Over time your kitchen takes a beating and inevitable your garbage disposal may become clogged. Knowing how to fix clogged garbage disposal is a must if you own one. Fixing a clog is imperative, as food waste will continue to build up until you unclog your disposal.
Fortunately, a clog can usually be fixed without calling a professional. Here are a few key steps to unclogging your garbage disposal and getting it running again:
Turn Off the Power
Use a flashlight to peek into the clogged disposal. If any objects are visible inside, remove them with pliers or long-handled tongs. Turn the disposal back on once all visible objects are removed. If it is working properly, then you are done.
Assess the Situation
Use a flashlight to peek into the clogged disposal. If any objects are visible inside, remove them with pliers or long-handled tongs. Turn the disposal back on once all visible objects are removed. If it is working properly, then you are done.
Use a Plunger
If there’s standing water in the sink, use a flat plunger on the drain. The edge of the plunger should be covered in water. Plunge the drain a few times and see if the water drains. The disposal should now ground up food remnants if a minor clog was the cause of your trouble.
Use a Homemade Cleaning Solution
Is your disposal still clogged? Then pour ¼ cup of baking soda into it followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. There will be fizzing and foaming. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before turning on the hot water. Let it run for a few minutes and repeat multiple times if necessary.
Clean the P-Trap
Some garbage disposal clogs lie much deeper. In this case, you may need to remove the P-trap under the sink to remove the material blocking the drain. Use these steps to resolve the issue:
- Place a catch bucket under the drain trap.
- Disconnect the drain trap’s slip nut fittings with channel-type pliers.
- Dump any water and food waste into the bucket.
- Inspect the trap fitting for clogs, which are usually in the sharp bend.
- Clear out any debris with a scrub brush or straightened hanger wire.
Clean the Trap Arm If Necessary
In some cases, you might not find the clog in the P-trap. Then look at the trap arm. It is a horizontal component that connects the trap to the branch drainpipe. Loosen the slug nut at the drain, pull out the arm, and clean it as you would the trap.
Clear the Branch Drain
Some clogs can form even further down the line. If you don’t find much in the P-trap and arm, try snaking the branch drain with an auger. Sold at most hardware and home improvement stores, a 25-foot drum auger is usually sufficient. Feed the cable into the drain from under the sink by turning the drum. As the cable moves past pipe bends, it should break up the clog. Repeat the process a few times.
Restore Your Garbage Disposal
When you think the clog is removed, reassemble the drain, ensuring all slip nuts are snug. Nuts should be tightened by hand but be careful not to overtighten anything. Then run the tap water for a few minutes so loose debris is flushed away.
Reset the Garbage Disposal
Turn the power on and press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. You can now test it, but if it’s still stuck, turn the power back off and try freeing the impellers by inserting a ¼ inch Allen wrench into the hex socket. If this doesn’t get the disposal working:
Call a Professional Plumber
Don’t risk causing more damage or getting injured by continuing to tinker with your garbage disposal. At Express Plumbing Heating & Air, our technicians know all the ins and outs of garbage disposals and can easily fix clogs and install new garbage disposals. Call today to request service.
