I need to replace my kitchen garbage diposal and I am having a problem removing the old sink flange. It is stuck fast to the sink. I don't know what was used when it was installed, but it sure isn't acting like "non-hardening plumber's putty", more like super glue.

I have tried to loosen it by placing a piece of wood over the under side of the flange and hitting it with a hammer. It did not budge. I tried to see if I could get a chisel tip between the flange and the sink but I was concerned that I might chip the sink. I also tried to mount the backup ring of the new disposal over the old sink flange but it is of a different design and would not fit.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I don't want to repace the sink but I am giving it some thought. I am sur you understand the need for a quick answer, I can not leave the kitchen in its current condition for very long.

Thank you

Ok.....you have removed ALL the retaining rings from the Flange ?

How about applying the heat from a heat gun/paint stripper to the area........

Heat will usually "soften" most adhesive/putty......I imagine they have used a silicone.......

What is the sink material ?



You could fabricate a "puller" from a couple scraps of 2x in the bottom of the sink....a crosspiece with a drilled hole......a piece of all-thread and block beneath the flange.......

I would like to add to this thread way after the fact - I tried a few of these steeps (short of the heat gun) and none worked for me. But they got me almost there - and I wanted to share the remaining steps I took to success.

The previous sink flange was 11 years old (same as house) and I was able to follow the above recommendations, then use a light hammer and crafstman screw straight screwdriver.

I lightly (from underneath on my back) tap the hammer on the screwdriver to finish scrapping off the plummer putty.

I checked, rechecked and it was smooth and looked and fealt clean. But upon using the screwdriver as a chisel, I found that there still was an excess amount of putty on the pipe.

I spent 15 minutes lightly tapping till i found one side of the old sink flange had a gap.

I removed as much from the gap as i could and proceeded to use the screwdriver as a small pry bar.

I took a heavier hammer and the wood trick - 3 hits and it came right up.

I learned 3 things. One, Look it up on the net, changes are someone can help. Two, check, recheck and check it again. THREE - Who doesnt love their craftsman all in one screwdrivers :)
Roger