How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

Food disposals and garbage disposals are handy machines because they usually reduce the likelihood that your kitchen sink will clog up from leftover food scraps. Every now and then, however, exasperated homeowners may discover a clog even in a sink fitted with a garbage disposal. This could be due to an unusually large amount of debris, a faulty disposal, or some other problem.

Fortunately, troubleshooting to unclog garbage disposal mechanisms is usually quite straightforward. There are a few solutions homeowners can try on their own before calling a professional technician. In this article, we’ll help you understand how to unclog a food disposal or garbage disposal.

Understanding the Problem

Before attempting to unclog garbage disposal, it’s crucial to understand what causes these blockages. Often, the culprits include large food particles, fibrous materials, or non-food items accidentally dropped into the disposal. Recognizing the cause of the clog is the first step in addressing the problem efficiently.

Common causes of garbage disposal clogs include:

• Pouring grease or oil down the drain
• Disposing of fibrous foods like celery or corn husks
• Putting pasta, rice, or potato peels in the disposal
• Accidentally dropping non-food items like bottle caps or utensils

How Do You Unclog a Garbage Disposal?

In most cases, it’s easy to fix clogged garbage disposal or food disposal mechanisms. Let’s take it step by step.

1. Ensure your garbage disposal is not drawing power.

Without exception, your first step when troubleshooting any problem with your garbage disposal is to make sure it’s completely disconnected from its power source. Unplugging garbage disposal mechanisms is a good idea when power cords are within reach. If your disposal is directly connected to in-wall electrical wiring, cut power to the circuit at your circuit breaker or fuse box. This is a simple, straightforward precaution to minimize your risk of personal injury or damage to your appliance.

Safety tip: Never skip this step, even for quick inspections. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, garbage disposal accidents account for approximately 1,600 emergency room visits annually.

2. Perform a visual inspection.

The next step is to inspect the inside of your drain and disposal for any visible obstruction. Do not insert your hand or fingers into the drain at any time. Even if your device is totally disconnected from a power source, this is a terrible idea. Use a flashlight and your eyes to determine the source of the clog. If you spot an object in there, you can use a tool of some kind to retrieve it. Long-handled pliers, tongs, or even a pair of chopsticks can work. Just ensure your hand is always above the drain threshold.

If you were able to retrieve an item, reconnect your disposal to its power source and test it. If you didn’t notice an object, or if the clog wasn’t resolved after removing the object, read on for more options.

3. Dissolve food remains.

If you had reconnected your garbage disposal to its power source, then disconnect it once again. If a buildup of food scraps is the source of your clog, you may be able to dissolve it with some common household ingredients.

One option is boiling water. Boil a few cups of water and pour it directly down the drain. You may have to repeat this step a couple of times. This simple strategy can often get rid of small clogs.

For more stubborn clogs, the dissolving action of baking soda and vinegar is a better bet. Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain and into the disposal. Follow with a cup or so of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You’ll immediately notice the chemical reaction as the mixture foams and bubbles. Allow this to sit for at least half an hour. Once that time has elapsed, flush with hot water.

Pro tip: Studies show that the baking soda and vinegar method effectively removes up to 90% of buildup in disposal drains when left to work for at least 30 minutes.

If you’re still having trouble, move on to the next step. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners. Those industrial cleaners can actually damage your plumbing or even the garbage disposal itself.

How to Unclog Garbage Disposal Using a Plunger

A garbage disposal plunger is one effective method to unclog a garbage disposal. This tool is designed specifically for use with garbage disposals and can help dislodge clogs that are not too far down the drain.

Fill the Sink Partly With Water: Create a seal for the plunger by filling the sink partially with water, and covering the disposal’s drain.

Use the Garbage Disposal Plunger: Place the plunger over the drain, push down firmly, then pull up. The suction created can help dislodge the blockage. Repeat this action several times. 

Important: If you have a double sink, be sure to plug the other drain with a wet cloth to create proper suction during plunging.

Check for Success: After plunging, remove the plunger and allow the water to drain. If it drains quickly, the clog is likely cleared. If not, you may need to repeat the plunging process or try another method.

Alternative Methods to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal

If using a garbage disposal plunger does not resolve the issue, there are other methods to consider:

Reset Button

Most modern garbage disposals have a reset button located on the bottom of the unit. If your disposal has overheated due to the clog, pressing this button after it has cooled down may resolve the issue. According to manufacturer data, approximately 25% of "clogged" disposal issues can be resolved with a simple reset.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This natural cleaning solution can help dissolve clogs. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz and work for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.

Manual Rotation

Some disposals come with a hex key that fits in a hole at the bottom of the unit. Using this key, you can manually turn the blades to dislodge clogs.

If your disposal didn’t come with a hex key, most units use a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench. Insert it into the center hole on the bottom of the disposal and turn it clockwise and counterclockwise to free the impeller plate.

Ice Cubes and Salt

Place a handful of ice cubes and a tablespoon of coarse salt in the disposal, turn on cold water, and run the disposal. The ice helps sharpen the blades while the abrasive salt helps scrub away debris and buildup.

Professional Help

If all else fails, it may be necessary to call a professional plumber. They have the tools and expertise to fix a clogged garbage disposal safely and effectively.

How to Get Garbage Disposal Warranty Coverage

May garbage disposal clogs are easily resolved, but the reality is that some clogs require the work of a professional. Some clogs may require labor that a homeowner is unable or unwilling to do. Sometimes, there could be something wrong with the disposal itself.

A home warranty with garbage disposal coverage is one way to protect yourself from a high garbage disposal replacement cost. You can also save on maintenance and repair costs for other home appliances and systems too. You can be sure that Liberty Home Guard has a plan for you. Use our website for a free quote or call (866)-526-1752.

Regular Maintenance to Prevent Clogs

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly:

1. Run cold water when using the disposal and continue running it for 15 seconds after turning off the disposal to flush any remaining particles. 
    
2. Clean the disposal regularly by grinding ice cubes, lemon peels, or running a mixture of baking soda and vinegar through it. 
    
3. Avoid putting problematic items like coffee grounds, eggshells, banana peels, and pasta down the disposal. 
    
4. Cut large food items into smaller pieces before putting them in the disposal. 
    
5. Run your garbage disposal frequently to prevent rust and corrosion and to ensure all parts stay moving.

According to maintenance experts, regular cleaning can extend the life of your garbage disposal by up to 50%, from an average of 8-12 years to potentially 12-15 years or more.