Request: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Archived on 12/01/2009
My garbage disposal is clogged. What should I do?
By Tanya from Flint, MI
Feedback:
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
We called a plumber when it happened to us, and he showed us a little notch on the bottom of the unit under the sink. An Allen wrench fits into it and then you just turn it to loosen the clog. There is also a reset button on the bottom we had to push after unclogging. Hope this helps. (10/18/2009)
By suzanne831
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
My husband had tried to plunge, it didn't work. Baking soda and vinegar, then hot water. Plunged a few times and it drained out. Saved the expense of the plumber coming out. (10/22/2009)
By tromano
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
I tried 3 cans of Pepsi and the plunger; it worked perfectly. Thanks for the insight, who would've known? (11/03/2009)
By jcaliber31
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Request: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Archived on 10/16/2009
How do you unclog a garbage disposal?
By Sylviaelaine from Denison, TX
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RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
It is probably not the disposal that is clogged, but the drain pipe that runs from it to the main drain pipe.
What I've done in the past with ours is pour one cup of baking soda into the non disposal side and then two cups of white vinegar. If I see the bubbles come up through the disposal, then I know it isn't the disposal. If I don't see them, then I do the same thing on the disposal side. Let it set for 5 minutes then flush with boiling water, on both sides. Repeat if needed, but do not run the disposal while you are treating the drain. Once the clog has moved on, run the disposal with the hot water running for about 10 minutes. (06/23/2009)
By ScottishYankee
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
The same day my garbage disposal stopped working, I noticed my roommate's aquarium was gone, and there were suspicious blue and green aquarium rocks in the stove.
My co-worker lent me a long socket wrench with the correct size socket. I locked onto the bolt inside the disposal between the blades, was able to wiggle it, then turn in a clockwise direction. The water in the sink drained, and I felt inside the disposal for any dislodged items, nothing. I turned on the disposal, it ran perfectly, and I could hear small rocks that sounded blue and green ricochet deep inside the disposal until they fell through. Although I won't have to replace the garbage disposal, I may need to replace the roommate. (09/12/2009)
By ubersh*t
RE:
Spent 300$ last year after I (stupidly) put sunflower stems down my disposal. This time used hot water and plunger after I clogged it with beet greens. Time to compost. (btw-wanted to try baking soda and vinegar trick, but my husband insisted on hot water and plunger.) (09/12/2009)
By landolove
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Request: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Archived on 06/18/2009
How do I fix a garbage disposal? It is stuffed up and won't drain.
Laura from San Diego, CA
Feedback:
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
I put celery strands in the disposal and the disposal jammed. To unclog the disposal in 2 seconds I used a "Hex Wrench" in the middle hole of the disposal under the sink. It wasn't until I moved the hex wrench that I noticed the disposal, which would not rotate, begin to spin freely. Try this method first before you waste a bottle of vinegar and a box of baking soda. (01/30/2009)
By MoebiusTripper
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Use canned air, it works like a charm. (02/03/2009)
By Susie
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
It really works. My wife had put potato peels down the garbage disposal and the sink got back up. My wife suggested plunging or trying to snake it. I went to the internet. I tried the 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of vinegar, let it set for 10 minutes and then added the boiling water and turned on the disposal and within minutes it was working perfectly. I will use this from now on. Thanks for the tip. (02/05/2009)
By Eric
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Very nice. I consider myself pretty handy and this is a new trick to me. I tried the key in the disposal and then the plunger. Nothing seemed to work. Then I stumbled across the baking soda and vinegar. This cleared it out with a couple plunges. Cheers. (02/16/2009)
By Scott
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
You guys are not pulling my leg with these are true testimonials about the soda and vinegar. I'll have to try this one next time I feed the disposer a bit too much. I rarely buy vinegar so I rarely have it.
Usually, after manually fishing out any pulped material and checking for any stray metal items (I've lost about a dozen measuring spoons that way), mine will clear itself up fine. If it's still stubborn I put the stopper in and half fill the sink with detergent water. Then I turn the unit on and pull out the stopper. Guuuuuuush, and it flushes itself out. (03/19/2009)
By Red Neck
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Request: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Archived on 01/30/2009
I think my garbage disposal is clogged. How can I unclog it?
Allison from Northeast, TN
Answers:
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
We had this problem once and here's what I did to solve it. (Beware: this is a messy job): First put a bucket in the cabinet under the pipes that lead from the garbage disposal. At the "elbow" of the pipe you should be able to loosen and remove that section with a pipe wrench. This is where the messy part comes in because when you remove that section of pipe everything in there pours out. After removing that section of pipe, we were able to use a coat hanger, I believe, to run it up the pipe that leads to the wall to try to loosen whatever is stuck up in there.
