Having a clogged garbage disposal with standing water can be a frustrating experience, especially when the problem keeps coming back. A number of things can clog garbage disposals, such as coffee grinds, vegetable scraps, and grease.
Finding ways to remove the blockage isn’t always easy, though. Here are some ways you can unclog your unit.
Key Takeaways
Before you attempt to unclog your disposal, here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Don’t pour harsh chemicals down the drain, as the chemicals could corrode and damage your pipes.
- Don’t attempt to fix your unit while it’s turned on. This could result in major injuries.
- Don’t put your hand down the drain disposal. Use a tool, like pliers or a wrench, instead.
- Maintain your disposal regularly to keep it running effectively. You can run cold water down the unit frequently or flush it with soap and water.
How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal With Standing Water: Step by Step
Before you call a plumber, you may want to try a few do-it-yourself steps. Here are ways you can unclog your disposal on your own.
Turn Off the Power
The first thing you should do is turn off the power. There should be a switch on the left or right side of the garbage disposal. To be sure it’s off, turn it to the “on” position first. You should hear a grinding sound. This indicates it’s on. Next, turn it to the “off” position. Some units need to be unplugged from an outlet. In this case, go ahead and unplug it.
Remove the Standing Water
The standing water may get in the way of your attempts to unclog your unit. Plus, it increases the risks of spills while you work. To remove any standing water in your sink, use a cup or bowl to scoop the water into a bucket. While you may not be able to empty everything, try to get rid of most of the standing water.
Look for the Obstruction
Using a flashlight, try to see if you can find the obstruction. If you don’t see anything, use pliers or tongs to feel around. Once you locate the blockage, gently remove the obstruction with your tools.
Use a Plunger
Not every obstruction is visible. If you can’t feel or see any obstruction, get a sink plunger. Then place the plunger over the drain and pump vigorously a few times. If gunk or debris comes up, throw it away and keep plunging. A plunger can often remove simple clogs from your unit.
Use a Baking Soda/Vinegar Mixture
If the clog is due to a buildup of grease, a plunger or pliers won’t be particularly effective. In this case, try to break up the clog with a baking soda and vinegar mixture. Use equal parts of each. That means, if you use one cup of baking soda, mix that into one cup of white vinegar. Once you see the mixture bubbling, pour it into the drain and cover the opening. Wait 15-30 minutes before flushing the drain with hot water.
Remove the P-Trap
A P-trap is the u-shaped section of your pipe, right below the sink, and its job is to trap any debris that can cause clogs. Use pliers to disconnect the P-trap. Once you remove the P-trap from its fitting, clean it, and reconnect it. Check to see if your garbage disposal is still clogged.
Unjam the Blades
If your garbage disposal turns on but the blades aren’t spinning, they may be jammed. To unjam them, try pressing the reset button on your unit. If this doesn’t work, reach into the disposal with a wrench or wooden handle. Try to move the blades until you loosen the jam.
If none of these solutions prove to be effective, our plumbers can help. Simply make an appointment with our punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin.
How to Prevent Future Clogs
Once you have unclogged your garbage disposal, you should take note of preventative tips. Here are some things you should never put down your drain.
Fibrous Food Scraps
Avoid throwing fibrous foods, like potato peels and celery, down your drain. The fiber can tangle the blades and jam them.
Hard Food Scraps
You should also avoid throwing down hard foods, such as avocado pits and bones. Hard foods can damage your disposal blades and cause blockages.
Grease and Oil
While grease and oil may be liquids when you pour them down the garbage disposal, with time, they will solidify and cause a thick sludge. This thick sludge can become impenetrable and block your pipes.
When to Call a Professional
If your DIY methods haven’t unclogged your disposal, it’s time to call in a professional team, like Benjamin Franklin Bradenton, FL. When you schedule an appointment, you’ll get punctual plumbers who show up with advanced tools and years of experience.
Call on our team if you notice the following:
- Standing water
- Bad smells coming from your drains
- Water backing up into your sink or tub
Benjamin Franklin: the Punctual Plumber
The plumbers at Benjamin Franklin pride themselves on being punctual. In fact, so much so, that if our plumbers arrive late, you’ll get $5 for every minute we’re late! We also provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can have peace of mind that we’ll perform the job right.
Call Us Any Time
When you call our plumbers, we’ll be there in no time. Putting off a clogged garbage disposal can result in more damage down the line. Contact us today, and we’ll make sure to take care of your clogged disposal quickly.