
Garbage disposals can be a great convenience in the kitchen, but when they become clogged, it can be a nightmare. Fortunately, troubleshooting a clogged garbage disposal is not too difficult and can be done in five steps.
Garbage Disposal Maintenance
The best way to prevent a clogged garbage disposal is to practice regular maintenance. Before you use your disposal, it is important to run cold water down the drain for a few seconds. This will help to lubricate the blades, allowing them to spin more easily. Once the disposal is running, keep the cold water running for about 10-15 seconds to ensure that the material is properly flushed down the drain.
It is also important to avoid putting items down the disposal that are not meant to be there, such as bones, fruit pits, egg shells, grease, and oil. These items can easily become lodged in the disposal and cause a clog.
Troubleshoot Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is clogged, the first step is to troubleshoot the problem. Start by turning off the power to the disposal. This can be done by unplugging the unit or turning off the breaker.
Next, use a flashlight to look down into the disposal. Look for any foreign objects that may be stuck in the disposal. If something is visible, use a pair of pliers to remove it.
If nothing is visible, you may need to use a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down several times to try and dislodge the clog. If this does not work, you may need to try and remove the clog manually.
Unclog Garbage Disposal
If the plunger does not work, you may need to remove the clog with your hands. To do this, you will need to remove the garbage disposal from the sink. Start by turning off the power to the disposal and unplugging it. Next, use a wrench to loosen the mounting screws that hold the disposal in place.
Once the screws are loose, you should be able to lift the disposal out of the sink. Look for the small hole in the bottom of the disposal. This is where you will insert a long screwdriver or other tool. Twist the tool around in the hole to try and loosen the clog.
If this does not work, you may need to use a plumber's snake to remove the clog. Insert the snake into the disposal and twist it around to try and loosen the clog.
Once the clog is cleared, you can reassemble the disposal and test it to make sure it is working properly.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting a clogged garbage disposal is not difficult and can be done in five steps. The best way to prevent a clogged garbage disposal is to practice regular maintenance. Before you use your disposal, it is important to run cold water down the drain for a few seconds and avoid putting items down the disposal that are not meant to be there.
If your garbage disposal is clogged, start by turning off the power to the disposal. Use a flashlight to look down into the disposal and use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog. If this does not work, you may need to use a plumber's snake or remove the clog manually. Once the clog is cleared, you can reassemble the disposal and test it to make sure it is working properly.