How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal With Standing Water

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal With Standing Water

If you have ever tried to use your garbage disposal and found it clogged and standing water, you know it can be a frustrating experience. But don’t worry, we are here to help! This article will show you how to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water. We will also provide some tips on how to avoid this problem in the future. So let’s get started!

1. What is a garbage disposal? 

The Garbage disposal is a device, usually electrically powered, installed under a kitchen sink between the trap and the sink’s drain. Its purpose is to grind food waste into small pieces that can safely be flushed down the drain. It also includes disposing of leftover food from plates or dishes.

2. How to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water?

The first thing you should do is not to put your hands in as it is sharp! Instead, spin the rotor from underneath the sink and use a wrench or pliers. If this doesn’t work, you can try using a plunger. Put the plunger over the drain and push and pull the handle up and down. You can also use this method.

3. Using a Sink Plunger to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

There are many ways to use a sink plunger successfully. We’ll teach you how to do so.

  • The sink plunger is a must-have in any bathroom. Place it over the garbage disposal drain.
  • Plunge the sink plunger to clean out any clogs in the drain pipe.
  • Make sure not to lift the plunger off the drain, which will break the seal and allow air to rush into the drain, eliminating the suction required to loosen any debris.
  • Push the plunger up and down six to eight times, then lift it.
  • It’s likely the sink drain is clogged. If the water in the sink drains, it’s likely the drain is clogged.

Once your water is no longer draining well, it’s time to run your hot water into your disposal for up to three minutes to push any remaining debris clear.

4. How Homeowners Contribute to Clogging Garbage Disposal

These are some Tip that you can try at home:

Plenty of Water: When you’re grinding the garbage, make sure to use enough water to keep the disposal from clogging up.

Coffee grounds and Eggshells: If a drain isn’t working correctly, it could become clogged. The best way to remedy this is to grind up eggshells and coffee grounds. They’ll make small granules and they won’t get stuck anywhere.

Potato peels: This should always go in the garbage can and not the disposal. A good friend once said to me:

They are made of corn starch, which is why when they get ground up and mixed with water they clog the drains.

5. Cleaning The Clog

INSINKERATOR MODELS

Let’s take a look at the InSinkErator models first. If you have InSinkErator model disposal you will need to utilize a hex wrench. A hex wrench is located under the garbage disposal in the middle of the rotor, where it should be. When using your vacuum cleaner, try spinning the nozzle around in circles. You’ll find it helps to loosen the dirt stuck to the blades. 

Don’t forget the extra parts that are not usually included with these replacement discs. If the debris is lodged too tightly for the internal breaker to turn off the disposal, the internal breaker will trip and the system will not work. This is because it prevents your motor from burning out. Once you are able to forcefully loosen the rotor again, you will press the red reset button, turn the water on, and then turn on the disposal.

Your problem should be solved.

REGULAR DISPOSALS

You can see that there are many different types of regular disposal models on the market today. Disposal is very simple. You just need the right tool. You don’t need a hex wrench. Regular wrenches will suffice to grip the rotors and have them move around to remove any stuck debris.

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6. THE SINK IS STILL CLOGGED

Here is some method that you can apply: 

  • Disconnect the P-trap at the point where the curved section straightens out and begins heading towards the wall.
  • Remove the nuts with a pair of slip-lock pliers. Turn the curved section away from you.
  • Remove the other nut so you can loosen the curved section and empty it.
  • The pipes are laid down, but the toilet is clogged. This probably means the clog is in the horizontal waste arm. 

A sink auger is essential in all kitchen renovations, so look into renting one from a home improvement store or borrowing from a friend.

7. What causes garbage disposal to clog?

The main causes of garbage disposal clogs are: 

  1. Food particles: Coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, and other food particles can build up in your disposals over time and cause clogs.
  2. Grease and fat: Pouring grease down the drain can cause clogs by solidifying in your pipes.
  3. Soap: Too much soap can build up in your pipes and cause clogs.

5. How do I prevent my garbage disposal from clogging?

The best way to prevent your garbage disposal from clogging is to: 

  • Use enough water when grinding the garbage.
  • Grind up eggshells and coffee grounds. 
  • Throw potato peels in the garbage can and not the disposal. 
  • Avoid pouring grease down the drain.
  • Use less soap to prevent build-up in your pipes.

Conclusion

Unclogging garbage disposal is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little patience and the right tools, you can easily fix the problem yourself. If you find that your sink is still clogged after following these steps, you may need to call a professional plumber for help.

FAQs

Q: Why did my garbage disposal clog in the first place?

A:  The most common causes of garbage disposal clogs are food particles, grease, and soap.

Q: Can I pour grease down the drain?

A: No, you should avoid pouring grease down the drain as it can solidify in your pipes and cause clogs.

Q: What is the best way to prevent my garbage disposal from clogging?

A: The best way to prevent your garbage disposal from clogging is to use enough water when grinding the garbage, grind up eggshells and coffee grounds, throw potato peels in the garbage can and not the disposal, avoid pouring grease down the drain, and use less soap to prevent build-up in your pipes.


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