How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are made for spinning and grinding leftover bits of food, but oftentimes, problem arises when they become too clogged up. Once this occurs, the flywheel (the main working part that grinds wastes) stops moving and disposal becomes a hassle. Don’t worry though, because this can be solved in just a few steps.
What You’ll Need:
Clogged garbage disposal
Tongs or pliers
Broom handle or wooden spoon
Hex-head wrench
Flashlight
Procedure:
Before you begin unclogging, make sure that the power to the garbage disposal is turned off. It’s very dangerous and you might accidentally hurt yourself.
Get the flashlight and point it to the sink drain, so you can look in the disposal unit. If the foreign object that blocks the blades and stops them from turning can be seen, removed it carefully by grabbing it with a pair of pliers or tongs.
Garbage disposal units often come with hex-head wrenches. Find yours, since you’ll need it. If you can’t find it, just get another hex-head wrench that fits in the garbage disposal hole, found at the bottom.
Insert the hex-head wrench into the hole, then turn it backwards and forwards. This will help the flywheel turn manually so it will be freed from obstructions.
Put a broom handle or wooden spoon in the garbage disposal, through the sink drain. This also allows the flywheel to manually turn so it will move easily again.
Alternately do the last two steps.
After several turns with the hex-head wrench and the broom, turn the power back on your garbage disposal unit, and see if the problem is solved. If not, turn the power off again and repeat the procedure.
Some Reminders
As much as possible, don’t clear blocks from the disposal unit with a chemical drain cleaner. It might damage the other parts, such as the gaskets.
To prevent blockage from occurring, cover the opening of the unit with a rubber strainer. Do this when it’s not in use.
Don’t stick your hands or fingers in the unit. The blades inside can cut or scratch you accidentally.
Another tip: clean and maintain your garbage disposal unit regularly, to prevent clogging. If this dilemma happens, though, just follow these steps.