How To Unclog A Garbage Disposal

Everyone loves a perfectly running garbage disposal, but the second you start to see water building up in your sink, the panic starts to set in. Clogs are annoying and unsightly (plus also smelly), and sadly, they happen from time to time.

If your sink is overflowing with water that won’t go down, it sounds like there could be a clog in your garbage disposal. Here are four methods to try and release the clog yourself without needing the help of the nearest plumber.

Understanding The Problem

If you have a garbage disposal sitting underneath your kitchen sink, it might be one of your favorite hidden appliances in your home. While the garbage disposal is fantastic for grinding up food into tiny bits to fit down your drain, there are some items that should never go in the garbage disposal.

“Most often, clogs occur if you misuse this device. First of all, even though it is called garbage disposal, you should not try to use it for everything. Many items that you throw away in the kitchen, like any items that aren’t food waste, don’t need to be thrown into the disposal,” says Cornforth. “As for food, eggshells, bones, excessive amounts of fat, and starchy and fibrous waste can cause clogs over time. Even too many coffee grounds can clog your disposal.”

Also, shockingly, the overuse of hot water has been known to clog this nifty little grinder, too. If you’ve poured fatty foods or grease down the drain, this hot water can cause it to congeal and stick to the blades of your garbage disposal, which will cause it to clog and stop working.

So, the best way to ensure your garbage disposal stays clog-free is to know what you’re pouring down the drain and making sure it’s acceptable for the blades and pipes.

Safety Precautions

The good news is that if you find yourself struggling with a clogged garbage disposal, you don’t have to call in a professional just yet. There are ways you can attempt to unclog the drain yourself, but it does come with a few safety precautions.

“Just about any homeowner can handle a small clog in garbage disposal. The main thing is to take precautions, one of which is to turn off the power to the appliance before getting into it. Not only unplug it from the outlet but also turn off the circuit breaker that powers the disposal,” Cornforth instructs.

On top of turning the power off and unplugging it from the outlet, here are a few other safety precautions to follow when you try to unclog a garbage disposal:

• Never put your hand down the drain even if the disposal if powered off and unplugged.
• Use a flashlight to look down into the drain to see what caused the clog.
• Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals to remove the clog as they damage the pipes.
• Wear protective gloves to keep your hands safe.

Unclogging Methods

Once you’ve turned the power off, unplugged your garbage disposal, and have your other safety supplies ready, here are a few methods you can try for unclogging the garbage disposal.

Method 1: Plunging the Garbage Disposal

Plunging the garbage disposal is a highly effective way to removing a clog that’s caused by debris. The good news is that it’s fairly easy to do as long as you following the following steps:

1. Position your sink plunger over the entire opening of the drain.
2. Press down on the plunger to create a tight suction.
3. Start plunging up and down (without pulling the plunger off the drain) to build water pressure.
4. Continue until the clog is loosened.
5. Once the clog is gone, rinse the sink with cold water only.

Cornforth says you will need to repeat these steps until the clog is removed. He also says that if you have a double sink, you will need to close the second drain to create enough pressure to push the clog out.

Method 2: Using a Garbage Disposal Wrench

Sometimes clogs that persists need an extra help. If plunging doesn’t suffice, it’s time to bring in a garbage disposal wrench.

1. Insert the wrench down into the disposal.
2. Rotate the wrench until you hear it clench onto the cutter wheel.
3. Pressing down on the wrench, move it counterclockwise then clockwise.
4. Pull the wrench out then test how it drains.

If the disposal is still clogged, repeat the process until you free the jam.

Method 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

Depending on what’s causing the clog, you might be able to free the debris with the help of a simple solution from baking soda and vinegar. Here’s how to use this method:

1. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar.
2. Pour the mixture down the drain and allow it to sit for ten to twenty minutes.
3. Rinse with hot water (yes, hot water is okay for this method).
4. Test the garbage disposal.

Like the other methods, if the clog still persists after the first attempt, you can repeat the process.

Method 4: Removing and Cleaning the P-trap

“If the clog hasn’t gone away after the plunger step, place a bucket under the trap, loosen the cap nuts, and remove it. Clean debris from the inside of the pipe, then put everything back together and check the macerator,” Cornforth says.

The p-trap is the U-shaped pipe that’s underneath your sink and connected to your garbage disposal. The clog could be from something that’s stuck in this pipe versus what’s stuck in your garbage disposal.

Here’s how to remove the P-trap and check for clogs:

1. Grab buckets and towels to catch any falling water. Place underneath the P-trap.
2. Unscrew the nut that’s keeping the P-trap in place and remove it from the pipes.
3. Using a small scrub brush, scrape out any gunk that’s built in your P-trap.
4. Reassemble the P-trap and run cold water down the drain to check that you’re clog-free.

Prevention Tips

Part of homeownership is embracing the clogs that happen every now and then, but there are a few prevention tips to follow that keeps your pipes clog-free. The best way to keep your garbage disposal sharp and free-flowing is by knowing what you can and can’t put down the drain. Yes, the garbage disposal is powerful, but it’s not invincible, so certain items and foods should never go down the drain. Additionally, you should never use hot water but only cold water so you don’t cause any fat or grease to congeal.

Another excellent prevention tip is to regularly maintain your garbage disposal with routine cleaning. Believe it or not, grinding items like citrus peels or ice cubes keeps your blades sharp and help remove stuck-on particles, plus they also keep your drains smelling fresh.