If you have an issue with your garbage disposal unit please call a licensed plumber to check your unit out. At Plumbaround we have an emergency service 24/7 to cater to all your plumbing services needs. Call 07-30381038.
Frequently Asked Questions Around Garbage Disposals
How do you clear a clogged garbage disposal?
Clearing a clogged garbage disposal involves a series of steps to safely remove the blockage and restore functionality. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Safety First
- Turn off the power to the garbage disposal at the electrical service panel before attempting any repairs. This is crucial to prevent accidental activation.
2. Manual Inspection
- Use a flashlight to look inside the disposal for obvious obstructions. Do not put your hand inside the disposal. If you see an object, use pliers or tongs to carefully remove it.
3. Use an Allen Wrench
- Most garbage disposals have a manual crank at the bottom. Insert an Allen wrench into the center hole and turn it back and forth. This can help free up jammed grinding plates.
4. Reset the Disposal
- After manually turning the disposal, press the reset button usually located at the bottom of the unit. Wait a few minutes, then turn the power back on and test the disposal.
5. Plunge the Sink
- If the sink is clogged along with the disposal, use a kitchen plunger to try and dislodge the clog. Fill the sink with a few inches of water, then use the plunger over the drain as you would in a toilet, making sure to create a good seal.
6. Baking Soda and Vinegar
- For minor clogs, you can try a natural cleaning mixture. Turn off the disposal, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz and sit for about an hour, then rinse with hot water while running the disposal.
7. Clear the P-Trap
- The P-trap is the curved pipe located under the sink. Place a bucket underneath to catch any water and debris, then unscrew the P-trap to check for clogs. Clean it out and reattach it securely.
8. Check the Drain Line
- If the P-trap was clear, the clog might be in the drain line leading from the garbage disposal. Disconnect the line and clear any obstructions you find.
9. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
- It’s generally recommended to avoid chemical drain cleaners in garbage disposals as they can damage the disposal and the pipes.
10. Test and Run Water
- After clearing the clog, run cold water and turn on the disposal to ensure it’s working correctly. The water helps flush out any remaining debris.
11. Professional Help
- If you’ve tried these steps and the disposal is still clogged, it might be time to call a professional plumber. They can safely disassemble parts of the disposal and clear deep clogs without damaging the unit.
Always exercise caution when dealing with a garbage disposal to avoid injury or damage to the unit. Regular maintenance and careful use (avoiding hard, fibrous, or non-food items) can help prevent future clogs.
Why is my garbage disposal backing up?
When your garbage disposal backs up, it could be due to several reasons, often related to blockages or plumbing issues. Here are some common causes:
1. Clogged Disposal
- Food scraps or non-food items that can’t be easily ground up may clog the disposal. Overloading the disposal with too much waste at once can also cause backups.
2. Blocked Drain Pipes
- The problem might not be the disposal itself but rather a blockage in the drain pipes connected to it. Over time, grease, soap scum, and debris can accumulate in the pipes, leading to backups.
3. Faulty Installation or Plumbing Issues
- If the disposal or the plumbing connected to it was not installed correctly, it might cause drainage issues. For example, a missing or improperly installed p-trap or vent can lead to backups.
4. Use of Insufficient Water
- Not using enough water when running the disposal can lead to waste not being adequately flushed through the pipes, causing backups.
5. Non-Disposal Related Clog in the Main Sewer Line
- If other drains in your home are also backing up, the issue might be a clog in the main sewer line, not just your garbage disposal.
6. Damaged Disposal Blades
- If the disposal’s blades are dull or damaged, they may not effectively grind waste, leading to clogs and backups.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Clear the Disposal: Turn off the power and carefully remove any visible obstructions using pliers or tongs (never your hands).
- Run the Disposal with Water: After removing obstructions and turning the power back on, run the disposal with plenty of cold water to help flush out any remaining debris.
- Plunge the Sink: Use a kitchen plunger to try and dislodge any clogs in the sink connected to the disposal.
- Clean the P-Trap: The P-trap under the sink can collect debris. Remove and clean it out, then reattach it securely.
