Tips on How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal in Your Seattle Home

A clogged garbage disposal – literally the worst thing that can happen in a Seattle kitchen. You’re just trying to clean up after making dinner, scraping plates and rinsing everything down the drain like you always do. But then…glub glub glub. The sink won’t drain and you’re stuck with a nasty pool of who-knows-what staring back at you.

Don’t panic though, we’ve all been there. Clogs are basically inevitable when you live in an older Seattle home and you’re as serious about composting as most of us are. All those food scraps have a way of building up over time and gunking up the disposal’s works. It’s a right of passage for homeowners around here!

But here’s the good news – you might actually be able to get that disposal unclogged and grinding away again without having to call an expensive plumber. We’re talking simple DIY methods that could save you a whole lot of hassle and cash. Because let’s face it, when your garbage disposal is busted, it throws your entire kitchen routine out of whack until you can use the sink again.

So we’ll share some easy tips for dislodging those clogs yourself with no harsh chemical drain cleaners or sketchy “home remedies” involved. Just basic tools and a little good old-fashioned Seattle resourcefulness. Your disposal and your wallet will definitely thank you later.

Reasons Why You Have a Clogged Garbage Disposal

Alright, let’s break down what could be causing those dreaded garbage disposal clogs.

Improper Food Waste Disposal

Even when you’re in a rush, you shouldn’t be rinsing anything and everything down the drain. Garbage disposals have their limits, folks! Things like potato peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous veggies like celery have stringy, hard bits that just don’t grind up well and can easily get jammed in the disposal’s blades.

Grease and Fat Buildup

Speaking of things that shouldn’t go down the drain, let’s talk about grease and cooking oils. Even if they seem liquid at first, those fats quickly solidify once they hit the cold pipes, forming nasty clogs that are brutally hard to dislodge. Avoid pouring anything greasy down there!

Overloading the Disposal

Your garbage disposal may be hardworking, but it’s not a miracle worker. Trying to process too much food waste all at once is just asking for a jam. Those blades can only handle so much before they get overwhelmed and seize up on you. Take it easy and do a few small batches instead of one huge load.

Insufficient Water Flow During Use

This is a biggie that lots of people miss – you gotta run enough water when using the disposal! Without that constant flow, food particles can get stuck in the pipes instead of flushing smoothly through. Keep that tap running before and after grinding to really clear everything out.

Aged or Worn-Out Disposal Blades

Like anything else, disposals just don’t work as well as they get older and their blades start to dull over time. An aged unit might not grind food scraps into fine enough particles anymore, leading to bigger chunks that can easily clog things up. If your disposal is on its last legs, it may be time for a replacement.

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal on Your Own

If your garbage disposal is clogged, you don’t have to resign yourself to calling a plumber right away because there are quite a few DIY methods you can try to get it unclogged on your own.

Safety First: Disconnect the Power

Seriously, do not skip this crucial first step. Before you go sticking any tools or body parts down that drain, shut off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker or unplug it from the outlet. Those sharp blades can really do some damage if they unexpectedly kick on while you’re working. Better to be safe than sorry!

Manual Removal of Visible Blockages

With the power disconnected, take a good look down into the drain opening. If you can visibly see any large food chunks, utensils, or other debris just sitting there, carefully remove it using a pair of long tongs or locking pliers. Never use your hands – those blades are razor sharp. Slowly and gently is the way to go here.

Use a Hex Key to Manually Rotate the Blades

Most garbage disposals will have a hex-shaped socket on the underside or bottom. Grab an appropriately sized Allen wrench or hex key and insert it into this socket. Try gently rocking and turning the wrench back and forth to manually spin the blades. This can help dislodge whatever is jamming them up. Just don’t force it if the blades won’t budge.

Try a Natural Solution: Baking Soda and Vinegar

For minor clogs caused by buildup, this classic two-ingredient combo can be a real game-changer. Start by pouring about 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the disposal drain. Then slowly pour in 1 cup of plain white vinegar and step back while the chemical reaction gets to work fizzing and breaking everything down. 

Let it sit and bubble for 10-15 minutes before following up with a kettle or pot of boiling water to flush it all out.

Flush with Hot Water and Dish Soap

On the topic of flushing with hot water, this is always a good technique to try, especially if you suspect grease or soap scum buildup is contributing to the clog. First, squirt a generous amount of dish soap directly into the disposal. Then, keeping the hot water tap running as hot as it will go, let it flow down the drain for 3-5 minutes to help dissolve and wash away any grimy buildup.

Using an Ice Cube and Salt Method for Minor Jams

For smaller jams or to give your disposal’s blades a deep clean, this ice and salt trick really does the job. Simply toss a handful of ice cubes (about 6-8) down the drain along with a couple tablespoons of coarse salt or ice cream rock salt. Run the disposal for 1-2 minutes and let the salt act as an abrasive to scrub away gunk while the ice helps knock loose any particles jamming the blades.

