coming from the disposal that won’t go away after cleaning
- The splash guard feels stiff, brittle, or no longer sits flush in the drain opening
These issues are typically caused by normal wear and tear over time, as the rubber material of the splash guard degrades with repeated exposure to heat, moisture, and food waste.
How Much Does This Repair Cost?
| Repair route | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Do it yourself | $10–$30 (parts) |
| Professional repair | $150–$300 (parts and labor) |
Replacing a garbage disposal splash guard yourself typically costs between $10 and $30 for the replacement part. A professional service call for this repair can run $150 to $300 once you factor in labor and fees. By tackling this DIY repair, you could save well over $100 while restoring your disposal’s performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn off the power before replacing the splash guard?
Yes, always unplug the garbage disposal or switch off the circuit breaker before starting. This prevents accidental activation while your hands are near the unit.
Can I replace the splash guard without removing the entire disposal?
In most cases, yes. The splash guard typically snaps into the drain opening and can be replaced by simply pulling out the old one and pressing the new one into place.
How do I know which replacement splash guard fits my garbage disposal?
Check your disposal’s model number, usually found on a label on the unit’s side or bottom. Use that number to find a compatible replacement part from the manufacturer or a hardware store.
Recommended Products
These are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:
- 3 3/8″ Garbage Disposal Splash Guard, QCB-AM Sink Baffle Replacement for InSinkErator Evolution Series, Upgraded Removable Quiet Collar Drain Plugs, Garbage Disposer Accessories, Black
- Replacement for Insinkerator Antimicrobial Quiet Collar Sink Baffle Part# QCB-AM, Evolution Garbage Disposals, 3.25″ diameter, Replacement for InSinkErator QCB-AM Sink Baffle Splash Guard
- Garbage Disposal Splash Guard for InSinkErator BUK-OO BUK-00 for Badger Disposal Replacement Rubber Drain Insert Sink Baffle for Badger 1/5/5XP/100/500
- Garbage Disposal Splash Guard, 2 Pack Upgraded EPDM Rubber Drain Insert for InSinkErator Evolution Series 3 3/8″ QCB-AM Sink Baffle Drain Cover Removable Quiet Collar EPDM Strainer Insert Parts
The Splash Guard Replacement That Actually Stops Odors and Debris Splash
If you’ve got an InSinkErator Evolution series disposal, this is the exact part you need—the OEM splash guard design fits tight and seals properly, which is what actually matters when you’re tired of smelling your drain. I always recommend ordering the correct model-specific guard rather than a universal one, since fit issues are what cause comebacks.
What works
- Removable design means you can clean or replace it without tools—just pull and twist, which makes maintenance actually happen instead of getting skipped.
- The upgraded EPDM rubber holds up better than the original flap that came on older units—doesn’t get that brittle, moldy feel after a couple years.
- Dimensions are exact for the Evolution line, so there’s no wobble or gap where water and odors seep back into the sink.
What doesn’t
- Won’t fit Badger series or older InSinkErator models—measure your existing guard or verify your model number first, because incompatible splash guards are the most common wrong-part order I see.
- You still need to hand-clean it regularly; it’s not self-cleaning, and letting it sit with trapped food debris will eventually cause the same mold and stiffness you’re trying to fix.
I once had a homeowner order a universal splash guard thinking it would save money, then spend an hour trying to jam it into the disposal opening—it’s worth the five minutes to verify you’ve got an Evolution series before checking out. Grab the 3 3/8″ Garbage Disposal Splash Guard, QCB-AM Sink Baffle Replacement for InSinkErator Evolution Series, Upgraded Removable Quiet Collar Drain Plugs, Garbage Disposer Accessories, Black and you’ll have the right part the first time.
About This Article
Written by Dave Holt. I have been taking apart and fixing household appliances since I was a teenager who couldn't leave a broken one alone. Eighteen years later, after fixing things for neighbors, friends, and anyone who'd let me, I have seen almost every failure mode there is — and misdiagnosed my share along the way. I am self-taught, with no formal training or certifications. When I write a repair guide here, it is based on the actual job, not a manufacturer overview. More about this site.
Scope and limits. Dave is a self-taught repairer, not a certified appliance technician. Unplug before you open anything, and leave sealed refrigeration systems, gas connections, and hardwired circuits to a qualified technician.
