How To Fix A Clogged Garbage Disposal In 7 Easy Steps
A clogged garbage disposal can be one of the most annoying and inconvenient problems to have in your kitchen. It’s one of those things that’s easy to forget about until it’s too late and you’re left with a sink full of smelly food waste. Fortunately, clogging up a garbage disposal is an easy fix if you know what to do. In this blog post, we will discuss how to fix a clogged garbage disposal in 7 easy steps. You might even start to enjoy unclogging your garbage disposals when you see how easy it is!
Step One: Turn Off the Power to the Disposal
If your garbage disposal is clogged, the first thing you’ll need to do is turn off the power. You can do this by unplugging the unit from the wall or by shutting off the power at the circuit breaker. Once the power is off, you’ll be able to safely remove any food or other debris that may be causing the clog.
Step Two: Use a Plunger
If your garbage disposal is still clogged after following Step One, it’s time to break out the plunger. Fill your sink with enough water to cover the suction cup of the plunger and place the plunger over the drain. Pump the plunger up and down several times before giving it a final plunge. If this doesn’t do the trick, move on to Step Three.
Step Three: Use a Wire Hanger
If your garbage disposal is still not working after following the first two steps, then it’s time to use a wire hanger. First, straighten out the wire hanger. Then, insert the end of the wire hanger into the drain. Be careful not to push too hard or you could damage the pipes. Twist the wire hanger around until you feel it catch on something. This is likely the clog. Once you’ve caught the clog, pull it out and dispose of it properly.
Step Four: Use Boiling Water
If your garbage disposal is still clogged after following the first three steps, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Boiling water can help to break up whatever is causing the clog.
Fill a pot with water and place it on the stove, turning it up to boiling. Carefully pour the boiling water down the drain, being careful not to splash yourself. You may need to do this a few times before the clog is completely cleared.
If you have a double sink, plug one side so that the boiling water doesn’t come back up and splash you. Once you’ve poured all of the boiling water down the drain, turn on the cold water and run the disposal for a minute or two to flush everything out.
Step Five: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
If your garbage disposal is still clogged after following the previous steps, you can try using a baking soda and vinegar mixture. First, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, add a cup of vinegar and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Finally, flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining debris.
Step Six: Use a Drain Snake
If your garbage disposal is still clogged after following the previous steps, you may need to use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible piece of metal that can be inserted into your garbage disposal to clear away any remaining debris.
To use a drain snake, start by disconnecting your garbage disposal from its power source. Then, insert the drain snake into the disposal and turn it clockwise. As you turn the drain snake, it will grab onto any debris that is stuck in the disposal and pull it out.
Once you have removed all of the debris from the garbage disposal, reconnect it to its power source and run it for a few seconds to make sure that it is clear. If your garbage disposal is still not working properly, you may need to consult a professional for further assistance.
Step Seven: Call a Plumber
If your garbage disposal is still clogged after following the previous six steps, it’s time to call a plumber. Plumbers have the tools and experience necessary to clear even the toughest clogs.
Before calling a plumber, be sure to turn off your garbage disposal and your water supply. This will prevent any further damage to your disposal or plumbing. Once you’ve done this, give the plumber a call.
Be sure to explain the situation in detail so that they can diagnose the problem and provide you with an estimate for repairs. In most cases, a simple fix will do the trick and you’ll be back up and running in no time.
Conclusion
Clogged garbage disposals can be a hassle, but with the right steps and tools, they’re easy to fix. We hope that our guide on how to fix a clogged garbage disposal in 7 easy steps has given you the information you need to get your disposal back up and running quickly. With these tips at your fingertips, you’ll never have to worry about dealing with this problem again!