Fix your clogged garbage disposal today!

Although a garbage disposal can seem like a permanent tool of convenience, it is not invincible. Clogs can cause it to become inoperable, making your kitchen sink use impossible.

It can be difficult to find the cause of a blocked garbage disposal because it can originate from one or multiple issues. The blades of the garbage disposal can get clogged, as well as the structure or the drain.

We will explain why garbage disposals become clogged and how to unclog a garbage disposal, as well as ways to prevent clogs happening in the future.

What causes a garbage disposal to become clogged?

You need to know the root cause of a blocked garbage disposal in order to properly fix it.

Although food is the main culprit for many people, it’s far from the only one.

Incorrect food types

A common myth about garbage disposals says they are capable of handling all types of food. This is false.

Any type of bones, pits and seeds are too hard for garbage disposals to deal with.

Also, stringy objects like celery and corn husks/silk will stop a disposal from working properly.

Oil, grease, and fat not only block drains but they can block the disposal.

When hardened, starchy vegetable like potatoes and beans create a paste that is similar to oil, grease, or fat. This paste can clog or jam your device.

Too much too quick

A second misconception is that the garbage disposal can take care of lots of food simultaneously. This is also false.

If you place too many items in your disposal, rather than focusing on just a handful of items, the disposal may jam.

Pushing the limits of your unit will cause it to fail. A humming sound is a sign that the garbage disposal has become overwhelmed.

Other non-food objects

Food is the only item that can go into your garbage disposal. Non-food items can damage the disposal. Paper, fabric, foil and plastic as well as sponges, sponges, flower clippings, and washcloths can cause jams.

Water Temperature

It is important to notice the temperature of the water you are using with the garbage disposal.

Hot water should not be used.

Hot water can spread fats, oils and grease all around the disposal, as well as into the pipes. Oils, grease, or fats that dry can harden and cause clogs.

Five methods to clean garbage disposal

Liquid drain cleaners are not recommended for cleaning, since drain liquid cleaners can cause damage to plastic or rubber components of garbage disposals.

Before you attempt to clean your unit, always turn off the power to the garbage disposal. Water and electricity are never a good mix. You should also avoid putting your hand in the garbage disposal, no matter if the unit is on or off.

1. Manual checkup

To find the cause of the blockage, you should first look inside your disposal. To find the culprit, use a flashlight along with pliers or tongs. You can simply insert your pliers/tongs into the disposal to retrieve any loose items. You can continue this procedure until all items or the gunk is removed from your disposal.

2. Vinegar and baking soda

Baking soda and vinegar are a great DIY solution. The fizzy foam mixture cuts through food clogs, and cleans out the unit. This is a great solution to unclog grease, oil, and fat and also for cleaning out stale garbage disposals.
Pour baking soda in the garbage disposal.
Then, put vinegar in the garbage disposal.
Wait 20 minutes until the fizz breaks down the clog.
Finally, flush out the food and mixture down the pipes with hot water.

3. Plunger

The water pressure of a plunger is used to push hard clogs down the drain pipe.
Begin by grasping the plunger, and then covering the drain.
Fill the sink with sufficient water to form a tight seal around the bottom or flange of the plunger.
To loosen the blockage, you can now plunge the plunger vigorously up and down.
This motion should be repeated for several minutes.

4. Hex wrench and/or wooden handle

A hex wrench is a tool that can be used to remove a hexagonal hole from the garbage disposals bottom. You may have received the hex wrench (also known as an Allen wrench) with your garbage disposal.

Instructions for the disposal will show you where to find the hexagon and how to use it. Stick the hexagonal end of your disposal into the hole at the top. The two should be able to match and blend in well.

Then, turn the hex wrench counterclockwise or clockwise for four to five times. The blades will then spin in either direction. The clog will be free if the blades spin in either direction freely. Next, use pliers and tongs to manually take out the clog.

You can get the same results with a garbage disposal that does not have a hexagon hole by using a wooden handle. Stick the handle in the garbage disposal. Move the handle in the direction of the blades by placing it on the top or near the blade. Next, take out any loose items.  Gunk can be removed with tongs or pliers.

5. Get in touch with a plumbing expert

If necessary, a plumber can help with any type of clog.

How to prevent clogged garbage disposals

If you take preventative steps, you can avoid clogs in the first place. These steps are essential to prevent clogs from returning.

• Use a drain strainer or sink strainer. Sink strainers catch food bits, bones, seeds and pits so that you do not have to inspect every item.
• Large amounts of food waste can’t be handled by the garbage disposal. It makes it easier for the disposal if you cut the food into smaller pieces. Before you put the food in the garbage disposal, cut it to about a square inch.
• Slowly feed the garbage disposal. Allow the disposal to take a small amount of food at a time. After the unit disposes of any waste, you can feed the next batch.
• For one minute, rinse the garbage disposal with cold water after each use. The cold water will flush out food that has clung to the disposal and blades. This keeps drain pipes clear and the blades lubricated. To remove unpleasant odors, you can add dish soap.
• Make sure to use the garbage disposal frequently. It is just as dangerous to not use the garbage disposal as it is to put the wrong food in it. Underutilized garbage disposals will eventually rust, corrode and freeze.