Fixing the Garbage Disposal That Won’t Drain

If your garbage disposal stopped working to clear waste down the drain, there’s likely a problem that needs to be addressed. The most common culprit behind a garbage disposal that won’t drain is clogging, which is typically caused by too much food stuck in the unit, jammed impeller blades, or a bad motor. Luckily, this problem has simple fixes that you can troubleshoot yourself if you have basic plumbing knowledge and skills. More severe issues may require the intervention of a professional plumber.

Let’s look at some of the effective ways to fix a garbage disposal that won’t drain:

Manual Checkup

The first thing to do when your garbage disposal won’t drain is to peek inside to see what is causing the clog. First, turn off the disposal and unplug it from the power source. After that, use a flashlight to inspect the disposal for any visible clogs or obstructions. If you can see something blocking the blades, use long-handled tongs or pliers to remove it.

Use a Plunger to Unblock the Drain

Another effective technique you can use to fix a garbage disposal that won’t drain is to use a plunger. Below are the steps to follow:

• Step 1: Place the plunger directly over the drain opening. Ensure that it forms a tight seal against the sink surface. Press down firmly to create a vacuum seal.
• Step 2: Push the plunger up and down rapidly while maintaining a tight seal with the sink surface. Use vigorous, but controlled, plunging motions to generate pressure that will help dislodge the clog.
• Step 3: After several plunges, lift the plunger and check if the water starts to drain freely. If the water drains, it indicates that the clog has been successfully cleared. If not, repeat the plunging process a few more times.

Use Hex Wrench

• Step 1: Look for a hex-shaped opening at the bottom of the garbage disposal. The opening is typically located in the center of the disposal's underside.
• Step 2: Insert the hex wrench into the hex hole and push it firmly into the hole until it engages with the disposal's flywheel or impellers.
• Step 3: Once you’ve inserted the hex wrench, use it to manually rotate the flywheel or impellers in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This rotation helps to dislodge and break up any clogs or obstructions in the disposal.

Call a Plumbing Expert

A garbage disposal may stop working as a result of faulty components within the unit. For instance, a broken impeller won’t be able to adequately grind food waste, leading to larger chunks or blockages in the disposal unit. This can hinder the flow of water through the disposal and impede the draining process. If the problem is caused by faulty components, it’s a good idea to call a trusted plumber to diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs or replacements.

For Professional Garbage Disposal Repair, Choose Neighborhood Plumbing

If your garbage disposal won’t drain and you need the help of a professional plumbing service, reach out to the experts at Neighborhood Plumbing. Here at Neighborhood Plumbing, we know how it feels as a homeowner to deal with a failing garbage disposal. Our dependable plumbers have the expertise and advanced equipment to diagnose all kinds of garbage disposal problems and provide you with efficient solutions.