Consider a Plunger for Tough Clogs

If you’ve exhausted all the other DIY methods and that disposal is still stubbornly clogged, it’s time to break out the plunger. A standard cup plunger should do the trick. Run enough water in the sink to cover the drain opening and get a nice tight seal with the plunger. Then start plunging vigorously straight up and down for 15-20 seconds to build up water pressure and force. The sudden burst of air and water pressure just might be enough to finally blast through that blockage.

Be Patient and Persistent

The key with any DIY unclogging job is having a little patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if the first method doesn’t instantly work. Sometimes you need to repeat the process a few times or combine multiple techniques to really break through a tough clog. As long as you play it safe and take your time, you just might be able to get that garbage disposal grinding like a champ again without an expensive plumber visit!

When to Call a Professional for Help

As much as we all love a good DIY challenge, sometimes you just have to know when to throw in the towel and call in the professionals. As handy as those garbage disposal unclogging tricks may be, there are certain situations where it’s best to quit while you’re ahead.

Persistent or Severe Clogs

If you’ve diligently tried every DIY method in the book – the baking soda volcano, the hex key jiggle, even brought out the plunger – and that disposal is still hopelessly clogged, it’s time to wave the white flag.

Chances are the blockage is just too severe or deep-seated for any homeowner tricks to fix. Continuing to fight it could potentially push the clog further down your pipes, creating an even bigger headache. When the DIY tactics fail, call a plumber before you make the situation worse.

Unusual Sounds or Motor Issues

Any weird sounds or motor issues are definite signs to stop what you’re doing and get professional help. If the disposal makes strange humming noises but won’t actually turn on, or you smell any hint of burning or see smoke – do not go on!

Shut it off immediately and call a plumber. Trying to “fix” electrical or motor problems yourself is just asking for trouble.

Frequent Clogging Issues

Let’s say you do successfully unclog your disposal, but then a week or two later, it’s hopelessly jammed up again. If you’re dealing with clogs on a frequent, repeated basis, that’s a surefire sign of a bigger underlying issue at play, such as aging, failing disposal components or pipes that are cracked, corroded, or undersized for your household’s needs. Repeated clogs warrant getting an expert’s eyes on the situation to diagnose and repair the root cause.

While those unclogging hacks can definitely bail you out in a pinch, there’s no shame in knowing when to call in backup from the real pros. Unless you want to risk costly damage or ending up in way over your head, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Clogs

There are some simple maintenance tips you can follow to help prevent those annoying blockages from happening over and over again.

Dispose of Food Waste Properly

Avoid tossing any non-food items down there, along with notoriously clog-causing culprits like banana peels, celery strings, eggshells, coffee grounds, bones, and grease/oil. For larger food scraps, take an extra minute to chop them into smaller, disposal-friendly pieces first.

Run Cold Water Before, During, and After Use

Get in the habit of running that cold water tap for 10-15 seconds before and after you run the disposal. That steady flow of water helps flush all the food particles smoothly through your pipes, preventing buildup. And during use, keep that cold water running to create a vortex that pulls waste down.

Clean the Disposal Weekly

Giving your disposal a quick clean once a week can go a long way in keeping things fresh and clear. Try tossing a handful of ice cubes and some lemon or orange peels down the drain and letting the disposal chomp away for 30 seconds or so. The abrasive ice helps scrub away gunk while the citrus leaves a nice clean scent behind.

Use a Monthly Baking Soda and Vinegar Flush

You know that baking soda and vinegar combo we used for unclogging? Do that on a monthly basis as general maintenance. The fizzing reaction helps dissolve grease and grime buildup in both the disposal and your pipes to keep everything flowing smoothly.

Inspect for Leaks or Rust Regularly

While you’re at it, get in the habit of giving your disposal a quick visual inspection during your cleaning routine. Check for any signs of rust, cracks, leaks, or other damage that could indicate the unit is on its last legs. Replacing an old, failing disposal is way cheaper than the cost of a flooded kitchen disaster.

Save yourself the hassle and headache of having to break out those unclogging tricks every other week by following these simple tips. Your pipes (and your sanity) will thank you!

Conquer That Clogged Garbage Disposal Once and For All

Clogged garbage disposals are the worst, but hopefully these tips have you feeling better equipped to conquer those Seattle kitchen clogs yourself. From the baking soda fizz to the old plunger trick, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty before waving the white flag.

That said, sometimes you just need to call in the big guns. When those DIY hacks fail, save yourself the headache and mess by letting the true pros at Fox Plumbing and Heating get your pipes flowing like a dream again. Dial (206) 654-4986 and let our certified team work our magic.

No more avoiding that backed-up sink of grossness. Get your fully functional kitchen back on track!