Ways to Unclog A Garbage Disposal

Reasons Behind Garbage Disposal Clogs (Garbage Disposal Blockages)

Before we discuss how to unclog a garbage disposal, we must understand its causes. Some of these include:

• Misuse: Garbage disposals are designed to handle food waste only; non-food materials like plastic, metal, and glass should be avoided accidentally, which could result in a blockage and lead to costly repair bills.
• Overloading: Feeding too much food waste at once into your garbage disposal can also lead to it clogging.
• Fats, oils, and grease: Fats, oils, and grease can accumulate and cause blockages in your garbage disposal and drain pipes.
• Fibrous food waste: Celery, corn husks, and potato peels can become lodged between the blades of your disposal and cause it to jam, leading to an unnecessary clog.

Steps on Unclogging the Garbage Disposal System

Now that we've discussed some of the primary causes of garbage disposal clogs let's move on to how to unclog one.

• Shut Off the Power Switch and Unplug the Disposal

Before beginning to unclog a garbage disposal, it's vitally important that its power switch and cord are unplugged to avoid accidents or injuries while working on it. This step should prevent accidents from occurring while working with it.

Once you've unplugged and turned off the garbage disposal, the next step should be a visual inspection to identify any visible blockages. A flashlight can help illuminate its interior. If foreign objects or food waste appear inside of it, remove them by hand using tongs or pliers.

• Use a Natural Cleaner

If you can't spot any visible blockages at your disposal, a natural cleaner may help unclog it. One popular combination is vinegar and baking soda: pour half a cup of baking soda down, followed by half a cup of vinegar poured down after 10-15 minutes, before flushing with hot water to rinse it down the disposal.

• Plunging the Drain

If natural cleaners do not do the trick, plunging is another effective option for drain unclogging. Fill your sink with enough water to cover your drain, place the plunger over it and pump rapidly up and down for 20 seconds - once complete, remove and run hot water down your disposal to flush away any remaining debris.

• Manually Switch Your Disposal's Blades

If the plunger doesn't do the trick, manually turning the disposal's blades may help. Locate the hexagonal hole at the bottom of your disposal. Insert an Allen wrench into this space and turn it back and forth - this should turn the blades manually while potentially dislodging any clogs from within it. After manually changing them, power switch on your disposal before running hot water down it to flush away any remaining debris from its path.

• Clean the P-Trap

If none of the previous solutions work, then cleaning the P-trap may be necessary. A P-trap is a curved pipe beneath your sink that connects with the disposal. To properly maintain and clean it, place a bucket below it to capture any leakage of water that may leak out while loosening its slip nuts with a wrench. Inspect for debris or obstructions before reattaching and running hot water through it to flush away any residue left from the cleaning process.

High Speed Plumbing

At High Speed Plumbing, we understand that unclogging garbage disposal can be challenging for many homeowners. That's why we offer professional plumbing services to help with all your plumbing repair needs, including garbage disposal repairs and maintenance. Our experienced plumbers have the expertise and tools to unclog your garbage disposal quickly and efficiently. We use state-of-the-art equipment and natural cleaners to effectively remove clogs and restore your garbage disposal to proper working order. Don't hesitate to contact us for all your plumbing needs, and let us help you keep your home running smoothly.