Unclogging a garbage disposal isn’t as hard as it might seem.
Sometimes, food or other stuff can get stuck and stop it from working.
But don’t worry; you can fix it with the help of this guide.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid putting a hand or fingers into the disposal unit even when the power is off.
- Use a sink plunger on the drain connected to the garbage disposal.
- Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain to help remove organic material causing the clog.
- Check for any visible objects like food scraps and items causing a clog.
- If you see something stuck in the disposal, like food, use long-handled tongs to remove it.
- Always run cold water when using the garbage disposal.
- Don’t put hard items like bones, fruit pits, or shells into the disposal.
4 Steps To Unclog A Garbage Disposal
Here’s a step-by-step guide to unclogging a garbage disposal:
1. Identifying The Problem
Water drains slower than usual. This happens when food or other stuff clogs up the pipes.
You might also hear strange bubbling noises when air gets trapped in the drain pipe, and water struggles to pass through the blockage.
When water starts leaking from the bottom of the garbage disposal unit, it states a problem with the seals and internal components of the disposal.
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2. Attempting The Fix
Here are some simple solutions to unclog garbage disposal:
A. Turn Off The Power
Before doing anything, ensure the garbage disposal is turned off to avoid accidents.
You can turn off the circuit breaker that powers it.
Avoid putting a hand or fingers into the disposal unit even when the power is off.
B. Plunge the Drain
Use a sink plunger on the drain connected to the garbage disposal.
Push and pull the plunger slowly to try to remove the blockage.
3. Manual Removal Of Debris
Ensure the garbage disposal is off and disconnected from power.
Use a flashlight to look into the garbage disposal.
Check for any visible objects like food scraps and items causing a clog.
If you see something stuck in the disposal, like food, use long-handled tongs to remove it.
Never put your hand into the disposal.
Gently pull out any debris you can reach.
Take your time to avoid damaging the disposal and also injuring yourself.
4. Resetting The Disposal
Here are the instructions on how to reset the garbage disposal unit to clear minor jams:
- Find The Reset Button: Garbage disposals have a reset button on the bottom or side, usually red or black.
- Press The Reset Button: Press it to reset the disposal, which can sometimes clear minor clogs.
- Wait A Moment: Give the disposal a few minutes to reset itself. You might hear a click showing it has reset.
- Test The Disposal: After resetting, turn the power back on and test the disposal by running cold water.
Using A Hex Wrench
Let’s see how to use a hex wrench to unclog a garbage disposal:
- Look underneath the garbage disposal unit for a small hex wrench slot.
- Insert the hex wrench into the slot. Make sure it fits accurately to avoid slipping.
- Rotate the hex wrench back and forth. This manually turns the disposal blades inside the unit.
- Rotating the blades can help unclog the objects stuck in the disposal.
Use Baking Soda And Vinegar
Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the disposal.
Follow this with one cup of vinegar and one cup of hot water.
The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar helps break down the clog.
Let it sit for a few minutes before flushing with hot water.
When To Call A Professional Plumber
Knowing when to call a plumber for help with your garbage disposal is important.
Here are some signs:
- Constant Clogs: Doing it yourself doesn’t fix the problem and water still doesn’t drain well.
- Strange Sounds: If you still hear grinding noises that don’t go away after trying to fix it.
- Unstoppable Leaks: Water still leaking from the disposal or under the sink.
- No Power: If the disposal won’t turn on even after checking the power.
- Frequent Issues: If it keeps getting clogged or stops working often.
Reach out to us for professional plumbing services.
Whether fixing a clogged garbage disposal or handling any issue, our experts are here to help.
Contact us today at OP Plumbing Hub for reliable service and peace of mind.
6 Prevention Tips For Garbage Disposal
Preventing clogs in your garbage disposal is easy with these simple tips:
1. Use Cold Water
Always run cold water when using the garbage disposal.
It helps solidify grease and oils, making them easier to chop and wash away.
2. Cut Food Into Small Pieces
Before putting food into the disposal, cut it into smaller pieces.
This helps the disposal blades chop up the food more effectively.
3. Avoid Hard Items
Don’t put hard items like bones, fruit pits, or shells into the disposal.
They can damage the blades and get stuck.
4. Run Water After Use
Keep the water running for a few seconds after turning off the disposal.
This helps flush out any remaining food particles.
5. Clean Regularly
Every month, pour a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by vinegar.
Let it sit for a few minutes before flushing it with hot water to clean it.
6. Use the Disposal Correctly
Only put food pieces down the disposal.
Never use it for non-food items and chemicals.
Conclusion
This article is a step-by-step guide about unclogging the garbage disposal.
Preventing it from getting clogged has also been discussed.
Need help with plumbing?
We’re experts in fixing leaks and clogs and installing new fixtures. Contact us today at OP Plumbing Hub for reliable service.