Nothing is more irritating than a clogged garbage disposal that just won’t go away.
As a homeowner, you want to do whatever it takes to make sure your disposal works properly and is not causing any damage to your home’s plumbing system.
Fortunately, there are some simple DIY methods for unclogging a clogged garbage disposal that can work quickly and efficiently.
In this blog post, we will discuss when it is best to call a professional plumber for help with a clogged garbage disposal.
Causes of Clogged Garbage Disposals
Clogged garbage disposals can be a frustrating issue and they can occur for several reasons. Some common causes include:
- Too much food waste put into the disposal at once, which cannot be handled by the disposal’s grinder blades
- Grease accumulation over time that prevents proper drainage
- Foreign objects such as silverware or other household items finding their way into the disposal
- Debris build up over time in the coarser drainpipes due to improper maintenance
In some cases, clogs are caused by roots from tree in your yard growing into sewer lines and blocking them.
The causes of clogged garbage disposals vary depending on the type of system you have and how it is maintained.
Proper maintenance and following the manufacturer’s instructions can help reduce the likelihood of clogs occurring in your garbage disposal.
Is It Safe to Put Drano in a Garbage Disposal?
There are a lot of different drain cleaners out there, and many people use the term “Drano” to refer to drain cleaners in general, not just that actual brand of drain cleaners.
Putting Drano or any other chemical cleaner down a garbage disposal can be dangerous, as it can cause numerous adverse reactions if not done properly.
Some chemical cleaners are known to be caustic and corrosive, and they could cause damage to the inside of the disposal or pipes depending on the type of system you have.
Additionally, without proper ventilation, fumes from the cleaner could pose a health hazard.
When using any kind of chemical cleaner for your garbage disposal, it is important that you take all necessary safety precautions such as wearing protective gear and opening windows for ventilation.
It is also important to follow all instructions on the product label carefully and never mix different kinds of chemicals together, as this can create toxic fumes.
When selecting a drain cleaner to use in your garbage disposal it is best to read the label to make sure the type of drain cleaner you intend to use is safe to use in a garbage disposal.
If the label does not mention if the drain cleaner is safe to use in a garbage disposal then you should contact the manufacturer to verify it is safe.
Tips For Properly Using Drano in a Garbage Disposal
Using Drano or any other chemical cleaner to unclog your garbage disposal should only be done as a last resort, after all other methods have been exhausted. If you do decide to use this type of cleaner, it is important that you take the proper safety precautions and follow the instructions carefully.
Here are some tips for using Drano or other chemical cleaners safely:
Wear Protective Gear Before Handling the Product
When handling any type of chemical cleaner, such as Drano or other products used for unclogging garbage disposals, it is important to wear protective gear such as gloves and eyewear.
This is because these cleaners are typically strong chemicals that can cause skin irritations and other adverse reactions if they come into contact with the body.
Additionally, fumes from these products could be hazardous to breathe in, so wearing protective gear can help prevent any potential health risks.
Always Follow the Specific Product Directions
It is important to always follow the instructions on the product label when using any type of cleaner, such as Drano or other products used for unclogging garbage disposals.
This ensures that you are using the product in a safe and effective manner so that it has a chance to work properly before any potential damage can be caused.
Additionally, not following the instructions could make it difficult to receive any warranty coverage if something goes wrong. For these reasons, make sure to always read and follow each instruction carefully.
Open Windows to Ensure Proper Ventilation
It is important to open windows while using chemical cleaners, such as Drano or other products used for unclogging garbage disposals, to ensure proper ventilation.
This helps to prevent potential health risks associated with breathing in fumes from the product and any other airborne contaminants that may be present in your home.
Additionally, opening windows ensures that the cleaner is given a chance to work properly by allowing fresh air into the room which can help it break down faster and more effectively.
Never Mix Different Types of Chemicals Together
It is important to never mix different types of chemicals together, such as Drano and bleach, when trying to clean or unclog a garbage disposal.
Doing so can be dangerous and lead to chemical reactions that can cause skin irritation, burns, and even death in extreme cases.
Additionally, mixing different types of cleaners can create an unstable reaction that may result in an explosion or release of hazardous gasses. For these reasons, always make sure to use one type of cleaner at a time and never mix them together.