- Check the Plumbing: Inspect for improper installations or issues with the plumbing connected to the disposal, such as a lack of proper venting.
- Inspect for Larger Blockages: If backups persist, especially if other drains are affected, you might have a blockage further down the line, possibly in the main sewer line.
If these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, it might be time to call a professional plumber. They can more thoroughly diagnose the problem, clear stubborn clogs, and ensure your disposal and plumbing are functioning correctly. Regular maintenance and mindful use of your garbage disposal can help prevent future backups.
What causes a garbage disposal to clog?
Garbage disposals get clogged with food waste that has been stuck down there over the years. This happens when the blades become dull and do not cut the food properly. Some people use citrus juice or vinegar to clean out their disposals. However, these substances could damage your disposal and make it harder to clean.
What are the side effects of a clogged garbage disposal?
Garbage disposals are usually located near kitchen sinks. They use powerful motors that rotate blades and grind food waste down into small pieces that can then be flushed away. If the motor becomes jammed and doesn’t turn, the garbage disposal may make loud grinding noises. This noise can sometimes be heard in adjacent rooms. Sometimes, garbage disposal malfunctions can cause small amounts of water to back up into the sink. However, if the sink is properly drained before making these repairs, there should be no problems.
Most of the time, garbage disposal repair can be completed in less than an hour and won’t cost more than $100. Call a licensed plumber to fix garbage disposal problems in your kitchen. Call 07-30381038
Who should you call when garbage disposal unit malfunctions?
Garbage disposal units malfunction very rarely. If you experience problems with your garbage disposal unit, you should call your local utility company immediately. Many utility companies offer emergency services 24 hours a day. Call 07-30381038 for emergency plumbing.
What you should not put down a garbage disposal unit?
- Never put any object down a garbage disposal unit. It may damage the blades of the unit.
- Also never turn off the power supply while disposing garbage.
- Always use the right tool for the job.
- If you don’t know how to use it, then call a professional plumber.
Why is garbage disposal a problem?
Garbage disposal is a term used to describe the process of removing garbage from the home. This includes items like food scraps, paper products, and other organic matter.
Garbage disposal problems are common among households. In fact, they are some of the leading causes of home plumbing system failures. If garbage isn’t properly disposed of, it may clog drains, seep through pipes, and damage the foundation of the house.
Garbage disposal problems are often caused by improper maintenance or use of the appliance. They may also be caused by debris build-up inside the machine itself. When this happens, the garbage disposal must be disassembled and cleaned before it can be reassembled.
Which garbage disposal units are the best to buy?
Garbage disposal units are electric machines used to remove food particles from dishwashers, sinks, toilets, tubs, etc. These units must be properly installed, and they should be checked regularly to ensure proper operation. They are available in various models, sizes, and power ratings.
Some popular brands are:
- InSinkErator 46 Food,
- InSinkErator Evolution 200,
- Insinkerator Food Waste,
- Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal with power chord,
- Waste King Legend Series
How long does a garbage disposal unit last?
Garbage disposal units can run indefinitely. As long as there is no blockage, they will continue to operate properly.
Can a single sink have a garbage disposal?
Garbage disposals come in two sizes, 1/2 horsepower and 1 horsepower. Both can handle food waste and liquids, but only the larger size can handle solids like bones and meat. They may require a new filter every six months.
Why is my garbage disposal pushing water up?
When a garbage disposal pushes water up, it’s usually a sign of a clog or blockage within the disposal unit itself, the sink drain, or further down the plumbing line. Here are the main reasons this can happen:
1. Clogged Disposal Blades
Over time, food debris and other materials can build up around the disposal’s blades, reducing their efficiency. When the blades can’t properly grind and process waste, it can cause water to back up and push up into the sink.
2. Blocked P-Trap
The P-trap is the curved pipe section under the sink designed to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. It can also trap debris, leading to clogs. If the P-trap is clogged, water cannot flow freely and may be forced back up through the sink and disposal.
3. Obstructed Drain Lines
If the pipes leading away from the disposal or sink are clogged, water and waste can’t drain properly, causing backups. Common culprits include accumulated grease, soap scum, and food particles.
