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Garbage Disposal Not Draining? Here’s How to Unclog It
Garbage disposals are useful tools until they become clogged with grease buildup or food waste. When items are lodged inside the blades or the P-trap, you’ll notice standing water in your sink, unpleasant odors, or food scraps refusing to go down the drain properly.
A garbage disposal that does not drain is unsightly, smelly, and blatantly inconvenient. Knowing how to unclog a garbage disposal properly can be a lifesaver for your at-home cooking nights, event hosting, and daily routines.
The professional plumbing experts at Eck Services are here to help guide you on how to fix and prevent a clogged garbage disposal using household tools and materials. No matter the source, we’ll help you resume the convenience of a working garbage disposal without expensive costs.
Protect Yourself When Dealing With Disposal Clogs
Garbage disposal repair can pose some risks, so it’s essential that you follow a clear set of steps to protect yourself in the process.
First, always shut off the disposal system before starting any work. This prevents the risk of electrocution that occurs when water and electricity mix. Even if the unit is off, you must completely shut off its power source.
Secondly, as a rule of thumb, never stick your hand down the disposal. As tempting as it may be to fish for a lodged piece of food or a lost utensil, the blades are sharp and can severely cut you.
Additionally, avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners. They can wear down your disposal and cause irritation or burns when they come in contact with your skin.
By taking proper precautions, you can successfully resolve drain clogs without compromising your safety.
How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal in 6 Easy Steps
Knowing how to unclog a garbage disposal might be simpler than you think. The most common solutions for disposal clogs are using tools and materials you most likely already have in your home.
From lodged food waste to foreign objects, here are some of the common methods to fix a clogged garbage disposal:
1. Turn Off the Power to Your Disposal
The most important and first step in addressing a garbage disposal clog is to make sure that the power is disconnected. If your unit is connected to power by an outlet under the sink, unplug it.
If it’s wired directly into your wall, you can shut off the power from your breaker box. Once all power is off, you may begin work.
2. Try to Identify Any Visible Blockages
Once you double-check that all power is disconnected, use a flashlight to see down the disposal and look for any lodged objects. If you notice an object, use tongs or pliers to carefully remove it and clear the drain—never stick your hands down the disposal.
When all items are removed, plug the disposal back in or turn the breaker back on, turn the water on, and turn on the disposal. If the water drains completely, you have fixed the clogged drain. If not, don’t worry—proceed to another method below.
3. Use a Plunger
Plungers are commonly used to dislodge bathroom-related clogs. But they’re just as effective for garbage disposals that don’t drain. Start by covering the drain opening with the plunger, allowing water to cover the edge. Begin plunging the drain a few times, and if water begins to drain, it’s likely that food scraps will as well. So, turn the power and system back on and see if the food scraps properly go down the drain; if so, the disposal is fixed like new!
4. Use Baking Soda & Vinegar
If manually trying to dislodge or plunge stuck objects in the disposal has been a failure, it’s time to use a bit of science. Pour ¼ cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. This concoction works similarly to a drain cleaner but is much gentler and better for the health of your pipes.
The mixture will start to foam and fizz up, which means it's working. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then turn the power and system back on. Run hot water for a couple of minutes, and check if the system is now draining water properly.
5. Check the P-Trap
If your garbage disposal is still clogged after basic troubleshooting, the issue might be with the P-trap. This is the curved pipe beneath the sink. Food particles and debris can accumulate here and block water flow.
Place a bucket underneath the P-trap, then carefully loosen the slip nuts to remove the trap. Any debris or water buildup will flow out, but other debris may need to be cleaned out manually with a wire coat hanger.
Once it’s cleaned thoroughly, reassemble the trap and run water through the disposal system for a few minutes to flush any remaining debris.
6. Contact a Professional Plumber
When DIY methods don’t resolve the clog, it's time to contact a licensed plumber. Persistent clogs may indicate deeper plumbing issues that require professional tools and expertise.
Attempting advanced plumbing repairs without proper knowledge can lead to further damage or costly mistakes. The professionals at Eck Services will safely diagnose and resolve the problem, restoring your disposal and sink to full functionality.
How to Prevent Garbage Disposal Clogs
While there are several household-friendly ways to unclog a garbage disposal, it’s always better to know how to prevent clogs from happening in the first place. Taking proactive steps can help you avoid costly issues and inconvenience in the kitchen and extend the life of your unit.
Follow these best practices to keep your disposal running smoothly:
- Run the Disposal Every Day: Regular use can prevent food particle buildup and water corrosion. Running cold water through the disposal daily is an effective practice.
- Run the Disposal for a Longer Time: Keep the disposal running for a full minute to ensure all food particles are fully broken up and cleared from the disposal.
- Grind Up Citrus Scraps: Lemons and oranges are effective garbage disposal cleaners. They clean away even stuck-on food scraps and leave a fresh, pleasant scent.
- Monitor the Size of Food Scraps Going into the Disposal: Garbage disposals are powerful, but they can’t handle everything. Be careful about throwing large chunks of food down the drain. It forces the motor to overwork and might cause it to freeze up.
Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly with Eck Services
A clogged garbage disposal is a huge inconvenience, so keep it running smoothly with Eck Services’ professional plumbers & expert kitchen plumbing repair services.
We can perform expert drain cleaning, plumbing repair, and emergency plumbing services while never compromising on quality. We combine the latest techniques and equipment for every commercial or residential plumbing service to ensure efficient and long-lasting systems.
Next time you face standing water or a slow disposal, trust Eck Services. We do it all so that you can get the most out of your home.
