5 Ways to Unclog Your Garbage Disposal (DIY Guide)

Nothing stop a busy kitchen like a garbage disposal that suddenly stops grinding and leaves disgusting gutter water sitting in the sink. A clogged garbage disposal is more common than you think imagine all the time where you spilled your grease down there causing grease buildup, fibrous vegetables, bones, or even silverware that slipped in unnoticed. The good news? Most clogs can be fixed safely at home without calling a plumber. In this guide, you’ll learn five proven ways to unclog your garbage disposal, when DIY works, and when it’s time to call a professional.

Safety Tip: Always turn off the power switch (and ideally unplug the unit) before attempting any repair. Never stick your hand directly into the disposal.

1. Use the Reset Button First

Every garbage disposal has a small reset button, usually located on the bottom or side of the unit. If the motor has overheated or jammed, pressing this button often solves the issue instantly.

• Turn off the disposal.
• Locate and press the red or black reset button.
• Wait a few minutes, then turn the power back on and test.

This quick step can save you from unnecessary troubleshooting.

2. Manually Turn the Disposal Blades

Sometimes food scraps or foreign objects jam the blades. You can free them without taking the unit apart:

• Insert a ¼-inch Allen wrench into the hex socket on the bottom of the disposal.
• Rotate it back and forth until the blades move freely.
• Remove the wrench, restore power, and test again.

This step is especially useful for hard clogs caused by bones or seeds.

3. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

If your garbage disposal is clogged but still humming, try a natural cleaning method:

• Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar.
• Let the fizzing action sit for 5–10 minutes.
• Flush with a kettle of hot water.

This eco-friendly solution helps break down grease and clear minor blockages.

4. Check for Foreign Objects

Clogs aren’t always food-related. Silverware, bottle caps, or small plastic items often fall into the disposal.

• Shine a flashlight down the drain.
• Use pliers or tongs to remove any visible obstruction.
• Never reach in with your hands, even if the unit is off.

Once cleared, run cold water and test the disposal.

5. Try a Plunger for Stubborn Clogs

If your sink is full of standing water, a sink plunger can help:

• Place the plunger firmly over the drain opening.
• Pump several times to build suction.
• Remove the plunger and check if water drains freely.

If water still doesn’t move, the clog may be in the drain line rather than the disposal itself.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

DIY fixes are great for simple clogs, but some problems require expert attention:

• Disposal won’t turn on even after pressing the reset button.
• Frequent clogs keep happening.
• You smell burning or hear unusual grinding noises.
• The unit is leaking from the bottom.

👉 Need help fast? Contact our licensed plumbers for garbage disposal repair or replacement.

Preventing Future Clogs

• Run cold water every time you use the disposal.
• Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, or fibrous veggies (like celery or potato peels) down the drain.
• Clean the disposal monthly with baking soda, vinegar, and ice cubes.

Final Thoughts

Unclogging a garbage disposal doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By using the reset button, rotating the blades, cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, or carefully removing foreign objects, you can often restore your disposal in minutes.

But if DIY methods don’t solve the problem—or if your disposal shows signs of damage—it’s always best to call a licensed plumber. They’ll save you time, protect your pipes, and make sure your kitchen is back to running smoothly.

Post views: 3