How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal
How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal
Recent Blogs
Understanding Water Heater Warranties

Understanding Water Heater Warranties

Read More...
How Often Should I Get My Water Heater Checked?

How Often Should I Get My Water Heater Checked?

Read More...
Easy Ways to Fix a Smelly Shower Drain

Easy Ways to Fix a Smelly Shower Drain

Read More...
The Importance of Plumbing Maintenance in 2022

The Importance of Plumbing Maintenance in 2022

Read More...
Are Drain Cleaners Safe to Use on Plumbing?

Are Drain Cleaners Safe to Use on Plumbing?

Read More...
COUPON

Toilet Replacement

$50 Off Toilet Installation and replacement.

"Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer."
$50 OFF OFF
Print
COUPON

Shut-Off Valve

Free Emergency Shut-Off Valve

"Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer."
FREE OFF
Print
COUPON

Plumbing Service

10% Off Any Plumbing Service of $400 or More

"Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer."
10% OFF OFF
Print
COUPON

Gas Line Repair

Any Interior or Exterior Waterline or Gas Repair

"Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer."
$35 OFF OFF
Print
Reviews

Rowena Hyndman

Earl was awesome, he crawled  under our house to get to the clean out for the sewer drain. When he open it gallons of sewer…

search

Logan Kreider

Chris was very pleasant to work with. He told us exactly how it was without beating around the bush. He took his time explaining the…

search

Christina Fike

Matt was very respectful and professional. He was very thorough in his explanations of work being done and the work he performed. The workmanship was…

search

Stephen McWilliams

Adam showed up wearing a mask and quickly diagnosed the problem. The previous plumber from a different company installed the sink drain gaskets incorrectly and…

search
How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal
Oct 03, 2022

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

Is your garbage clogged, and you are looking for simple methods to unclog it? You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of unclogging a garbage disposal and what you can do to prevent clogs.

Step 1: Turn the garbage disposal off

This is a very important step. Make sure you disconnect power from the unit to avoid getting injured. Also, never stick your hand inside the garbage disposal, whether the unit is on or off.

Step 2: Perform a manual checkup to identify what’s causing the clog

Shine a flashlight into the unit and peek inside the unit to see what is causing the clog. Pay particular attention to the perimeter of the unit. If you notice visible blockages, use a pair of long-handled pliers or tongs to retrieve the blockages. Once you’ve removed all the clogs from the unit, turn on your garbage disposal and press the reset button.

Step 3: Use baking soda and vinegar to dislodge the clog

Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the fizz to break down the clog. Next, turn the unit back on and run hot water into the disposal to wash away the blockages down the pipe. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is especially good for unclogging grease, fat and oil.

Step 4: Use a plunger to push tough clog down the pipe drain

Fill the sink with enough water and place a plunger directly over the sink drain to create a watertight seal around the drain hole. Vigorously plunge the drain for a minute and see if the water starts to drain. If the clog dissipates, run hot water down the drain to wash away the clogs. If these steps do not help clear the clog, call a reputable plumber to help you out.

Signs You May Need to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

  • The unit doesn’t work at all
  • The garbage disposal has exceeded its lifespan—you can expect your garbage disposal to last between 10 and 12 years as long as you keep up with maintenance
  • Frequent jamming
  • You are experiencing constant clogs
  • Poor performance
  • Abnormal noises such as grinding, metal scraping, and overly loud whirring
  • Water is leaking from your garbage disposal
  • Persistent odors
  • You’re frequently pressing the reset button on the unit

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, call an experienced plumber to help you with garbage disposal replacement. Although it might be tempting to ignore signs of garbage disposal trouble hoping they will go away on their own, failing to take action can lead to more expensive problems down the road.

Garbage Disposal Tips to Keep the Unit Running Smoothly

  • Run the garbage disposal regularly, even if you don’t have anything to grind up
  • Use cold water when running your garbage disposal
  • Cut food waste into smaller pieces before grinding
  • Clean your garbage disposal at least once a week
  • Grind ice cubes once a month to help maintain your unit
  • Be mindful of what goes down the disposal

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Services

If you need garbage disposal replacement or garbage disposal repair, know the experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing are ready to help. The good news about garbage disposal replacement is that it isn’t an expensive project when compared to water heater replacement or repiping.