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Here at The Range Hood Store, we’re happy to be your one-stop shop for your kitchen needs and more. We’re always looking for ways to bring more to the table, especially when it comes to giving you helpful tips for things like DIY projects. But we want to make sure we give you the best information possible. That’s why we’re happy to announce a new blog covering how to unclog a garbage disposal with our good friends over at Appliance Educator.
For those who might not know, the Appliance Educator crew has a ton of knowledge when it comes to household DIY, and they share this knowledge both on their YouTube channel and on their website. We’ve been fans of their work for a while and have used their videos as guides in our previous DIY blog, like How to Replace Your Kitchen Sink.
We’re happy to now bring you more DIY blogs in collaboration with Appliance Educator, starting today. To start things off on a high note, we’re going over something we think everyone has dealt with at least once in their lives, a clogged garbage disposal.
Stubbing your toe, being late for work, and dealing with a clogged garbage disposal. Some say these three things are mankind’s most unenjoyable experiences. While we might not have a remedy for the first two, we’ve got the skills to help you unclog a garbage disposal.
There are lots of reasons that a garbage disposal can become clogged. Leftover food, grease, and foreign objects are the biggest culprits. Having a clogged drain is no fun; your sink is suddenly full of gross, mucky water that can make your entire kitchen have an unpleasant aroma. Thankfully, this can all go away with just three easy steps.
First: Turn Off All Power To The Disposal!
Okay, we know we said three steps (let’s call this step 0.5), but this is important, like change your life forever, and not in a good way important. Seriously, turn off the power to your garbage disposal, either by unplugging it under your sink, or at the breaker, or if you’re like us, just do both. Safety is important!
Option 1: Tongs & A Flashlight
Alright, now that we’ve turned off the power, it’s time to get started on unclogging that garbage disposal. We always advise using tongs when unclogging your drain. Never under any circumstances should you stick your hand down the drain. Even with the power turned off, this is super dangerous.
Using the tongs, feel around in the drain and grab anything that you find blocking the garbage disposal. With any foreign objects removed from the drain, run your faucet, and use a flashlight to see if anything is still left inside the disposal.
Option 2: Plunger
In most cases, you can unclog your drain with just step 1, but if you find yourself still having a clogged drain, a plunger can usually do the trick. Plunging the garbage disposal unclogs it by forcing air down the disposal and through your drain.
Option 3: Baking Soda & Vinegar
Look, we get it, sometimes that garbage disposal is REALLY clogged, like, dumped an entire box of macaroni and cheese down the drain, clogged (we’ve all been there, haven’t we?). If steps 1 & 2 don’t work, we have one final suggestion on getting your garbage disposal unclogged.
Some of you are probably wondering how we’ve got so far without suggesting a chemical drainer. To be honest, it’s because we’re not fans of them. While they might be quick at getting it unclogged, the damage and corrosion they can cause to your disposal just aren’t worth it.
Instead, we suggest using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. What you’ll want to do is pour both directly into your drain and let them work their magic for about 10 or so minutes. You’ll know it’s working because it will bubble and fizz as it reacts. After 10 minutes, run water through the drain to make sure that the disposal is unclogged.
We hope these tips help. If you’re more of a visual learner, please check out Appliance Educator’s videos about the same subject. If you find yourself still with a clogged garbage disposal, it might be time to call a professional.
We hope you find this helpful! Be sure to check out Appliance Educator for all your DIY needs. If you like their work, be sure to subscribe to YouTube and drop a comment with videos you’d like to see from them in the future!
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If you have any questions about appliances or are looking to purchase new ones, then be sure to check out our sales; we’ve got everything you need to have your kitchen be the talk of the neighborhood. Feel free to contact us with any questions that you might have, or if you want to tell us if this blog helped unclog a garbage disposal. Shop Sales
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FAQs
What are the most common causes of a clogged garbage disposal?
Garbage disposals typically clog due to food buildup, grease, starchy leftovers, or foreign objects like utensils or packaging accidentally falling into the unit. Over time, these materials restrict the movement of the disposal and block water flow.
What should I do before trying to unclog my garbage disposal?
Always turn off power to the disposal before attempting any fix. Unplug it from under the sink or switch it off at the breaker. This is a critical safety step and should never be skipped.
Is it safe to put my hand inside the garbage disposal?
No. You should never put your hand inside a garbage disposal, even if the power is turned off. Sharp components inside the unit can cause serious injury. Always use tools like tongs instead.
How can I unclog a garbage disposal using tongs and a flashlight?
With the power off, use a flashlight to look inside the disposal and identify any visible objects. Use long tongs to carefully remove debris or foreign items. Once removed, run water to check if the clog has cleared.
When should I use a plunger to unclog a garbage disposal?
If removing visible debris does not resolve the clog, a plunger can help. Plunging forces air and water through the drain to dislodge blockages further down the pipe.
Can baking soda and vinegar unclog a garbage disposal?
Yes. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help break down stubborn clogs naturally. Pour both into the drain, let the mixture fizz for about 10 minutes, then flush with water.
Why shouldn’t I use chemical drain cleaners in my garbage disposal?
Chemical drain cleaners can corrode internal components, damage plumbing, and shorten the lifespan of your disposal. While they may work quickly, they often cause more harm than good over time.
How do I know if the clog is fully cleared?
After attempting any unclogging method, run water through the disposal and check that it drains smoothly without backing up. If water flows freely and there are no unusual noises, the clog is likely cleared.
What if none of these methods work?
If tongs, plunging, and baking soda with vinegar fail to clear the clog, the issue may be deeper in the plumbing or the disposal itself. In that case, it’s best to contact a professional plumber.
How can I prevent future garbage disposal clogs?
Avoid putting grease, fibrous foods, large scraps, and non-food items into the disposal. Run cold water while using it and allow the disposal to run briefly after grinding to clear remaining debris.
