How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal (with Pictures)

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:28

Garbage disposers can easily become clogged with food scraps, especially if you don't run enough water during use. You can try to remove the traffic jam yourself; in any case, it is always better to consult the manual of the appliance before starting to work. Read the following to learn how to unclog your tritarifiutil.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Locate the material obstructing the appliance

Step 1. Identify the type of waste blocking the appliance

Use a flashlight to look down the drain. This is necessary to decide how to solve the problem.

If you feel that it is clogged with anything other than food, I advise against turning on the water and trying to unclog it as if it were. If it is a precious object, such as a ring, it is best to call a plumber immediately to make sure you get it back.
If the blockage has formed over time, it is probably because the amount of water is insufficient compared to the amount of food scraps. In this case it is better to try to shatter the traffic jam and bring it down, rather than trying to extract it.

Step 2. Do not pour chemicals into the garbage disposal

Unclogging a sink is different from unclogging a garbage disposal, as the acids contained in the chemical can corrode the plastic parts.

Step 3. Shut off the power supply to the garbage disposal

First of all, turn the switch to "off". Then, disconnect the power from the electrical panel in case the garbage disposal switch malfunctions.

Part 2 of 4: Remove the traffic jam with tweezers

Step 1. Get a pair of fairly long tweezers

Drop the pliers through the machine, inserting them between the blades.

Never put your hands in the garbage disposal. The blades are sharp, and you can cut yourself even if the engine is stopped

Step 2. Try to remove the obstruction with pliers

Step 3. Wait 15 minutes

During this time the engine has time to cool down, as running it when there is a traffic jam causes it to overheat.

Step 4. Turn the garbage disposal back on

If you're sure you've removed the traffic jam, turn on the garbage disposal and run some water.

Part 3 of 4: Remove the traffic jam with pliers

Step 1. Look for the tongs that were in the garbage disposal package

Many garbage disposals come with a pliers to remove traffic jams.

Use a wooden stick or spoon if you can't find the tongs

Step 2. Insert the pliers or wooden stick between the blades, where you think there is a traffic jam

The blades are also called "rotating."

Step 3. Move it back and forth to try to clear the traffic jam

Step 4. Use tweezers to take out the larger pieces

Step 5. Spin the blades

When they move freely it means there is no longer any traffic jam.

Step 6. Wait 15 minutes if the engine has been used recently

Step 7. Turn on the garbage disposal and run some water to clear the traffic jam

Part 4 of 4: Maintenance of the garbage disposal

Step 1. Do not put waste that is too large or rigid in the garbage disposal

Never insert bones, metal or plastic.

Step 2. Run cold water into the garbage disposal at least thirty seconds after the material has been shredded, as well as turn on the tap while the machine is running

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