Call a Plumber: 3 Major Signs Your Garbage Disposal May Be Clogged

A clogged garbage disposal may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, but things can get really bad if the problem is ignored. In today’s blog post, Neighborhood Plumbing looks into the three major signs of a clogged garbage disposal and what to do about it.

Unpleasant Smells Emanating From Your Garbage Disposal

A foul odor coming from your garbage disposal indicates that the unit may be clogged. This usually happens when food particles and other debris get trapped and begin to decompose inside the grinding chamber or drain pipe. If you leave this problem unresolved for too long, it can lead to water pooling in the sink and unsanitary conditions. The solution to unpleasant smells is simple—run a few cups of ice cubes through the disposal while running cold water. The ice helps dislodge any stuck-on food particles and sharpens the blades. After the ice, toss in citrus peels to deodorize and freshen the disposal.

Water Is Pooling In Your Sink and Draining Slowly, Or Not At All

One of the obvious signs your garbage disposal may be clogged is water pooling in the sink. This happens because food waste or a foreign object is lodged inside the grinding chamber or the drain pipe. Even a properly maintained garbage disposal can collect solid food waste over time and result in blockages if not addressed. Luckily, you may be able to resolve this problem on your own using basic household tools like a plunger or plumber’s snake. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also help to clear a minor clog in the garbage disposal.

It’s a good idea to try using baking soda and vinegar before resorting to plunging or snaking the drain. Pour some baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar, and let the mixture fizz for 20 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water. If the problem persists, place a plunger over the drain and plunge up and down several times. Apply some force as you push down, then quickly pull up to create suction. For a drain snake, feed the snake down the drain and rotate the handle clockwise. Once you’ve reached the clog, rotate the snake back and forth to break it up. If your efforts do not bear fruit, it’s time to call an experienced plumber to inspect your garbage disposal and restore proper functioning.

A Humming Sound with No Blade Movement

If your garbage disposal hums but the blades aren’t spinning, there’s something off with the unit. Garbage disposals aren’t exactly silent, but unusual noises such as grinding, humming, or rattling could be a sign of a clog. There’s a good chance a foreign object is lodged between the blades and the grinding chamber. In some cases, a humming sound coming from the unit indicates that food debris may be compacted in the grinding chamber. Fibrous foods are known to cause garbage disposal jamming.

If you experience this problem, turn off power to the unit at the circuit breaker and use a flashlight to look inside the grinding chamber. Use a long-handled tool to remove any visible obstructions. If there’s no obstruction, try to rotate the blades using an Allen wrench. This should help dislodge any hidden debris that might be causing the jam. If you’re still unable to fix the problem, call a professional plumber in Adams Township, PA for garbage disposal repair.

If you’re in need of garbage disposal replacement or repair, call the professional plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing. Perhaps the unit is worn down, it’s exhibiting declined performance, or it lacks crucial safety features. Whatever the case, Neighborhood Plumbing is here to help.