If you’re garbage disposal stinks and won’t drain properly, chances are it’s clogged. And ForRent.com is here to show you how you can get that disposal unclogged, without calling in a plumber.
First and foremost, make sure you turn your disposal off before working on it. Safety First. Turn the power off in the fuse box or unplug the unit from under the sink.
Use a flashlight to figure out what is clogging the disposal in the first place. If it’s a valuable item, like a watch or wedding ring, it may be best to call the pros before proceeding. In other cases, turn the disposal blades manually with an Allen wrench. The manual operator is usually at the bottom of the garbage disposal. Doing this can help clear some of the material.
Use tongs or pliers to reach down the drain to pull out loose material. Then use a plunger to unclog the remaining debris. You’ll want to fill the sink with a few inches of water first to provide the right suction for the plunger. If the water drains, you’ll know you unclogged it correctly. Don’t forget to turn the power to the disposal back on when you’re done.
A few words of warning. Never stick your hands into the garbage disposal. Even with the power off, the blades are extremely sharp and can cut you. Also never use chemicals like drain cleaner for unclogging garbage disposals. Since many disposals use plastic parts, the chemicals may melt the components.
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*We can’t promise you that the following techniques won’t get you in trouble with your property manager. Before you start any of these projects, make sure that you get written permission.