Garbage Disposal Clogged
Garbage disposals are an important part of any kitchen, helping to keep it clean and hygienic. However, like any other household appliance, they can experience problems from time to time. One of the most common issues is a clogged garbage disposal, which can cause the disposal to stop working or even leak. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common causes of garbage disposal clogs and provide solutions on how to fix each problem.
Common Causes of Clogged Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposal clogs can be caused by various factors, including food scraps, grease and oil, foreign objects, clogs in the drain pipe, and motor issues. By following the above solutions, you should be able to fix most of these problems yourself. However, if the problem persists or you are unsure what to do, it is always best to call a professional plumber for assistance.
1. Food Scraps
One of the main causes of garbage disposal clogs is food scraps. People often put too much food down the disposal at once, causing it to get jammed. To fix this problem, try breaking up the food scraps into smaller pieces before disposing of them. You should also avoid putting fibrous foods such as onion skins, celery, or corn husks down the disposal, as they can easily get tangled in the blades.
2. Grease and Oil
Another common cause of clogs is grease and oil. These substances can solidify and form a blockage in the pipes, preventing the disposal from working properly. To avoid this problem, avoid pouring grease or oil down the disposal, and instead, wipe it off with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.
3. Foreign Objects
Foreign objects such as utensils, glass, or plastic can also cause clogs. To avoid this problem, make sure to check the disposal for any foreign objects before turning it on. If you do find something stuck in the disposal, use tongs or pliers to remove it.
4. Clogs in the Drain Pipe
Sometimes, the clog is not in the disposal itself but in the drain pipe. To check for this, remove the stopper from the sink drain and see if water is flowing freely. If not, you may have a clog in the drain pipe. To fix this, you can use a plumbing snake or a plunger to try and dislodge the clog.
5. Motor Issues
If your garbage disposal is still not working properly after trying the above solutions, it may be a problem with the motor. In this case, it is best to call a professional plumber to fix the issue.
How to Unclog a Clogged Garbage Disposal in 8 Steps
A clogged garbage disposal can be a major inconvenience, but the good news is that it’s usually a relatively easy problem to fix. In this blog post, we’ll go over the materials you’ll need and provide step-by-step instructions for how to unclog a garbage disposal.
By following these steps, you should be able to unclog your garbage disposal quickly and easily. If you continue to experience issues, it may be time to call in a professional. But with a little bit of know-how and a few simple tools, you can handle this task yourself and get your kitchen back to normal in no time.
Materials
- Plunger
- Allen wrench or hex key
- Bucket
- Pipe wrench or adjustable wrench
- Tongs (optional)
- Drain cleaner (optional)
Directions
Step 1. Turn off the power to the garbage disposal. Before you begin, make sure to turn off the power to the disposal by both unplugging it and turning off the circuit breaker. This is an important safety precaution to prevent injury.
Step 2. Clear any debris from around the disposal. Make sure to clear any debris or objects that may be blocking the sink cabinet and surrounding area. This will make it easier to access the disposal and troubleshoot.
Step 3. Use a plunger. The first thing you’ll want to try is using a plunger to loosen any blockages. Place the plunger over the drain and work it up and down to loosen any debris.
Step 4. Use an Allen wrench or hex key. If the plunger doesn’t work, the next step is to use an Allen wrench or hex key to manually turn the blades of the disposal. To do this, insert the Allen wrench or hex key into the bottom of the disposal and turn it back and forth to loosen any debris.
Step 5. Use a pipe wrench or adjustable wrench. If the Allen wrench or hex key doesn’t work, the next step is to use a pipe wrench or adjustable wrench to manually turn the blades of the disposal. To do this, insert the pipe wrench or adjustable wrench into the bottom of the disposal and turn it back and forth to loosen any debris.
Step 6. Use tongs (optional). If you can see the debris but can’t reach it with the Allen wrench, hex key, pipe wrench, or adjustable wrench, you can try to use tongs to remove it.
Step 7. Use drain cleaner (optional). If none of the above steps work, you can try using a drain cleaner to loosen any blockages. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Step 8. Turn the power back on and run the disposal. Once you’ve cleared the blockage, turn the power back on and run the disposal to make sure it’s working properly. If the garbage disposal does not run, fear not, you may just need to reset it.
For more information, check out our article: How to Reset Your Garbage Disposal in 3 Simple Steps