Good luck and I hope this helps! (07/29/2006)
By TxSavr
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Disposals come with a allen wrench just for this purpose. The wrench fits into hole in the bottom of the disposal.Insert the wrench and turn. This should unclog the disposal. If you don't have the wrench visit a hardware or big box store and explain the problem. Also go to google and type in "unclogging a disposal." They have more information. (07/29/2006)
By Dean
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
You can also try a small sink plunger. That's what we use for all our sink drains, including the disposal. (07/29/2006)
By Ree 127
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Try pouring a bottle of Pepsi Cola and leave for several hours > even over night. A friend used this to dissolve the clog in her kitchen sink.
On the TV show "How Clean is Your House" > they used vinegar & baking soda > pour baking soda down the drain hole, followed by a cup of vinegar > repeat until the drain is clear.
Last, but not least, have you tried one of those pressured air plungers? They are about $10 and can be used multiple times. Good Luck
(07/30/2006)
By hedera
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Dump a handful of baking soda down there, and follow with cup of cheap vinegar. It will bubble and foam. When the foaming stops, add more vinegar. Leave this about 10 min, and follow with a kettleful of boiling water. This always works for me. (07/30/2006)
By Linda
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
I don't believe disposals are built differently than when first developed. If the Allen wrenches and natural chemicals don't work, do what we always did:
" glove one hand, reach inside to search for particles of bone, metal or glass to dislodge, if possible. If you THINK you've dislodged it, before turning it on to check, use the handle end of an old straw broom to move the blades just a bit to free them, THEN turn it on to check. It ALWAYS worked for us. Also, I remember something about, "if the disposal won't turn on, there is a safety button on the back side beneath the sink to find and push." Reminder: Don't use the disposal unless ABSOLUTELY necessary, and then ONLY for soft foods, not bones, heavy rinds or egg shells or grease. Use ice cubes and baking soda to "sweeten the odors, about once a week. Since my disposal and dishwasher drain together, it seems to stay sweet without this, but some folks aren't this lucky to have them plumbed together. Whatever you do, use NO BLEACH because bleach RUSTS metal such as in the disposal blades. If you HAVE used bleach, you MIGHT try as a last resort, using a 1/2 bottle of Rust Remover or CLR, UNLESS there is a warning on the label against it. Penetrant which loosens rusty bolts, etc. would NOT be a good idea because it might also loosen what holds the blades in place). Good luck! (08/01/2006)
By Lynda
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Even though we had tried the "broom handle system" and used the Allen wrench (which was moving freely), the disposal remained jammed. Tried the baking soda/one cup of vinegar method twice and the clog broke loose. Thank you! (09/09/2006)
By Kathy
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Try the reset button. (12/05/2006)
By 1 Iota
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
I plunged and plunged, did the vinegar and baking soda per Linda's instructions above, plunged once more and it worked!
Thanks! (06/14/2008)
By Kellie
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Thank you so much for your comments . You saved us a call to the plumber. I pushed too much carrot peels down the disposal and clogged it. We poured the vinegar down the drain waited a few minutes and plunged it like crazy. We then removed the elbow to the underneath drain and plunged some more and everything eventually came out! (07/02/2008)
By Leah from Las Vegas
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
OK - I put about a pound of edamame shells down the disposal (bad idea!) and all of the fibers clogged the drain so badly that I thought I had broken it completely. I used the vinegar, baking soda, plunger and viola! It worked! I am so thankful because I really thought it was a lost cause!
Thanks so much! (07/20/2008)
By Bernadette
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
I put discarded lettuce leaves down the disposal and it caused a major clog. I didn't have baking soda or vinegar. Before I tried the Pepsi, I used a plunger and it worked! Thanks for all the tips. I thought I was going to have to call a plumber tomorrow. (08/10/2008)
By Mary
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
The vinegar, soda and boiling kettle of hot water worked GREAT! Many thanks for the wonderful tip! I will be doing this to all of my drains twice a year! (08/10/2008)
By CindiN
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
We had tried liquid Drano to unclog sink drain with minimal success. Garbage disposal was not functioning either. After searching the internet, we found this site and the recommendation to try the baking soda, vinegar, and plunger method. After 3 rounds of baking soda/vinegar, then running hot water with the plunger, the clog broke free and now garbage disposal works fine! Thanks a bunch (08/30/2008)
By Rob
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
I have tried running the dishwasher & using a plunger. It takes a few plunges but it doesn't take long to unclog the disposal! (09/17/2008)
By
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Wow! I was skeptical at first as I read through the home remedies. But after a short trip to the grocery store, eureka! Baking soda, vinegar, and a follow-up of boiling water did the trick. This was after a major clog from fish guts and red fish scales not to mention all the other things I dumped down the drain over a long period of time.
