Garbage disposals simplify kitchen waste management by getting rid of food scraps. However, they frequently face clogs, which can be a pain. Don’t worry, though, I’ve got some tips to help you unclog a sink drain with a garbage disposal, helping you keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Causes of a Clogged Sink Drain with Garbage Disposal
First off, let’s chat about why these clogs happen in the first place.
1. Wrong Food Types
You know how sometimes you toss the stuff down the sink drain without thinking? Hold up! Garbage disposals handle many food scraps, but some items are trouble-makers. Hard-to-chop items like bones, pits, corncobs, seeds, and ice cubes can jam up the disposal blades. Stringy foods such as pasta, celery, asparagus, corn husks, lettuce, and banana peels can wrap around the blades like little food octopuses, causing blockages.
Also, grease, fat, and oil harden and clog both the disposal and the drain. That’s a big no-no. Coffee grounds and eggshells grind into sticky granules that adhere to pipes, and starchy vegetables like potatoes create a thick paste that can harden and block the drain.
2. Garbage Disposal Overload
Overloading the disposal with too much food at once can overwhelm the unit. If you hear a humming noise, see no food movement, or notice water and food backing up, you might’ve put too much in at once.
Larger chunks of food contribute to clogs and can break the electrical circuit, making the disposal inoperable.
3. Non-Food Items
Non-food items in the disposal can cause jams, clogs, and noises. Keep an eye out for sneaky silverware trying to take a dive.
Paper, fabric, foil, plastic, washcloths, sponges, and flower plant clippings can also contribute to clogs and jams, leading to big problems.
4. Incorrect Disposal Use ( Turning off Before Clearing Leftover)
When you turn off the garbage disposal immediately after use, food waste is left in the drain. And over time, this can become a problem!
The right way to use it is to run water for one minute after grinding food. This way, it clears the waste and prevents clogs from forming.
5. Hot Water
Hot water can spread fats, oils, and grease in the drain, leading to hardening and clogs. Always use cold water when operating your garbage disposal to avoid this issue.
How to Unclog a Sink Drain with Garbage Disposal
Now, let’s get to the good part: how to fix the sink drain when things go south:
1. Manual Inspection
First, start with a manual checkup to remove visible clogs. You’ll need a flashlight and pliers or tongs. Shine the flashlight into the disposal and use the pliers to remove any visible clogs. Sometimes it’s that simple! This can often resolve minor blockages quickly.
2. Old School Trick: Baking Soda and Vinegar
If manual checkup doesn’t work, try this old-school trick: baking soda and vinegar. This natural but effective solution helps break down clogs.
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the disposal.
- Add a cup of vinegar.
- Wait 20 minutes for the fizzing reaction to break down the clog.
- Wash away the mixture with hot water.
3. Plunge it Out
Another option is the use of a plunger. Plungers can create water pressure that pushes clogs down the drain. Here’s how to do it:
- Cover the drain with the plunger.
- Fill up the sink with water (just enough to cover the plunger’s bell.
- Plunge up and down vigorously.
- Check if the clog is loosened. Repeat if necessary.
4. Use a Hex Wrench or Wooden Handle
For those really stubborn clogs, you might need to get a bit more hands-on. You might need to get a bit more hands-on for those stubborn clogs. If your disposal has a little hexagon hole at the bottom, using a hex wrench can give the blades a nudge. Tuck the hex wrench into the hole at the bottom of the disposal. Move the wrench back and forth to remove the clogs, then remove loose items with pliers or tongs.
If your disposal has no hexagon hole, use a wooden handle to move the blade back and forth and remove loose items.
5. Call a Plumbing Expert
If you’ve tried all this and you’re still not having any luck, professional help is the best option. Call a plumbing expert to get to the bottom of things. They can uninstall, clean, and reinstall the disposal and P-trap if necessary. This fully unclogs the drain and prevents future issues.
Sink Drain with Garbage Disposal: Call Dependaworthy
Remember, the best way to deal with clogs is to avoid them in the first place. But proper usage and maintenance of your garbage disposal help prevent them. Be mindful of what you’re tossing down your sink drain with garbage disposal, and always run water after you use it to clear things out. This helps keep your kitchen running smoothly.
And if you’re in Charlotte, NC, and need a hand, call us at Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We’re always ready to roll up our sleeves and tackle any plumbing problem you’ve got, including preventing clogs, repairing garbage disposals, and keeping your plumbing in top shape.
When you need a Dependaworthy (Dependable + Trustworthy) plumber in Charlotte, you can count on Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to do the job right the first time.