Are you also looking for “how to clean a clogged garbage disposal?“
If yes, then you’re at the right place!
A garbage tool is understood as a permanent helpful tool, but it can also cause some issues. It gets clogged frequently and makes water not flow down properly. This becomes a very problematic situation from a housing perspective. However, there are various easy solutions for this problem.
This guide consists of 5 easy steps to clean the clogged garbage disposal. Follow these steps, and you will get your garbage disposal appropriately cleaned.
Let’s start cleaning the clogged garbage disposal!!
Table of Contents
How to clean a clogged garbage disposal in 5 simple steps?
Step – 1: Turn off the power at the breaker box
For any work in the garbage disposal, you should primarily turn off the breaker that controls the breaker. It will help you clean the clogged garbage disposal effortlessly.
Step – 2: Figure Out The Cause of the Clog
After you switch off the breaker, you need to figure out the leading cause of the clog. You can show the flashlight to the disposal and check if anything is stuck there. If you find anything, then you should use long-handled tongs or pliers to retrieve the items and make the path smooth effortlessly.
Now, if you successfully retrieve the clog and find the disposal straightforward, switch on the breaker and run the water to check if the disposal is working correctly. If yes, then you’re good to go. However, if it still needs to be fixed, move to the next step.
Step – 3: Take the Help of a Plunger to Clear The Leftover Food Scrap
Now, make sure to turn off the breaker again. Your disposal might be clogged due to the lingering leftovers because garbage disposal can easily be clogged if a particular food doesn’t break down enough.
In such a situation, it is always better to use the plunger to try to loosen the food that clogs the garbage disposal. Cover the drain thoroughly with the plunger, make the water cover the edge of the plunger, and plunge the drain a few times.
It would be better if your water starts draining along with the food scraps. Start your breaker and disposal to make the food remnant processed through the pipe. Even if it doesn’t work, it’s time to make something harsh for the draining pipe.
Step – 4: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar to Dislodge The Clog
Most garbage disposal has plastic parts, and harsh drain cleaners can make those parts degraded. Thus, it is better to use baking soda and vinegar to unclog the disposal even from the worst. However, it works gently but effectively.
Pour the ¼ cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal and follow up by pouring the ½ cup of vinegar into it. It will create a form and fizz and clean the clog effectively. Wait for 5-10 minutes, turn on the breaker and disposal, and run the hot water for a few minutes.
Step – 5: If Nothing Works, Call the Plumber
Even after applying everything, it’s time to call the plumber if your garbage disposal still needs to be fixed. He will come up with a permanent solution. However, you should regularly do the maintenance of the garbage disposal.
Preventive Tips For Garbage Disposal Clog
- Read the instruction manual: Firstly, read the disposal manual to know what will and will not go inside the disposal. It will help you to keep excessive things away.
- Avoid these foods: You should avoid throwing seeds, bones, pits, peels, ice cubes, and corn cubes into the disposal. However, please pour the oils, meat fats, and grease to smooth the garbage disposal.
- Use sink/drain strainer: A sink strainer helps catch the food particles before they enter the disposal. Thus, it helps you keep your disposal clean and excessive particles free.
- Keep running your disposal for a long time: Even after your disposal has ground up all the food particles, keep your disposal running for a minute. It will help you keep your disposal clean and clear.
- Please do not force the garbage disposal: Though garbage disposal has powerful motors, they also have limitations. When you stuff the large chunk of drains, it makes the motors work harder to drain them. Thus, sometimes they could freeze up as well.
Final Verdict
These are the five simple steps to get your garbage disposal cleaned. Using these tips will help you fix your problem at home. We hope you like this article, and it has also discussed some preventive tips to avoid such situations in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Will baking soda and vinegar unclog a garbage disposal?
When you mix the baking soda and vinegar, it forms a vigorous reaction. It can quickly clear any minor to moderate clogs in the garbage disposal. For this, you must pour ½ cup of baking soda and follow up with pouring a cup of vinegar. Please wait 10 minutes and then rinse it with the disposal’s hot water.
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Why is my garbage disposal not draining?
So many times, a clog occurs in the garbage disposal because of the malfunctioning plastic parts and components, lousy motor, jammed impeller blades, debris inside the drain pipe, and if so much food is stuck inside. There are various reasons for garbage disposal.
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Is it OK to use Drano in a garbage disposal?
Drano Professional Strength Crystal Clog Remover cleans the clogged garbage disposal. However, it is not at all safe to use it.
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Why is my water coming back up the garbage disposal?
There are three primary reasons for getting the water back from your garbage disposal:
- There might be a blockage.
- The Disposal might be overused.
- You got your garbage disposal installed inappropriately.
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Can you leave baking soda and vinegar in the drain overnight?
Yes, you can leave the baking soda and vinegar overnight to clean the clogged garbage disposal. Leaving the ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar overnight will help your clogged garbage disposal.
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How long do you leave baking soda and vinegar in garbage disposal?
It is better to mix the ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar in pouring it into the garbage disposal. Wait for around 5-10 minutes, then let the disposal run the hot water for a full minute or a little longer.
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