Thank you all for your feedback. (10/10/2008)
By Richard
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Vinegar, baking soda, and a plunger did the trick! Yeah! (10/14/2008)
By Andrea
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Yeah! It worked! I put the plug in the non-disposal side of the sink, filled the disposal side with water (this was the side that was clogged) and plunged like crazy. It took a lot of plunging but I cleared the clog! The key was plugging up the other drain. (10/28/2008)
By HAC
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Linda's idea is just great. My sink was clogged and nothing was working. I did the vinegar-baking soda routine thrice and voila...it's working now. Thanks a lot, Linda. (11/07/2008)
By Shimantini
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
My sink on both sides are backed up, yesterday I put about 5 cups of cooked rice down the garbage disposal, and wholla-backed up. We poured drano down both sides of sink...waiting 30 minutes, and then we are going to pour hot water down the drain? Frustrating! I will never put rice down the drain again! (11/08/2008)
By tara
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Best site ever - baking soda, vinegar & plunger does the trick again! (11/22/2008)
By KRysta
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Baking soda, Vinegar, hot water & a plunger.....Yes! it does work. It saved me lots of time (tearing it all apart) and money (plumber, draino, Etc)
Initially, my disposal worked, but only spun the water around (so it wasn't locked up) It was clogged up with crap. I have heard that draino & liquid plumber are not good for the disposal & pipes, so I held off. Yes, this is the ticket! (11/23/2008)
By Bill in Glendale, AZ
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Vinegar and Baking Soda work! P.S. Don't put potato peels down the disposal either, especially on Thanksgiving! Wives don't like that. (11/27/2008)
By Tim
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Wow! Baking soda and vinegar worked great! Ingenious! (11/27/2008)
By mmagnuson
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
I am absolutely amazed! I used 1/2 Cup baking soda and 1/2 Cup vinegar followed by rigorous plunging and boiling water. All told, the problem was solved in about 1 minute saving me many dollars! Thanks very much! (12/07/2008)
By Eileen
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Dang! Vinegar and Baking soda really does work! Put hot water in the sink, mix about a cup of each vinegar and baking soda, then PLUNGE!
It works; don't give up. Remember the boiling water to rinse out the disposal after.
(12/10/2008)
By Herrro
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Everyone's testimonials were so enthusiastic, I HAD to give it a try when potato peels clogged our sink. Sure enough, it worked. Here's what I did: I poured 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 10+ minutes. Then I poured boiling water into the sink (approx. 2 qt.), turned on the disposal and let it run. Within minutes (no more than 5) it cleared itself! We didn't even need to resort to the plunger. This is how I'll do it from now on! Thanks. (12/17/2008)
By Gu3mom
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
I just used this to unclog my kitchen sink/garbage disposal and it was GREAT! Thanks so much! I had used a WHOLE bottle of Liquid Plummer Gel and it didn't do a THING, but vinegar and baking soda and some hot water totally worked AND the sink is sparkling! I will always use this technique in the future! (12/28/2008)
By LRP
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
Great tip! I peeled only 2 big Idaho potatoes, and ended up with a clogged garbage disposal. It looked so nasty (very dark water with bits of peels), just whirling, but not draining!
I had to use a whole box of baking soda + 1 litter of white vinegar, let stand for 5 mins., then use plunger for 3 mins. until it finally starting draining!
Thanks so much! (01/04/2009)
By Alicia
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
I peeled three big Idaho potatoes and got the dreaded clogged disposal. My husband was just about to take out the section of pipe, when I decided to check the internet. I tried the baking soda and vinegar, let it sit for about five minutes, then followed by the hot water and plunging. It worked the first time. Now I have to remember to put the potato peelings in the trash. Thanks whoever emailed in the suggestion. (01/28/2009)
By Penny C
RE: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
This was just awesome! It really worked!
My sink and garbage disposal was clogged, the disposal was not even working. I called Roto Rooter for an estimate to make the repair. They refused to give an estimate over the phone but graciously offered to send over a tech at no cost to provide an estimate. They came and gave me an estimate of $189 to unclog the disposal and to snake the sink. They assured me that after that the dishwasher would then be able to drain properly. That price was out of my budget.
So I went to the internet and found this website. I tried the vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water. Pushed the reset button on the back of the disposal, and yes it worked. What a rip off roto rooter was trying to charge me almost two hundred dollars for what $3 fixed for a box of baking soda and a bottle of vinegar!
For anyone reading this site, yes, it works! (01/29/2009)
By Sarah
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