4. Air Lock in Plumbing
Sometimes, an air lock can form in the plumbing, disrupting the normal flow of water and waste. This can cause water to back up through the path of least resistance, which might be your disposal.
5. Inadequate Venting
Plumbing vent pipes allow air into the plumbing system to balance the pressure and help water flow smoothly through drain pipes. If these vents are blocked or improperly installed, it can affect drainage and cause water to back up.
6. Faulty Installation
If the garbage disposal or related plumbing components were not installed correctly, it might lead to drainage issues. For example, a missing or improperly installed drain line or vent could cause water backup.
Troubleshooting and Fixes:
- Clear the Disposal: Turn off the power to the disposal and try to clear any visible clogs or obstructions. Use pliers or a similar tool (never your hands) to remove debris.
- Plunge the Sink: Use a plunger to try and dislodge any clogs in the sink. Ensure you have a good seal and use firm, consistent plunges.
- Clean the P-Trap: Place a bucket underneath the P-trap to catch water, then unscrew and remove the P-trap to clean out any blockages.
- Inspect the Vent Pipe: Make sure the plumbing vent pipe on your roof is not blocked by debris, such as leaves or bird nests.
- Use a Plumber’s Snake: For deeper clogs in the drain line, a plumber’s snake can help clear the obstruction.
- Professional Help: If these DIY methods don’t resolve the issue, or if you’re not comfortable performing them, it’s wise to call a professional plumber. They can diagnose and fix complex issues like improper installation or deep clogs in the plumbing system.
Preventive maintenance, such as regularly cleaning your disposal and being mindful of what you put down it, can help avoid future backups and keep your disposal running smoothly.
How do I know if my garbage disposal is clogged?
Identifying a clogged garbage disposal usually involves noticing specific signs and symptoms that indicate a blockage. Here are some key indicators to look out for:
1. Water Drains Slowly
If water is draining more slowly than usual from the sink with the garbage disposal, it could indicate a clog within the disposal unit or the connected plumbing.
2. Water Backing Up
When running the disposal, if you notice water backing up into the sink instead of draining smoothly, it’s a clear sign of a clog. The water may even push up debris that was previously sent down the disposal.
3. Unusual Noises
If you hear abnormal noises coming from the disposal when it’s running, such as a humming or grinding sound without the usual rapid disposal action, it could mean the disposal is jammed or clogged with something it can’t grind.
4. Unpleasant Odors
Persistent bad smells emanating from the disposal that don’t go away with running it or using cleaning treatments can indicate decaying food trapped within a clog.
5. Disposal Won’t Turn On
In some cases, a severe clog or jam can trigger the disposal’s overload protection, causing it not to turn on at all. After ensuring it’s not an electrical issue, a clog might be the culprit.
6. Manual Crank is Hard to Turn
Many garbage disposals come with an Allen (hex) wrench that fits into a socket at the bottom of the unit, allowing you to manually turn the grinding plates. If this manual crank is difficult to turn or feels obstructed, it’s likely there’s a clog inside.
7. Visible Blockage
Using a flashlight, you might be able to see the clog directly through the drain opening. Never put your hands inside the disposal to remove blockages. Use pliers or tongs if you need to pull anything out.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Safety First: Always turn off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker before attempting any troubleshooting or clearing efforts.
- Reset Button: Check if the disposal has tripped its internal breaker (usually a red button on the bottom of the unit). Press the reset button and try running the disposal again.
- Clear Obstructions: If you can safely see and reach an obstruction with a tool, carefully remove it.
- Use a Plunger: A plunger can sometimes dislodge clogs in the sink drain.
- Manual Crank: Use the disposal’s Allen wrench to manually turn the grinding plates, which can help dislodge a clog.
- Professional Help: If you’re unable to clear the clog or if the disposal still doesn’t work properly after troubleshooting, consider calling a professional plumber.
Recognizing these signs early and addressing them promptly can help prevent further damage to your garbage disposal and keep your kitchen sink draining properly.