How to Unclog a Food Disposal

Garbage disposals are commonplace in the home. They eliminate table waste without having to toss it into the waste bin. Many homeowners have emptied leftover table scraps into the waste bin, only to have the family pet turn over the bin and create a larger mess. Garbage disposals will clog on occasion, but the average homeowner can fix this.

Plunger

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power to the garbage disposal at the switch box. Also unplug the disposal, if it has a plug. Turn on the disposal switch. If the unit does not turn on, you can reach in safely. Place your hand inside the disposal cylinder and feel around. Remove any object lodged inside.
- 2
  Fill the sink with water. This adds extra pressure to the clog. Do not overfill the sink. Turn on the disposal. If the clog does not go away, it must be plunged.
- 3
  Place the plunger into the sink and cover the garbage disposal drain. Rapidly move the plunger up and down over the drain. Pull the plunger out. If this does not work the first time, try again. Always turn on the disposal when you are trying to drain the basin. It may not be successful on the first few attempts. Garbage disposals have smaller holes than regular drains and these may require more plunging than a regular drain.

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