How To Unclog Garbage Disposal

Introduction

Is your garbage disposal clogged and causing water to back up in the sink? Don’t panic. Whether your garbage disposal is humming but not spinning or simply backed up with food scraps, this comprehensive guide will walk you through how to unclog  garbage disposal step-by-step, without calling a plumber.

From identifying the causes of a clog to using natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar, we’ll show you multiple methods to fix your garbage disposal and keep it running smoothly. Let’s dive in.

Why is Garbage Disposal Clogged?

Before we learn how to unclog a garbage disposal, we need to know what causes a clog in your garbage disposal.

Most people will say that this happens due to the excessive amount of food thrown, but the fact is that there are several other reasons for a clog. Listed below are the causes of a clog in a garbage disposal.

1. Dumping the Wrong Foods

Disposals are designed to grind food scraps—but not every food. Avoid putting the following items down your drain:

• 

  Bones and fruit pits

• Coffee grounds

• Pasta, rice, and starchy foods

• Potato peels

• Fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks

• Eggshells

2. Overloading Food Waste at Once

Dumping large amounts of food down the disposal can overwhelm the unit, especially if not run with water. Always feed small batches slowly.

3. Lack of Water Usage

Running your disposal without enough water prevents smooth grinding and flushing. Use cold water before, during, and after using your disposal.

4. Foreign Objects

Sometimes, non-food items accidentally fall into the disposal—spoons, bottle caps, or paper towels. These objects can jam the impellers.

Required Products For Unclogging Your Garbage Disposal

Before you begin the unclogging process, gather these tools:

Safety First: What to Do Before Unclogging

• Always turn off power to your garbage disposal. Unplug it or switch off the circuit breaker to avoid injury.

• Never stick your hand directly into the unit.

• Allow the disposal to cool down if it was recently used.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

Unclogging the garbage disposal has several methods. However, please avoid the drain liquid cleaners, which can destroy the splash guard. Also, please do not put your hands in the waste chute as there is a risk of cutting your hands. Make sure that the appliance has cooled down before using the following methods.

1. Manual Object Removal

If your garbage disposal is clogged but still humming, it likely means the motor is working but the impellers are jammed.

Steps:

1. Turn off power.

2. Shine a flashlight into the drain.

3. Use tongs or pliers to carefully pull out any visible blockage (bones, silverware, fibrous food).

4. Restore power and test the unit.

Tip: If it still hums and won’t turn, use a hex wrench to manually free up the blades (see method 4).

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar (Natural Solution)

Perfect for soft clogs caused by grease, food buildup, or minor obstructions.

Steps:

1. Pour ½ cup baking soda into the disposal.

2. Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar.

3. Let the mixture fizz for 20 minutes.

4. Rinse with boiling water or run cold water for 30 seconds while turning on the disposal.

Tip: If you’re searching for “how to clean garbage disposal naturally,” this method is ideal.

3. Plunging (Best for Standing Water)

Got standing water in the sink and wondering how to unclog garbage disposal with standing water? Try this.

Steps:

1. Fill the sink halfway with water.

2. Place a sink plunger over the drain.

3. Pump vigorously for 30 seconds.

4. Remove the plunger and check water flow.

5. Repeat as needed, then flush with hot water.

4. Hex Wrench Reset (Fix for Jammed Blades)

Use this when the disposal hums but doesn’t grind.

Steps:

1. Locate the hex hole under the disposal (center of the base).

2. Insert the hex wrench.

3. Rotate clockwise and counterclockwise to loosen the jam.

4. Push the reset button (usually red) located on the bottom.

5. Turn the power back on and test.

5. Ice Cubes and Rock Salt (Blade Cleaning Trick)

This method sharpens blades and dislodges stuck food particles.

Steps:

1. Dump 2 cups of ice cubes into the disposal.

2. Add 1 cup of rock salt or kosher salt.

3. Run cold water.

4. Turn on the disposal and let it grind the mixture for 1-2 minutes.

He will check whether the P-Trap attached to the disposal is working correctly. Then you may have to reinstall that by paying charges to the plumber.

6. Dish Soap and Hot Water Flush

For greasy clogs or after cleaning.

Steps:

1. Plug the disposal drain with a stopper.

2. Fill the sink halfway with hot water.

3. Add a few squirts of dish soap.

4. Release the stopper and let water flush through.

5. Run the disposal during the flush.

7: Clean the P-Trap (Advanced)

If nothing else works, the clog may be in the P-trap, not the disposal.

Steps:

1. Place a bucket under the sink trap.

2. Unscrew the trap fittings carefully.

3. Clean out any debris.

4. Reconnect and test the drain flow.

Call a plumber if you’re not confident disassembling pipes.

What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal

To avoid future blockages, avoid disposing of the following items:

• Grease, oil, or fat

• Eggshells

• Banana peels

• Coffee grounds

• Onion skins

• Pasta or rice

• Fruit pits or seeds

• Corn husks and celery stalks

Tip: Searches for “what not to put in garbage disposal” have grown in 2025.

How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal for Long-Term Performance

Maintaining your garbage disposal keeps it odor-free and efficient.

Weekly Maintenance

• Grind citrus peels (lemon, lime) to deodorize.

• Use ice and salt to sharpen blades.

Monthly Maintenance

• Clean with baking soda and vinegar.

• Flush with hot soapy water.

Tips

• Always run cold water before and after using the disposal.

• Keep the unit clean by brushing under the splash guard with an old toothbrush.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Even after trying all these methods, there are times when professional help is necessary.

Signs It’s Time to Call a Plumber:

• Persistent clogs that don’t clear

• Disposal won’t turn on at all

• Strange grinding or rattling noises

• Strong foul odors that won’t go away

• Leaks from the disposal unit or under the sink

A plumber can inspect deeper issues like a faulty motor, damaged blades, or pipe blockages.

Conclusion

Here we rest our “How To Unclog Garbage Disposal” guide. We hope that you like this kitchen hack guide.

It happens when you mistakenly throw a banana peel into the sink or put in a bulk quantity of food waste after a dinner party. A plumber is the best option you can choose to repair the trash scrapping. But, this problem can be sorted out using a few tricks you must know if you have a waste management machine at home.

In the above article, we have mentioned multiple ways to unclog your trash scrapping to help you in the best possible manner. We have covered the essential things like vinegar, soap, soda, etc., to unclog the garbage disposals.

Similarly, this article has mentioned multiple precautions to avoid unclogging the trash scrapping. Thus, we hope that you will clean your trash scrapping device thoroughly.

FAQs

Q: My garbage disposal is clogged but humming. What does that mean?

A: This usually means the flywheel is jammed. Use a hex wrench underneath the disposal to manually rotate the impellers.

Q: Can I use drain cleaner in my garbage disposal?

A: No. Chemical drain cleaners can damage the rubber components and splash guard. Stick to natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda.

Q: How often should I clean my garbage disposal?

A: Once a week with ice or citrus and monthly with vinegar and baking soda.

Q: Can I use boiling water to unclog my disposal?

A: Yes, but only if the pipes are not PVC. Use caution and check your pipe material.

Q: What if I hear grinding but no food is going through?

A: There might be a foreign object stuck inside. Turn off power and inspect with tongs or pliers.