Unclog a garbage disposal knowing the common causes for clogs and how to unclog a garbage disposal is key to keeping money in your wallet instead of down the drain with costly repairs.
Clogged garbage disposal line.
If it isn t secure on the drain opening you won t get sufficient suction.
If the disposal is not running check to see if it has overheated.
You need a sink plunger not a toilet plunger and it should fit completely around the drain opening.
Push the bottom end of the wooden probe against the impeller the blades that grind up the garbage and rock it back and forth to free it.
Oftentimes a sink can be unclogged using a plunger or baking soda and white vinegar.
Then turn it on again to see if this clears the clog.
Turn on the garbage disposal.
Check our guide on how to unclog a garbage disposal.
If a clog has developed in the pipes past the garbage disposal try plunging the sink before you resort to other strategies for clearing it.
If the the clog is visible shut off the power to the disposal and try to remove foreign objects using pliers or tongs.
Activate the reset switch at the side or on the bottom of the unit.
For this method you will be working entirely underneath the sink and below the garbage disposal unit.
If your garbage disposal sink is clogged there are several ways you can try to fix it without having to call a plumber.
If you still have a block you can use a plunger to attempt to loosen the clog.
Plug the garbage disposal back in run water and turn it on.
This is almost never the problem when your disposal is clogged or acting up.
Once shut down you can begin to disconnect the draining pipe from the garbage disposal unit.
Often this has to do with how ground food waste reacts to water or lack of water after the disposal unit grinds it up and sends it on its way toward the drain line.
Before trying to unclog it always switch off the garbage disposal s power source for safety purposes.
If there s something stuck in your.
A disposal generally has no problem grinding most food waste but it s what happens after the grinding that usually causes a clog.
How to unstop a kitchen sink with a garbage dispoal.
If the clog is in the disposal running it may break it up.
If you have a dishwasher it s important to clamp the end of the dishwasher line where it enters the disposal to prevent the hose from popping off the disposal nozzle as you plunge the sink drain.
If the disposal is still clogged follow these steps.
Before unclogging a garbage disposal use a flashlight to look into the drain and try to find the cause of the clog.
Causes of a garbage disposal clog.
Turn off the power and insert a long dowel a wooden spoon or a broom handle never your hand into the drain opening.