How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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A garbage disposal is an essential part of your kitchen that helps grind food waste and send it down the drain easily. However, sometimes this device gets clogged, which not only disrupts your kitchen workflow but can also cause bad odors and water leakage. If your garbage disposal is clogged, there’s no need to worry. In this guide, we will walk you through a complete and detailed step-by-step process on how to unclog a garbage disposal at home without needing professional help.

Why Does a Garbage Disposal Get Clogged?

There are several reasons why your garbage disposal might get clogged:

  • Food particles, especially fibrous items like celery, potato peels, or coffee grounds, get stuck in the disposal blades.

  • Grease and oil used in the kitchen harden inside the pipes and create blockages.

  • Hard or non-food items like plastic, metal, or glass accidentally fall into the disposal.

  • Disposal blades get jammed or the motor becomes overloaded.

Whenever you notice your disposal is not working smoothly or water is not draining properly, it means you have a clogged garbage disposal issue.

Common Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is Clogged

  • Strange noises (grinding or humming) coming from the disposal

  • Water drains slowly or doesn’t drain at all from the sink

  • Disposal motor vibrates or gets stuck

  • Bad odors coming from the kitchen

  • Leaks under the sink

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to address your garbage disposal clogged problem.

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Turn Off the Power (Safety First)

First and foremost, for your safety, turn off the power to the garbage disposal. Switch off the disposal’s power button or the circuit breaker connected to it. This step is crucial to avoid any accidents while working with the disposal blades.

Step 2: Check for Visible Blockage

Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal for any large pieces of food, plastic, or other objects that might be stuck. If you see something, wear gloves and carefully remove the blockage. Never put your hand inside the disposal without gloves.

Step 3: Manually Rotate the Blades

Most garbage disposals have a small hex hole underneath where you can insert an Allen wrench (hex key) to manually rotate the blades. This helps release the jammed blades. If your disposal doesn’t have this hole, try gently turning the blades manually with the wrench.

Step 4: Use a Plunger

If the blockage is deeper, place a plunger over the sink drain and create suction by pressing and releasing the plunger carefully. This pressure can help loosen the clog. Remember to plug the other sink drain if you have a double sink, so pressure stays focused.

Step 5: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Instead of harsh chemicals, natural home remedies are safer. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. This mixture will fizz and help break down the clog. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

Step 6: Flush with Hot Water

After the clog has loosened, flush the disposal with hot water to help melt grease and clear out the pipes. This step also keeps your disposal clean and running smoothly.

Step 7: Test the Disposal

Turn the power back on and run the disposal. If it runs smoothly and water drains properly, the clog is cleared. If problems persist or you hear strange noises, the clog might be more severe.

Step 8: Call Professional Help

If you’re unable to fix the garbage disposal clogged issue yourself, contact the experts at Derks Plumbing. Our professional team will quickly and efficiently repair your disposal so your kitchen runs perfectly again.

For more detailed information and expert help, Please Read:

Tips to Prevent Garbage Disposal Clogs

  • Only put small food particles into the disposal; avoid hard items like bones, coffee grounds, and eggshells.

  • Never pour grease or oil down the disposal; collect them separately.

  • Clean your disposal regularly with baking soda and vinegar.

  • Keep a steady flow of water running while the disposal is operating.

  • If the disposal sounds slow or noisy, check it immediately.

Conclusion

If your garbage disposal is clogged, don’t panic. Follow the detailed steps above to fix your disposal yourself. And if the problem persists, professional plumbing services like Derks Plumbing are just a call away to get your disposal back in working order.