What is how to unclog garbage disposal?
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Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
A clogged garbage disposal can be a smelly and inconvenient problem. Here's a guide to safely and effectively unclog it:
Safety First!
- Turn Off the Power: Before you do anything, disconnect the power to the disposal. Locate the circuit breaker that controls the disposal and flip it to the "off" position. This is crucial to prevent injury. See more about this in Power Safety.
Common Causes of Clogs
Understanding what causes clogs can help you prevent them in the future. Frequent culprits include:
- Grease and Fats: These solidify in the drain, trapping food particles.
- Fibrous Foods: Celery, corn husks, and artichoke leaves can tangle around the blades.
- Coffee Grounds: While small amounts are okay, excessive coffee grounds can clump and cause blockage. See Coffee%20Grounds%20And%20Drainage.
- Bones and Fruit Pits: These are too hard for the disposal to handle.
Unclogging Methods
1. Using Tongs or Pliers
- Inspect the Disposal: Carefully look inside the disposal with a flashlight.
- Remove Obstructions: Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris. Avoid using your hands!
2. The Plunger Method
- Seal the Sink: Make sure the other sink drain is sealed (use a wet rag or a stopper).
- Add Water: Add enough water to the clogged sink to cover the cup of the plunger.
- Plunge Vigorously: Plunge up and down for several minutes.
- Check Drainage: Remove the plunger and see if the water drains. Repeat if necessary. More about Plumbing%20Basics.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Pour Baking Soda: Pour about 1 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Add Vinegar: Follow with 1 cup of vinegar.
- Let it Fizz: Let the mixture fizz for about 30 minutes.
- Flush with Hot Water: Flush the drain with hot water for several minutes.
4. The Garbage Disposal Wrench/Allen Wrench
- Locate the Wrench Slot: On the bottom of the disposal, there's usually a small slot for a garbage disposal wrench (or a standard Allen wrench can work).
- Insert and Turn: Insert the wrench and turn it back and forth. This helps to manually loosen any stuck objects.
- Remove Obstructions and Reset: After turning the wrench, check the disposal for loose debris and remove them. Then, reset the disposal (usually a red button on the bottom of the unit).
5. Frozen Salt and Ice
- Add a couple of cups of ice and a cup of rock salt to the disposal.
- Run cold water into the disposal and turn it on until the ice and salt have been run through the disposal.
Prevention Tips
- Run Cold Water: Always run cold water when using the disposal. This helps solidify grease and allows it to be ground into smaller particles.
- Cut Food into Small Pieces: Large pieces of food can overload the disposal.
- Avoid Problem Foods: Be mindful of the foods listed above that commonly cause clogs.
- Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean the disposal with ice cubes and citrus peels to freshen it and help prevent buildup. More about Household%20Cleaning.
If none of these methods work, you may need to call a plumber.