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How to Clear a Clogged Garbage Disposal with Standing Water

Clear a clogged garbage disposal

So, you’ve got a sink full of standing water, and your garbage disposal is refusing to do its job. We’ve all been there—it’s frustrating, right? But before you start imagining expensive plumber bills, take a deep breath. To clear a clogged garbage disposal isn’t as hard as it seems, and in most cases, you can handle it yourself.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to get that drain cleaning done and get your sink back to draining like a pro. Ready? Let’s do this!

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Clogged?

Let’s start with the basics. A garbage disposal works hard, but it’s not invincible. Over time, food particles, grease, and other debris can build up, causing a blockage. Sometimes, it’s just a stubborn chunk of food; other times, it could be something you accidentally dropped down the drain (looking at you, chicken bones and fibrous veggies).

But why is the water just sitting there, not draining? Well, when the disposal gets clogged, it can’t push water through, leading to that dreaded pool of standing water in your sink. It’s like a traffic jam in your pipes. No one’s moving until the road is clear.

Safety First – What You Need to Know Before Starting

You know what? Before you start tackling that clog, let’s talk safety. The garbage disposal can be a bit intimidating, but the key is to make sure it’s off before you go, sticking your hands or tools down there. Trust me, you don’t want any surprises.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Turn off the power: Unplug the garbage disposal or switch off the breaker that controls it. Better safe than sorry!
  • Grab some tools: A plunger, baking soda, vinegar, and an Allen wrench are your best friends here. You’ll also need some tongs or pliers to grab any visible debris.

Got everything? Great. Let’s get that clog out of the way.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clear a Clogged Garbage Disposal

Okay, now we’re ready to roll up our sleeves. Here’s how to clear that clogged garbage disposal step by step.

1. Remove Visible Blockages

First things first—look down the drain and see if you can spot the problem. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as fishing out a big chunk of food or a small object. Use tongs or pliers (not your hands) to grab whatever you see. It could be a piece of vegetable peel, a bottle cap, or something else that shouldn’t be there.

Still clogged? Let’s move on.

2. Use a Plunger

Now, it’s time to bring out the plunger. Don’t have one for your sink? It’s a good investment if you deal with clogs often.

Here’s how you do it:

  • Place the plunger over the drain and create a good seal.
  • Push down and pull up steadily for a minute or two.
  • If you’re lucky, this will create enough pressure to dislodge whatever’s clogging your disposal.

If plunging doesn’t do the trick, don’t worry—we’ve got more tricks up our sleeve.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Magic

Here’s an old-school remedy that works wonders: baking soda and vinegar.

  • Pour about ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal.
  • Follow that with 1 cup of vinegar. You’ll hear a fizzing sound—that’s the reaction that helps break down the gunk inside your pipes.
  • Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • After that, run hot water down the drain to flush out any loosened debris.

This method works great for clogs caused by grease and smaller particles. But if the water still isn’t draining, it’s time to reset the disposal itself.

4. Reset the Disposal

Many people don’t realize their garbage disposal has a reset button. If the disposal is jammed, you can reset it manually using an Allen wrench (sometimes called a hex key) and the reset button on the bottom of the unit.

  • Locate the small hole at the bottom of your disposal unit.
  • Insert the Allen wrench and turn it back and forth a few times. This helps dislodge any debris stuck in the blades.
  • Press the red reset button (usually on the bottom or side of the disposal).

Once you’ve done that, try running the disposal again. If it whirs back to life and the water drains—success!

5. Check for Pipe Clogs

Still no luck? It could be that the clog isn’t in your disposal but in the P-trap—that curved pipe under your sink.

  • Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch any water.
  • Unscrew the connectors and remove the P-trap.
  • Check for any blockages and clean them out.

After reattaching the pipe, run the water again. If everything flows smoothly, you’ve solved the problem!

When to Call a Professional

Let’s be honest—sometimes a clog is just too stubborn, or there’s a bigger issue at play. If you’ve tried everything above and your disposal is still acting up, it might be time to call in a pro.

Here’s when you should consider professional help:

  • The water still won’t drain after multiple attempts.
  • The disposal makes strange noises or smells burnt.
  • You notice water leaking from the disposal or pipes.

The good news? You don’t have to go through this alone. Four Seasons Plumbing has expert plumbers who can fix your garbage disposal fast. Why stress when you can let the pros handle it?

How to Prevent Future Clogs

You’ve cleared the clog—great! But how do you prevent this from happening again? Here are some simple tips to keep your garbage disposal in good shape:

  • Watch what you put down the drain: Avoid throwing fibrous veggies (like celery), eggshells, coffee grounds, and grease into the disposal. These can cause buildup over time.
  • Run water before and after use: This helps flush out food particles and keeps your disposal from getting gunked up.
  • Use cold water, not hot: Cold water solidifies fats and oils, making them easier to grind up and flush out.
  • Clean your disposal regularly: Toss in a few ice cubes or lemon peels every now and then. Ice helps sharpen the blades, and lemon makes it smell fresh.

Following these tips can save you a lot of trouble—and keep your garbage disposal working like a charm.

Final Thoughts

Clearing a clogged garbage disposal doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little patience and the right steps, you can fix most issues on your own. Just remember, if things get too tough, Four Seasons Plumbing has a team of plumbers ready to help. Their experienced professionals can tackle even the most stubborn clogs.

So, next time your garbage disposal gives you grief, you’ll know what to do. And if DIY isn’t your thing, give Four Seasons Plumbing a call—you’ll be glad you did!

Max Rose - Owner of Four Seasons Plumbing

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Max Rose

Max Rose is the owner of Four Seasons Plumbing, a plumbing company in Asheville, North Carolina.