Garbage Disposal Clogged? 4 Ways you can fix it

A garbage disposal is one of the most convenient appliances you can have in your kitchen. However, disposals can get jammed if objects are sent down your drain that your disposal isn’t built to handle or if too many items were dropped into your disposal at once. So what are you supposed to do if your garbage disposal is clogged? Check out the four suggestions we listed below!

Important safety precautions when fixing a clogged garbage disposal

Before you even think about fixing a clogged garbage disposal, there are two important things you should remember. First, always shut your unit’s power off before doing any work on it. If your disposal were to accidentally turn on while you are attempting to fix it, your safety could be at risk and you could possibly damage the unit.

Second, never stick your hand down a garbage disposal. Even if you think your disposal is turned off, there is a chance that it could turn back on and cause a serious injury.

4 things to try when your garbage disposal is clogged

1. Remove obvious clogs with pliers. Some garbage disposal clogs can be easily found by simply looking down your drain with a flashlight. If you see any large objects that could be jamming your disposal (such as a fork or a large food item), remove them with a set of pliers.
2. Break up clog with a stick. For more difficult clogs, you can try to break it up with a long stick such as a broom handle. Push the stick to the bottom of the disposal until you can feel the blades. Next, move the blades back and forth with the stick until the clog feels like it has freed up.
3. Manually spin blades with an Allen wrench. Most garbage disposals have a slot at the bottom-center of them that fits an Allen wrench or a hex key. Insert the proper tool into the slot and move it back and forth. This will manually spin the blades and help break up the clog. When it feels like the blades are moving freely, the clog should be fixed.
4. Give Tiger a call. If you can’t seem to fix your clogged garbage disposal or you’re not comfortable attempting to fix it on your own, don’t hesitate to give Tiger a call. We’ll unjam your disposal and get it back up and running in no time!

If you have any questions about what to do if your garbage disposal is clogged, or if you’d like a plumbing system serviced or installed in your home, contact Tiger Services, your Glen Carbon plumbing, heating and air conditioning company.

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