Steps to Unclogging the Garbage Disposal

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal with Ease

A clogged garbage disposal is one of the most common plumbing problems. It can be an annoying and even embarrassing problem, especially if you’re hosting a dinner party or entertaining guests. But don’t worry. There are simple steps you can take to unclog your garbage disposal and prevent future problems from occurring.

In this blog, we’ll explain the cause of garbage disposal clogs, provide helpful tips for unclogging them, and suggest ways to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Identifying the Cause of the Clog

The first step in resolving any plumbing problem is identifying its cause. If your garbage disposal is clogged, chances are it’s due to food waste that didn’t ultimately make its way down the drain.

Clogs could include anything from vegetable peels and eggshells to coffee grounds and pasta noodles. If you suspect your clog is due to food waste, try removing it manually with a pair of tongs or a wooden spoon handle before proceeding with other methods.

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are two natural ingredients that help dissolve tough clogs. To use them together, pour ½ cup of baking soda down your kitchen sink, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar.

As soon as you notice fizzing bubbles forming in the drainpipe, plug the drain hole with a wet cloth or rag so that all of the ingredients remain inside, and wait about ten minutes for them to do their job before rinsing with hot water.

Plunging The Drain

After attempting some natural remedies such as baking soda and vinegar, you may need to employ more forceful means, like using a plunger to dislodge stubborn clogs from your garbage disposal’s drainpipe.

Start by filling up your sink halfway with water. Cover both sides of the plunger’s suction cup with petroleum jelly to form an airtight seal over your drain. Plunge until you hear or feel something give way inside your pipe; finally, rinse any remaining debris in the sink with hot water.

Keep reading for more tips to solve your garbage disposal woes.

Prevention Tips

The best way to avoid clogs is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some helpful tips that you should follow to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly:

Never put bones, glass, or metal down your sink – these items can damage the blades or cause an electrical short-circuit.
Run cold water while using your garbage disposal – this helps flush away any food particles or debris stuck in the blades.
Only put small amounts of food down your drain at once – large chunks of food can quickly get stuck and cause a blockage.
Be sure to run hot water for several minutes after each use – this helps ensure that all food particles are flushed away from the blades and into the sewer line.

It might be time to seek professional help if you need a different method.

Unclogging Tips

If you find yourself with a clogged garbage disposal, we have a few solutions. Here are some helpful tips on how to unclog it quickly and easily:

Try running cold water through the drain for several minutes – this may dislodge any present blockages.
Use an old toothbrush or pipe cleaner to clean around the edges of the blades – sometimes, bits of debris can get stuck in hard-to-reach places.
When all else fails, always rely on a professional to dislodge clogs.

Calling a Professional Plumber For Especially Tough Clogs

Especially tough clogs may require specialized tools or expertise beyond what an average homeowner has at their disposal—so don’t hesitate to contact the licensed plumbers of HPS Plumbing Services at (858) 217-4112 if necessary. We will assess your situation quickly and recommend solutions to solve your problem.