How Can I Clear My Clogged Garbage Disposal?

A garbage disposal plays an important role in the kitchen as it keeps the room smelling fresh and reduces bacteria. However, sometimes our jewelry can get caught in the garbage disposal, among other things. There are several steps you can take to help unclog your garbage disposal.

What is Causing the Clog?

Look into the garbage disposal to see why there is blockage. Determining what exactly is causing the clog will help you decide which method to take to resolve the issue. A majority of the time it’s food that is causing the clog so all you need to do is run water to push down the food.

What Should I Avoid Doing?

Never put your fingers or hands down the garbage disposal because you could cut your fingers or lose jewelry. Make sure you turn off the switch in your breaker box that is connected to the garbage disposal. Try not to use drain cleaning liquids because they can damage the garbage disposal.

How to Handle the Debris

You can use pliers to remove whatever is lodged in the garbage disposal, just give the motor 15-20 minutes to recover. The garbage disposal is working much harder to get through the mess so it can overheat and break before it runs again. A good way to test out your garbage disposal afterwards is to run cold water. If the garbage disposal doesn’t run normally, go between the blades with a long wooden spoon.

How to Avoid a Clog

A clogged garbage disposal can be an absolute nightmare, especially if you have no idea why the clog is occurring in the first place. There are several steps you can take to avoid garbage disposal clogs altogether.

Don’t put bones, fibrous skins, oils, shells or rice in the disposal. Once a month, do your own self-inspections and have a qualified plumber inspect your pipes, drains and fixtures once per year. This will help you avoid costly repairs and plumbers will spot issues that you may not be able to see. A great way to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh is by putting citrus fruits in the disposal, along the blades and the drain pipe.

If you need a professional to clear your garbage disposal, contact Winters® Home Services at 617-221-5899.