What to Do if Your Garbage Disposal Is Clogged

Every kitchen should have a garbage disposal, but when they clog, they can be a real pain. Fortunately, you can keep your waste disposal functioning efficiently by following a few easy measures.

Switch off the Power

Make sure to switch off the power to your garbage disposal before beginning any repairs. Your safety as well as the unit’s protection depend on this. Either unhook the disposal from the outlet or shut off the circuit breaker that regulates it to turn the power off.

Check for Obstructions

An obstruction in the drain is the most frequent reason for a clogged garbage disposal. A variety of things, such as large food particles, hard objects, and grease, might clog a pipe. You must use a flashlight to peer into the disposal to check for obstructions. If there are any visible things in the disposal, make careful to retrieve them with tongs or pliers rather than your hands.

Remove the Impediment

It’s time to remove the barrier once you’ve located it. You can use a number of techniques to unclog a clogged garbage disposal:
• Use a plunger: Place the plunger over the drain after adding enough water to the sink to cover the drain. Firmly press down and swiftly raise yourself. Continue until the impediment is removed.
• Employ baking soda and vinegar: Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain. Pour hot water down the drain after allowing the mixture to settle for around 10 minutes.
• Clean the disposal: Commercial disposal cleaners are widely available and can assist in removing blockages.
• Employ a plumbing snake: If the clog is very difficult to remove, a plumber’s snake may be required.

Reset the Disposal

You must reset the garbage disposal after removing the obstruction before turning it back on. To reset the system, locate a little red button on the disposal unit’s base and press it. This ought to give the disposal power again and enable regular operation.

Test the Disposal

It’s crucial to test your garbage disposal to make sure it’s operating properly before you start using it again. To remove any lingering debris, turn on the water and let it run for a little while. Next, turn on the garbage disposal and listen for any strange sensations or sounds. You can begin using the disposal once more if it appears to be operating regularly.

Getting Rid of Current Clogs

After clearing your clogged garbage disposal, it’s crucial to take precautions against further obstructions. The following advice will help keep your garbage disposal in good working order:

When using the disposal, run the water: Doing so helps drain out particles and avoid accumulation.
Watch what you put in the garbage disposal:
- Only dispose of tiny, soft food bits in the garbage disposal.
- Avoid flushing sharp or heavy things since they can harm the disposal.
Avoid flushing grease down the sink: Grease and oil can block your disposal very quickly and produce buildup.
Often clean your disposal:
- Prevent buildup in your disposal by using a disposal cleaner or baking soda and vinegar.
- Think about replacing your disposal: If your trash disposal is old or frequently clogs, it could be time to replace it with a modern model.

A blocked trash disposal can be a real pain, but with a little perseverance and knowledge, you can clear the obstruction and keep your disposal in good working order. Before using the disposal once more, remember to cut off the power, check for obstructions, remove them, reset the disposal, and test it. Moreover, run water through the disposal while using it, watch what you throw down the drain, avoid pouring grease down the drain, clean your disposal frequently, and think about replacing your disposal if it’s old or frequently clogs to prevent future blockages.

More Advice to Avoid Trash Disposal Clogs

You can take a few additional steps in addition to the ones stated above to avoid clogs in your garbage disposal. They consist of:

Run your disposal with cold water to help solidify any grease or oil that may be present in your drain, which will make it simpler for the disposal to grind it up and prevent buildup.
Grind citrus peels: Grinding citrus peels in your garbage disposal will help it get clean and fresh and can also help keep clogs at bay.
Steer clear of certain foods while using the garbage disposal. Fibrous foods like celery and artichokes, as well as starchy items like rice and pasta, can clog the disposal by getting caught in the blades.
Don’t overload your garbage disposal: Don’t try to grind up a lot of food at once; instead, throw little amounts of food scraps down the garbage disposal at a time.
Use your disposal carefully: Don’t use it as a trash can and steer clear of grinding up tough or non-food objects like bones, plastic, or metal.

When to Contact a Specialist

You might not always be able to unclog a blocked garbage disposal by yourself. It might be time to call a licensed plumber if you’ve tried all of the aforementioned solutions and your disposal is still clogged. They can assist you in locating the obstruction’s root cause and effectively and safely removing it. Moreover, it could be time to think about replacing your garbage disposal with a newer, more efficient type if it is old or constantly clogs. A qualified plumber can advise you on the best disposal for your requirements and perform a secure and efficient installation.

Although a blocked trash disposal can be a frustrating issue, you can clear the obstruction and keep your disposal in good working order with the correct equipment and knowledge. Before using the disposal once more, don’t forget to cut off the power, check for obstructions, remove them, reset it, and test it. Moreover, run water when using the disposal, avoid flushing specific foods down the drain, use caution while using your disposal, and think about replacing it if it clogs frequently or is old.

Do not be reluctant to contact a qualified plumber if you require assistance unclogging a clogged garbage disposal. They may assist you in repairing your disposal and making sure it functions properly going forward.