Last Updated on February 25, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
Do you have a clogged garbage disposal? If so, you’re not alone. A clogged garbage disposal is a common problem that many people experience.
In this blog post, we will provide you with the ultimate guide on how to unclog a garbage disposal. We will go over everything from how to identify the problem to how to fix it. So whether you are a homeowner or a renter, this blog post is for you!
Related: 22 Parts of a Garbage Disposal You Need to Know About
What Causes a Clogged Garbage Disposal?
There are many things that can cause a clogged garbage disposal. Some of the most common culprits include:
Food scraps
This is one of the most common causes of a clogged garbage disposal. When you put food down your disposal, it can get caught on the blades and cause a clog. To avoid this, try to avoid putting any large food scraps down your disposal.
Grease and oil
Another common cause of a clogged garbage disposal is grease and oil. When these substances get flushed down the drain, they can form a sticky substance that can clog the pipes.
Stringy foods
Stringy foods like celery and onion skins can also cause a clog. These foods can wrap around the blades and cause a blockage.
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds can also be a problem for your garbage disposal. They can build up over time and cause a clog.
So, how do you fix a clogged garbage disposal? Read on to find out!
Related: Why Is My Garbage Disposal Humming? {How To Fix It}
How to unclog garbage disposal from potato peels
If your garbage disposal is jammed with potato peels, don’t panic. Here’s how to fix it.
First, turn off the power to the disposal at the breaker box. Then, use a plunger to try to clear the jam. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to disassemble the disposal and use a plumber’s snake to clear the jam.
How to unclog garbage disposal from eggshells
Garbage disposals can become clogged with all sorts of things, but one of the most common causes is eggshells. If your disposal becomes clogged with eggshells, don’t panic! There are several ways to unclog it.
One way is to use a plunger. Put the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down a few times. If this doesn’t work, you can try using a wire hanger. Bend the hanger so that it forms a U-shape. Put the hanger in the drain and move it around until you hit the clog.
Another way to unclog a garbage disposal is to use a plumber’s snake. Put the snake into the drain and turn it until you feel resistance. This will help to break up the clog.
How to unclog garbage disposal with ice
One of the most common ways to unclog a garbage disposal is by using ice. Here are the steps:
– Put a few cups of ice down your disposal.
– Turn on the cold water and let it run for a few minutes.
– Turn off the water and wait for the ice to melt.
– Once the ice has melted, turn on the disposal and run cold water through it for a few minutes.
If this method doesn’t work, try one of the methods below.
How to unclog garbage disposal with vinegar and baking soda
In most cases, unclogging a garbage disposal is simple and can be done with household supplies like vinegar and baking soda.
There are two methods that you can use to unclog your garbage disposal with vinegar and baking soda. The first method is to pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar.
Let the mixture sit for fifteen minutes, then flush the drain with hot water. The second method is to pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for thirty minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
If your garbage disposal is still clogged after trying this method, you may need to call a professional. They will be able to quickly and easily unclog your disposal for you. Thanks for reading and good luck!
How to unclog garbage disposal with Allen wrench
First, remove the sink stopper and use an Allen wrench to loosen the mounting bolts that hold the disposal unit to the sink.
Next, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet and use a hex key to loosen the screws that secure the discharge pipe to the disposal.
Finally, use a plunger to dislodge any remaining debris from the disposal unit.
If you’re still having trouble, you can try using a plumbers’ snake to clear the clog. Simply insert the snake into the drain and turn it clockwise until you feel resistance. Then, push the snake through the blockage and continue turning it until the clog is cleared.
If all else fails, you may need to replace the disposal unit. First, disconnect the power supply and remove the mounting bolts. Then, detach the discharge pipe and unscrew the drain flange.
Finally, remove the old disposal unit and install a new one in its place. Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions when installing the new unit.
Related: Why Is Garbage Disposal Leaking From Bottom?
How to unclog garbage disposal with plunger
To unclog a garbage disposal with plunger, fill the sink with hot water and add dish soap. Plug the drain of the sink and place the plunger over the drain.
Push and pull the plunger up and down to create suction. Once suction is created, plunge the garbage disposal quickly. If this does not work, try using a plumbing snake.
How to unclog garbage disposal with standing water
If you have standing water in your sink, it’s likely that your garbage disposal is the culprit. To unclog your garbage disposal, you’ll need to use a plunger.
First, make sure that the power to your disposal is turned off.
Next, place the plunger over the drain and add enough water to cover the plunger’s cup.
Finally, plunge the drain rhythmically for about ten seconds.
If this doesn’t work, you can try using a wire hanger to clear the clog. Simply bend the hanger into a U-shape and insert it into the disposal.
Call a plumber.
Garbage disposals are not something that the average person can fix. If you do not know what you are doing, it is best to call a plumber and have them take care of it for you. They will be able to clear out the clog and get your disposal working like new again in no time.
Clear the clog
With dish soap
If the clog is caused by grease or food, you can try to clear it with some dish soap. Pour a little bit of dish soap into the disposal and turn it on. The dish soap will help break up the clog.
Use a plunger
If the dish soap doesn’t work, you can try using a plunger. Splash some water into the disposal and place the plunger over the drain. Pump the plunger up and down a few times to try to break up the clog.
Run hot water
Another way to try to clear a clog is to run hot water down the disposal. Turn on the disposal and let hot water run down it for a few minutes.
Use a wire hanger
If all else fails, you can try using a wire hanger to clear the clog. Bend the hanger into a hook and insert it into the disposal. Try to hook onto the clog and pull it out. Be careful not to get your hands too close to the blades.
FAQs on clogged garbage disposal
Can a garbage disposal unclog itself?
In most cases, no. If your garbage disposal is clogged, you’ll need to take some action to clear the blockage. Trying to unclog a garbage disposal without proper instruction can be dangerous and could result in injury. Always consult with a professional if you’re not sure how to properly clear a clog from your garbage disposal.
If you’re comfortable taking on the task yourself, there are a few things you can try. First, use a plunger to attempt to dislodge the clog.
If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plumbers’ snake or auger to reach down into the disposal and clear the obstruction. Be careful when doing this, as you don’t want to damage the disposer. If none of these methods work, it might be time to call a professional.
How do you unclog a garbage disposal without taking it apart?
There are a few methods you can use to unclog a garbage disposal without taking it apart. You can try using a plunger, using vinegar and baking soda, or using a plumbing snake.
How do you know if your garbage disposal is clogged?
If your garbage disposal is not working properly, it may be clogged. Signs that your garbage disposal is clogged include water that drains slowly from the sink, water backing up into the sink, and a humming noise coming from the disposer. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action to clear the clog.
Does Drano damage garbage disposal?
Drano is a chemical drain cleaner that can damage garbage disposals. If you have a clogged disposal and decide to try using Drano, be very careful.
Only use a small amount of the cleaner at a time and wait for it to work before adding more. Never put Drano directly into the disposal. Always pour it into a dish or cup and then add it to the disposal.
How can I prevent my garbage disposal from getting clogged?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your garbage disposal from becoming clogged.
Always make sure that only small amounts of food are put into the disposer at a time.
Don’t try to grind up large pieces of food. Also, be sure to rinse off any food particles that remain on dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
Finally, use a sink strainer to catch food particles and other debris before they can enter the disposal.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Those are all the steps you need to take in order to unclog your garbage disposal. If after following these steps, your disposal is still not working properly, then it might be time to call a professional. But hopefully, with this guide, you will be able to take care of the problem yourself! Thank you for reading.
If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends or family who might find it helpful. Also, be sure to check out our other articles for more tips and tricks on how to keep your home clean and tidy! Thanks again for reading.
