How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

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By JPaint25
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Your garbage disposal can become clogged with food or debris that prevents the movement of the flywheel, which spins and grinds the food in the garbage disposal. This problem is often easily fixed in a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Hex-head wrench
Wooden spoon or broom handle
Flashlight

Step 1

Turn the power off to your garbage disposal.
Step 2

Use a flashlight to look into the garbage disposal through the sink drain. If you can see any foreign object blocking the blades from turning, use tongs, pliers or another tool to grab and remove the object.
Step 3

Locate the hex-head wrench that came with your garbage disposal. If you cannot find it, find a hex-head wrench that fits into the hole in the bottom of your garbage disposal.
Step 4

Insert the hex-head wrench into the hole in the bottom of your garbage disposal and turn the wrench back and forth. This manually turns the flywheel to free it from obstructions.
Step 5

Insert a wooden spoon handle or a broom handle into the garbage disposal through the sink drain and manually turn the flywheel until it moves freely.
Step 6

Turn the power to your garbage disposal back on when you think the problem is solved, and test the results.

Tips & Warnings

If your garbage disposal is simply clogged, it will hum when it is turned on. If there is no power to your garbage disposal, it will not hum.
Another common fix for garbage disposal problems it to press the reset button. It is usually a red button on the bottom of the unit.
Never put your hands in a garbage disposal. Even with no power, the sharp blades inside can cut your hands.

Comments

perfectaste said

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on 8/29/2009 My disposal had no sound, so I thought I had electrical problems. I used number five and six instruction, turning the flywheel manually and using the reset button, it works. Thanks for the info.