Ways to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposers or disposals often have several issues that need repairing. When items clog the appliance’s impeller blades, they may become stuck. Under the sink, leaks may result from the drain fittings being loose. Alternately, a clogged drainpipe connecting the trash disposal to the remainder of the sink’s drain trap assembly may result in water backing up into the sink basin where the disposer is situated. Following these tips may help you avoid calling an after hours plumbing pro this weekend!
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When only the disposer basin in a double-basin sink backs up with water, the disposer’s drain fitting is probably clogged.
Step 1
Turning off the breaker that controls the garbage disposal should be the first step for homeowners attempting repairs because an emergency room visit will always be remembered more vividly than a successful home repair.
Step 2
After the breaker has been shut off, examine the clogged garbage disposal using a flashlight. Do you see anything that might be causing the clog? If so, carefully remove these objects and free the pathway by using a set of long-handled tongs or pliers. After removing everything visible, turn the breaker back on before turning on the garbage disposal (the disposal’s reset button may need to be pressed). If it drains water and functions well, congratulate yourself because you fixed it. However, if it still isn’t working, carry on to step 3.
Step 3
Disconnect the breaker once more. Now that there are no more foreign objects to remove, it’s time to consider that the remaining leftovers may be the cause of the problem. When food isn’t sufficiently broken down to be flushed out of the drainpipe, it might clog garbage disposals. In these circumstances, using a plunger to dislodge food that has clogged the disposal is beneficial.
After completely filling the drain with the plunger, cover the edge of the plunger with water and repeat the process several times. When finished, check to see whether water will drain; if it does, scraps may do the same. In that case, try switching on the breaker and the garbage disposal to see if the leftover food can now be processed through the drainpipe.
Step 4
Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal after making sure the breaker and the disposal are both off. After that, add 12 cups of white vinegar to the tiny pile. Be ready for foam and fizz. The use of aggressive drain cleaners can be harmful because many garbage disposals include plastic components. In the end, the mixture of vinegar and baking soda provides the same kind of unclogging abilities but on a much kinder scale.
Restart the breaker and the garbage disposal after five to 10 minutes have passed. After that, run hot water into the garbage disposal for a short time (again, it might need the reset button to start). If everything goes as planned, call it a day and prepare a cocktail this time. However, if not, you might want to think about using your last option, which is to call the experts.
Conclusion
Stop everything and make a plumber appointment. After your expert solves the issue and departs, the job is still not finished. Remember to contribute by running half a lemon through the garbage disposal once every two to three weeks to keep the blades sharp and the disposal smelling as good as new for plumbers.
