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Dealing with a clogged garbage disposal can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it disrupts the flow of your kitchen. Often, it’s not immediately clear what’s causing the blockage or how to resolve it. Fortunately, there are a few reliable methods to unclog your garbage disposal and get your kitchen back to normal. Whether the clog is due to food scraps, grease, or other debris, these techniques can help clear it up quickly and easily.
Reset The Garbage Disposal
One of the simplest ways to fix a clogged garbage disposal is by resetting it. Often, a quick reset is all that’s needed to get things running smoothly again.
To do this, locate the reset button on the bottom or side of the disposal unit. Press and hold it for about 10 seconds or until you hear a click, signaling that the motor has been reset and any minor blockage might be cleared.
Once you’ve reset the unit, turn on the water and run the disposal to check if the clog has been removed.
Hot Water and Soap
If resetting didn’t work, the next step is to try hot water and dish soap. Fill the sink with hot water, enough to cover the disposal blades, and add a few tablespoons of dish soap. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the heat to melt any grease and the soap to break down food particles.
Turn on the disposal and let the soapy water flow through it for a few minutes. Afterward, turn off the water and check to see if the clog is cleared.
Ice Cubes
Using ice can help dislodge food particles that are causing the clog. Simply drop a handful of ice cubes into the disposal, then turn it on. The ice will help to break up the blockage as the blades crush it.
Plunge The Garbage Disposal
Just like a toilet, a plunger can be used to unclog a garbage disposal. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the disposal blades, then place the plunger over the drain and give it a few firm plunges. This can create enough pressure to push through the blockage.
After plunging, turn on the disposal and run water to see if the clog has been cleared.
Manually Rotate The Disposal Blades With A Hex Key
If other methods haven’t worked, manually turning the disposal blades might do the trick. Locate the hex hole on the bottom of the disposal unit, insert a hex key, and turn it back and forth a few times.
This manual rotation can help dislodge any stubborn blockages.
Remove Obstructions With Pliers
Using pliers, carefully reach into the disposal and try to remove any visible obstructions. Be gentle to avoid damaging the blades or other internal components. Once you’ve cleared out any debris, run the disposal again to see if it’s functioning properly.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
For more stubborn clogs, a baking soda and vinegar solution can be very effective. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. The reaction between the two will create foam that can help break down the clog.
Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then flush it out with hot water while running the disposal. This method can also help eliminate any odors.
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