Garbage disposals are one of the most convenient appliances in your kitchen. They dispose of waste and require minimal space in your kitchen, making clean-up easy. Although this technology has advantages, garbage disposals are prone to clogs and other issues that may affect how your drains function.
Gotelli Plumbing is here to help you get the most from your plumbing appliances! When you experience a frustrating garbage disposal clog, a few DIY maintenance tasks can remove the buildup from your pipes. Our team has compiled a guide of tips to help you troubleshoot these clogs and how to prevent them in the future!
What Causes A Garbage Disposal Clog?
Garbage disposals provide a fast and efficient way to remove food waste. However, these devices get clogged when the trap or waste line is obstructed with particles from leftover meals. There are a few types of foods you should avoid putting down your kitchen sink, some of which are:
- Banana peels
- Fruit pits
- Pastas and rice
- Oils, grease and fats
- Coffee grounds
- Animal bones
- Eggshells
These objects are prone to clogging your sinks, creating other secondary issues within your disposal. Avoiding these foods will help you dodge pipe obstructions and a need for repair in the future!
DIY Garbage Disposal Clog Removal
Like any other plumbing fixture, your garbage disposal needs a little TLC to operate effectively! You can attempt a few DIY methods before calling for a professional clog removal service.
Manually Check And Remove Buildup
Your garbage disposal uses incredibly sharp blades to chop up foods that enter your drain. You can manually check the fixture for any buildup. To avoid any safety hazards, don’t put your hands into the disposal, and use tongs or pliers to remove any visible objects.
Use A Natural Drain Cleaner
Some clogs can be removed using a natural drain-cleaning solution. Baking soda and vinegar are two common household ingredients that can remove buildup from your sink.
Pour ¼ cup of baking soda and ½ of distilled vinegar down your garbage disposal and allow it to sit for five minutes. Afterward, turn on your sink and garbage disposal to see if water is successfully draining through the fixture.
Plunge The Drain
A plunger can help loosen any clogs within your garbage disposal. Before using one, clamp off your dishwasher connection hose if you have one. Doing this will prevent filthy water from flowing into your dishwasher.
Place the plunger over your sink drain and push it up and down. This water pressure will force water down the drain, which may dislodge any buildup in the pipes. After plunging your sink, turn on your garbage disposal to check if water is flowing adequately through the system.
How To Prevent Clogs In Your Garbage Disposal
Preventative measures will help you avoid the hassle of buildup in your plumbing system! Frequently running your garbage disposal will prevent large clogs from blocking water flow. The device can run for up to a minute to adequately loosen any food or debris in the drain.
Additionally, citrus peels act as a natural garbage disposal cleaner. The acidity of orange and lemon rinds cleans away small scraps lingering in your sink. You can grind citrus peels and insert them into your disposal, preventing future blockages and leaving a refreshing scent in your kitchen.
Contact Gotelli Plumbing For Professional Garbage Disposal Services
Don’t let a clog conquer your plumbing system! Gotelli Plumbing has a team of experts who are prepared to get your fixtures operating efficiently in no time. When DIY clog removal methods aren’t helping your garbage disposal, contact us for professional assistance!