Pour Cleaner Slowly
It is important to pour the cleaner slowly into the kitchen sink when unclogging garbage disposals so that it has a chance to break down the clog before it reaches the disposal blades.
Pouring too quickly can cause some of the cleaner to bypass the clog and flow directly towards the blades which can not only be ineffective at breaking down the blockage but can also damage or even destroy your disposal by corroding its parts.
By pouring slowly, you give the cleaner time to break down any debris or material blocking your sink so that it can eventually flow away with ease.
Allow Sufficient Time for the Cleaner to Work
When using a cleaner to unclog a garbage disposal, it is important to allow sufficient time for the cleaner to work before turning on the disposal.
This is because some cleaners may take longer than others to break down clogs and running the disposal too quickly can result in newly formed material getting stuck in it.
By letting the cleaner sit and do its job, you give it a better chance of effectively removing any blockages so that your disposal will run like new.
Rinse with Plenty of Water
Rinsing with plenty of water once finished unclogging your garbage disposal is important for achieving the best results.
This is because rinsing away any remaining debris or cleaner residue will help ensure that your sink is clean and free from any blockages that might have been caused by deposits from the cleaner.
Additionally, it will also help remove any odors that may have been created during the cleaning process.
Alternatives to Using Drano
If you don’t want to use Drano or other drain cleaner to unclog your garbage disposal, there are several alternative methods that can be used.
Boiling Water
Using boiling water to unclog a garbage disposal is an effective, non-toxic alternative to using Drano or other drain cleaner.
To use this method, you’ll need several pots of boiling water.
Once you have the pots ready, slowly pour them down the disposal in small amounts; let each pot of water sit for a few minutes before adding another one.
This will help break up any clogs and remove any buildup that might be causing the blockage.
Afterward, rinse with plenty of cold water for best results.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Using baking soda and vinegar to unclog a garbage disposal is an easy and natural alternative that doesn’t involve using harsh chemicals.
To use this method, simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of white vinegar in a bowl.
Once the mixture starts bubbling, slowly pour it down the disposal in small amounts; let it sit for 10-15 minutes before adding more. This will help dissolve any buildup that might be causing the clog.
Afterward, rinse with lots of cold water for best results.
Plunger
Using a plunger is one of the oldest and most reliable methods for unclogging a garbage disposal.
To use this method, you’ll need an old-fashioned plunger with a rubber cup that’s at least as wide as the hole of the sink drain.
Push down firmly on the plunger over the sink drain, then pull it back up quickly and repeat several times to create suction.
Make sure you do this quickly and without too much force to avoid damaging your plumbing.
Once the clog has been loosened, flush with plenty of cold water for best results.
Plumbing Snake
Using a plumbing snake is an effective way to clear any clogs that are too strong for baking soda and vinegar or plungers.
It’s important to ensure your safety when using this powerful equipment. Here are some tips:
- If possible turn off the electrical breaker that supplies power to the disposal
- Never operate the disposal with the snake inserted into the drain
- Always wear protective eyewear and gloves while operating the snake.
- Avoid using too much force when feeding the snake into the pipe as this can damage both your plumbing and the snake itself.
- Have someone nearby in case of emergency.
To use this method, first locate the hole in your sink drain where the clog is located.
Insert the snake into the hole and slowly move it around until you feel it touch something solid. This could be anything from food particles, hair, or other debris that’s causing the blockage.
Once you have identified the obstruction, slowly spin the snake around it until it has been cleared.
Finally, flush with plenty of cold water for best results.
Call a Professional
If you have tried all of the DIY methods of unclogging your garbage disposal and nothing has worked, then it’s time to call a professional.
A plumber can help identify any deeper issues that may be causing the clog, such as tree roots or broken pipes. They can also handle more complex jobs like replacing or repairing parts of your disposal system.
Keep in mind that professional plumbing services come with fees, so make sure to research your options and budget accordingly.
Conclusion
Clogged garbage disposals can be a nuisance and a source of frustration, but with the right information, they can be easily unclogged.
If DIY methods do not work, don’t risk further damage to your system, and call a professional plumbing service.
With their expertise and specialized tools, they have the know-how to quickly diagnose and solve any problem with your garbage disposal.
