How To Unclog a Kitchen Sink with a Garbage Disposal
There are several ways to fix a garbage disposal sink that isn't working.The garbage disposal's power source should be switched off before attempting to remove it.Baking soda and white vinegar can be used to clear a sink.Try using tongs to get the object out of the sink.If you think there's something stuck in the garbage disposal, you should manually turn the blades.
Step 1: The garbage disposal can be turned off.
The garbage disposal can be unplugged from under the sink if the power is switched off at the circuit breaker.This will prevent you from working with the garbage disposal while it is connected to electricity.The garbage disposal can be unplugged if you don't know where your circuit breaker is.
Step 2: If it is a double sink, put a plug in one of the drains.
It doesn't matter which drain you choose, cover it with a drain plug.You will plunge if you do not put a plug in the drain.If you don't have a double sink, skip this step.
Step 3: The drain is unplugged and should be covered with a plunger.
The whole drain needs to be covered by the plunger.If you have a double sink, you should keep one hand on the plug.To help seal the drain, turn on the faucet and let water run over the edges of the plunger.
Step 4: To force air into the drain, push down and up.
While holding down the plug with one hand, plunge the open drain.The water will drain if the plunger is pushed down several times.There are objects blocking the drain.Any food that is in the disposal should be loosened by the plunger.The water will start draining from the sink.
Step 5: If everything is working right, turn the garbage disposal back on.
Plug the other sink and wait for the water to drain from the first one.Try to see if food can go down the garbage disposal without causing a problem.Plug the plug back in under the sink or on the breaker switch to turn the garbage disposal back on.
Step 6: The garbage disposal can be unplugged or turned off.
There is a garbage disposal under the sink.The power to the garbage disposal needs to be turned off.Plug the disposal bag into a power source once you're done clearing it, or return to the circuit breaker.
Step 7: Baking soda can be put into the garbage disposal.
Use a measuring cup to measure out the baking soda.Hold it over the center of the drain so it goes straight down.
Step 8: Add a cup of white vinegar to the drain.
Carefully pour the white vinegar down the drain, just like you did with the baking soda.Any food that is stuck to the sides of the drain can be loosened with the help of a cleaning chemical.When the ingredients touch each other, this means that it's working.Make sure the white vinegar goes down the drain by pouring it slowly.
Step 9: The mixture should sit in the drain for a while.
The ingredients will create foam during this time.When it's time to rinse out the drain, set a timer for 5 minutes.
Step 10: You can run hot water down the drain.
The faucet should be turned to the hottest setting.Let the water run down the drain for at least 2 minutes, washing away the white vinegar and baking soda mixture while removing any loosened food as well.
Step 11: To see if it works, turn on the garbage disposal.
The garbage disposal can be plugged back in or turned off.The garbage disposal switch should be turned to see if it runs smoothly.If the problem isn't fixed, use a flashlight to see if anything is in the drain.
Step 12: The garbage disposal needs to be off so you don't hurt yourself.
There is a garbage disposal under the sink.The garbage disposal's power is connected to the circuit breaker.It is important that the garbage disposal does not have electricity as you work on it.
Step 13: A flashlight can be used to look for obstructions in the drain.
You can illuminate the inside of the drain with a flashlight.If there is something blocking the drain, look to see if it is a large piece of food.
Step 14: If you can see the items, use tongs or pliers to remove them.
Use a pair of pliers or long tongs to reach the object.Hold onto the tongs or pliers as you put them down the drain to pull it out.If you need to see what you're doing, shine the flashlight down the drain.It's not a good idea to stick your hand in the garbage disposal because it has sharp things in it.
Step 15: If the garbage disposal works, turn it back on.
The garbage disposal's power should be turned back on if you think you've removed the object that was causing the problem.It is good to go if the disposal starts making a noise and the water is flowing normally.
Step 16: The garbage disposal can be unplugged from the wall or turned off at the breaker.
The garbage disposal's plug can be seen under the sink.Turn off the main power in your house to the garbage disposal.If you're not sure where the circuit breakers are, you can check out the garage or basement.
Step 17: There is a hole at the bottom of the garbage disposal motor.
Go under the sink and look at the garbage disposal.The Allen wrench is located in the center of the disposal.Garbage disposals come with a tool that fits in the hole for this purpose.
Step 18: To help clear the disposal, twist the wrench back and forth.
Pull the wrench out of the hole and move it back and forth.The blades of the garbage disposal can be turned manually.As you twist the Allen wrench back and forth, keep an eye on the blades as they get easier to twist.
Step 19: After you have cleared it, press the reset button.
The bottom of the garbage disposal has a button on it.The garbage disposal needs to be reset so that it works again.When the garbage disposal doesn't work, the button pops out.It should start working again if you push it back in.
Step 20: If the garbage disposal works again, switch it back on.
If you want to know if the garbage disposal is working, turn the power back on.As you test the water, turn it on and listen for a loud noise that says it's fixed.