All About Garbage Disposal Clogs

Garbage disposals are incredibly handy tools in the kitchen, making it easy to get rid of food waste quickly and efficiently. However, while they offer convenience, it’s important to be mindful of what you put down your disposal. Certain items can cause clogs or even damage your system, leading to costly repairs in the future.

Blue Bear Plumbing, Heating & Air is here to explain how garbage disposals work, what can clog them, and what to do if you have a severe blockage in your system.

How Does a Garbage Disposal Work?

A garbage disposal grinds food waste into tiny particles that can easily pass through your plumbing system. When you turn on your disposal, a spinning disc or impeller plate turns rapidly, pushing food waste against a grinding ring.

The food is pulverized into small pieces and washed away with running water. It’s important to always run cold water while operating your garbage disposal to help flush the food particles through the pipes and prevent clogs.

Items You Should Never Put Down Your Kitchen Sink

While garbage disposals are designed to handle food waste, certain items should never be put down your kitchen sink, as they could lead to significant blockages or equipment damage.

Items to avoid putting in your garbage disposal include:

• Grease, fats, and oils: These can solidify in your pipes and create stubborn clogs.
• Fibrous vegetables: Celery, corn husks, and onion skins can wrap around the blades and impede the disposal’s functionality.
• Coffee grounds: When you add water, coffee grounds form a sludge-like substance, clogging your pipes over time.
• Eggshells: The membrane lining inside eggshells can wrap around the grinding blades, and the shells themselves can create a sandy substance that clogs pipes.
• Non-food items: Don’t put paper towels, rubber bands, produce stickers, or any other non-food items down the disposal.

Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is Clogged

When your garbage disposal becomes clogged, it will be clear that there’s a problem. Signs of a blockage include:

• Slow drainage: If water drains slowly from your sink, it may indicate a clog in the disposal or pipes.
• Foul odors: Bad smells can signify trapped food particles in your pipes.
• Strange noises: Grinding or rattling sounds can indicate something is stuck in the disposal.
• Water backups: If water backs up into the sink, a blockage is trapping the water to prevent proper drainage.
• Unresponsive system: If the disposal doesn’t turn on, it may be jammed or have another issue.

How To Unclog Your Disposal

If you believe there’s a blockage in your garbage disposal, here are a few troubleshooting methods you can use to unclog your system:

• Turn off the power: Make sure the disposal is turned off to avoid hurting yourself.
• Use a plunger: A plunger can help dislodge minor clogs in your sink and your toilet. Fill the sink with a few inches of water and use the plunger to create suction.
• Reset the disposal: Many disposals have a reset button on the bottom. Press it to reset the motor.
• Use a hex key: Insert a hex key into the bottom of the disposal and turn it to manually move the grinding plate and dislodge any stuck particles.
• Remove debris: If the clog persists, use tongs or pliers to carefully remove any visible debris from the disposal.

When Should I Call a Professional To Unclog My Garbage Disposal?

If your attempts to unclog your garbage disposal are unsuccessful, or if you notice persistent issues, it’s time to call an expert.

Professional plumbers have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix more complex garbage disposal problems, ensuring your kitchen remains functional and free from unpleasant odors or water backups.

Contact Blue Bear to Unclog Your Garbage Disposal

Do you have a faulty garbage disposal? Blue Bear Plumbing, Heating & Air is here to save the day.

With 24/7 emergency plumbing repair availability and 100% satisfaction guaranteed, you can rest assured that our team will deliver the quick response you need to regain total functionality.

Call us today to schedule same-day garbage disposal repair in the South Shore.