Have you ever put something in the garbage disposal that wasn’t meant to go in? Surely you have and more times than not it will develop a blockage. When this happens, a few quick steps and tips can be utilized in order to remove the clog.
Step 1: Putting your hands near a working garbage disposal can be extremely dangerous. Before you even step foot near the disposal, head over to the breaker panel and turn off the breaker that is associated with the appliance.
Step 2: Shine a light into the drain and take a peek. If you can visibly see the blockage then you’ll want to grab a pair of tongs to try and remove it. Once removal is complete, turn the breaker on, run the disposal, and see if it drains water. If the problem hasn’t been solved then turn the breaker back off and continue to diagnose the problem.
Step 3: The visible blockage has been removed, but the water isn’t draining. In this instance, you will need to grab a plunger and give it some elbow grease. Place it fully over the drain and begin to take the plunge! Leave a little bit of water in the sink so you can see if it drains after you are finished plunging. If the mighty plunger has failed you then it may be time to feed the drain.
Step 4: Head into your cabinets and grab some baking soda and white vinegar. Pour a half cup of baking soda into the drain followed by a half cup of white vinegar. Let this mixture sit in the drain for about 10 minutes so it can attempt to break up the blockage. Using this solution is recommended over store-bought drain cleaners due to the harmful chemicals that they are made from.
Step 5: If the all natural solution didn’t work in removing the clog then it may be time to call in the professionals. Doing any more than this without the supervision of an expert could result in even more damage to your garbage disposal and plumbing.
Unclogging and servicing a garbage disposal can be done in just a few quick and easy steps. However, it is not guaranteed that the blockage will be cleared so when you need a professional, contact the experts at Tri- City Appliance, Heating & Cooling. To learn more, or to schedule a service, give us a call at (203) 303-5700.