Project Summary
- Duration of Work: 20 to 30 minutes
- Overall Duration: 15 minutes
- How to unclog a blocked garbage disposal.
- Proficiency Level: Novice
- Projected Expense: $0
If the garbage disposal is experiencing a backup, the issue could be as straightforward as items obstructing the blades within the unit. Alternatively, the drain linking the disposal to the sink’s drain trap could be blocked.
Regardless of the reason, a clogged garbage disposal is typically simple to resolve. There’s no need for a plumber, and you can have the sink working again in approximately 20 minutes.
Contents
Reasons for a Clogged Garbage Disposal
The primary factors that can lead to a garbage disposal becoming blocked are:
- Blocked drain line or trap: A common issue with a garbage disposal is a clog in the drain trap assembly, which is situated on the waste discharge side of the unit.
- Blunt disposal blades create sizable food debris that can obstruct the disposal unit.
- Air gap obstruction: A gap of air within the pipeline is necessary for the proper drainage of the pipes.
- Incorrect installation: The hoses might not have been properly attached to the disposal unit.
Requirements You’ll Need
Gear / Instruments
- Bucket
- Channel lock pliers
- Cleaning brush or metal brush
- Use a drain auger if necessary.
Materials
- Absorbent cloths or disposable towels
Instructions
Clear the Clogged Garbage Disposal
Take out the P-Trap.
Position a catch bucket under the drain trap of the disposal unit. Utilize channel-lock pliers to detach the slip-nut connections on the drain trap, then take the trap out. Gently pour the trap’s contents into the bucket. Keep paper towels or rags on hand to clean up any spills that may occur.
Clear the Trap
Inspect the trap fitting for any blockages or obstructions. A small scrub brush is the best tool for clearing away debris. Alternatively, a straightened coat hanger or a similar piece of wire can also be utilized.
Inspect the Trap Arm.
If the blockage isn’t located in the trap, it could be in the trap arm, which is the horizontal section of the drain that links the trap to the branch drain pipe that extends into the wall. To access it, loosen the slip nut where the arm connects to the vertical branch drain and remove the arm. Use a brush or wire to clean the interior of the trap arm.
Clear the branch drain using a snake, if necessary.
If the blockage is located deep within the pipe, utilize a drain snake to eliminate it. Insert the auger cable into the branch drain located beneath the sink, while rotating the drum. Withdraw the cable and reinsert it into the drain several times to ensure the blockage is fully removed.
How to Utilize a Drain Snake
Reconstruct the Drainage System
Reattach the trap arm and P-trap, ensuring the slip nuts are snug but not overly tight. Verify the alignment of the components, ensuring the trap arm has a slight downward slope towards the branch drain. Hand-tighten the nuts, and if needed, use channel pliers for a bit more tightness, but avoid excessive force.
Clear the Drain
Let water flow through the disposal for a few minutes to clear out any loose particles from the drainage system. To complete the process, cover the drain with a stopper, fill the sink with hot water, and then swiftly remove the stopper to create a strong flush.
Alternative Techniques for Resolving Blockages
Alternative methods for resolving clogs in garbage disposals consist of:
- Plunger: Pour several inches of water into the sink. Securely position a sink plunger (avoid using a toilet plunger) over the disposal. Apply firm pressure to break up the blockage.
- Combine one cup of baking soda with two cups of white distilled vinegar in the disposal. The bubbling action from the reaction can help dislodge minor blockages.
- To boil water, place it in a kettle on the stove and heat it until it reaches a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, cautiously pour the hot water straight into the drain. This technique is useful for dissolving blockages caused by grease and fats.
Ways to Stop Garbage Disposals from Clogging Up
A garbage disposal typically handles the grinding of most food scraps without issue. However, the aftermath of the grinding process can lead to clogs. This is frequently related to the interaction of the ground food waste with water, or the absence of it, once the disposal unit has processed it and directed it into the plumbing.
To prevent clogs in your garbage disposal, steer clear of the following:
- Ensure that water is flowing: It is essential to have water running while operating the garbage disposal. Rinse the disposal thoroughly with a generous amount of water while it is in use and continue for a few seconds after it has been switched off.
- Introducing grease: Avoid disposing of grease, fats, lard, or oils in the garbage disposal.
- Crushing tough materials: Tough, grainy substances such as eggshells and coffee grounds produce small, gritty residues that can adhere to plumbing and rapidly lead to blockages.
- Crushing starchy materials: Foods high in starch, such as potato skins, are well-known for causing clogs and should be avoided in garbage disposals.
- Grinding fibrous foods: Items like bananas, celery, and asparagus contain fibrous strands that may obstruct disposals.
Is it possible for a garbage disposal to block pipes?
A garbage disposal may lead to pipe blockages. Overloading it with food, using inappropriate food items, failing to operate it with water flowing, or introducing non-food materials like plastic, metal, or paper can result in clogged pipes.
Is it safe to use Drano in my garbage disposal?
Drano can be safely utilized in garbage disposals, but it is important to note that Drano Professional Strength Crystals Clog Remover is not suitable for this purpose. While Drano is generally safe for disposals, it is not the most effective method for clearing a blockage. It is advisable to either remove the clog or dislodge it manually rather than relying on Drano.
Is it possible to operate my dishwasher if the garbage disposal is blocked?
If the dishwasher is blocked, it is advisable not to operate it. However, if the dishwasher is malfunctioning but not blocked, it is safe to use.
