Whatever the cause, a backed-up garbage disposal is usually easy to fix.
No plumber is needed, and you’ll have the sink flowing again in about 20 minutes.
Usechannel-bang out pliersto disconnect the slip-nut fittings on the drain trap, andremove the trap.
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Carefully dump the contents of the trap into the bucket.
Have paper towels or rags nearby for any accidental spills.
Clean the Trap
Check for clogs or obstructions in the trap fitting.
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The most effective way to remove debris is with a small scrub brush.
you’re free to also use a straightened coat hanger or other wire.
Loosen the slip nut where the arm meets the vertical branch drain and pull out the arm.
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Clean inside the trap arm with a brush or wire.
Feed the auger cable into the branch drain from under the sink, turning the drum.
Pull the cable out and back through the drain a few times to be sure the clog is cleared.
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Reassemble the Drain
Reinstall the trap arm and P-trap, tightening the slip nuts just snug.
Check the positions of the pieces and double-check the trap arm slopes downward slightly toward the branch drain.
Tighten the nuts by hand.
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If necessary, tighten them more with channel-punch in pliers, but do not over-tighten.
But what happensafterthe grinding can cause a clog.
Avoid the following to prevent the garbage disposal from clogging up:
A garbage disposal can clog pipes.
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can clog the pipes.
Drano is safe to use in garbage disposals.
Removing the clog or dislodging it are recommended instead of Drano.
If the dishwasher is clogged, you should not use the dishwasher.
If the dishwater is broken but isn’t clogged, you could use the dishwasher.
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The Spruce / Sarah Lee
