ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Max Rose
Max Rose is the owner of Four Seasons Plumbing, a plumbing company in Asheville, North Carolina.
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!
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.
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:
Got everything? Great. Let’s get that clog out of the way.
Okay, now we’re ready to roll up our sleeves. Here’s how to clear that clogged garbage disposal step by step.
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.
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:
If plunging doesn’t do the trick, don’t worry—we’ve got more tricks up our sleeve.
Here’s an old-school remedy that works wonders: baking soda and vinegar.
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.
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.
Once you’ve done that, try running the disposal again. If it whirs back to life and the water drains—success!
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.
After reattaching the pipe, run the water again. If everything flows smoothly, you’ve solved the problem!
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 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?
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:
Following these tips can save you a lot of trouble—and keep your garbage disposal working like a charm.
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!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Max Rose is the owner of Four Seasons Plumbing, a plumbing company in Asheville, North Carolina.