I just moved into a new house and am using a garbage disposal for the first time. I was told to make sure the water is running when i turn it on. Water keeps backing up and getting clogged everytime I put in something that has to be really chopped up such as carrots or banana peels.
This is a double sink and the other side is fine.
#1---How do I get the clog unclogged?
#2---How do I keep this from happening again and again?

thank you for any help.
Trish

 

#1. Unplug the disposal and reach in and fish out all the stuff in there.
#2. Stop using your garbage disposal as a substitute for your trash can.

 

A. Refrain from putting really fibrous food (such as carrots, banana peels, etc.), metal, china, glass, rubber, cloth or leather into the disposal, UNLESS the owner's manual says that the model is made for such.
B. Use a strong flow of COLD water (helps congeal grease) when running disposal.
C. After grinding is completed and the disposal is off, let the water run for minute to flush it and the drain line out.
I think that your only problem is just overloading that particular make of disposal.
To unclog the disposal side, turn OFF power to disposal and clean out the grinder. Turn power back on. Run disposal, and then flush with water.
You may have to plug up the other side of the sink and use a plunger to dislodge the clog.
Good Luck!

 

You might want to see if you can clear the discharge holes of old food particles. The easiest way to do this is to fill the garbage disposal with ice cubes (no water running and disposal turned off). When it is full of ice cubes, turn on the disposal first, and then the cold water. It will make a lot of noise, but the chopped up ice will act like a sandblaster, cleaning out food particles from the discharge holes. It is not a bad idea to do this at some set frequency, like once a month, or whenever you notice the disposal draining slowly.

Good Luck,


Rick

 

My gargage disposal has been a problem for ages....with residual water constantly sitting in the disposal. Even pulling the trap and snaking it thru didn't help.
But!!! Rick's (arkayassoc) ice cube suggestion unbelievably did the trick instantly! What are/where are the "discharge holes" you mention?
My hats off to you Rick......Any other secret tricks we should know about?

 

bjboxcars,

Glad it worked for you. The discharge holes are actually like the holes on the side of an old food grater, and they are on the side of the garbage disposal, which is the primary reason that drain cleaners (Drano, Liquid Plumber, etc.) don't work, cause they will drain out the bottom of the disposal, before they build enough level to contact the food particles.

I developed the ice cube trick myself, after an old plumber told me to "run a Coke bottle" thru it. I figured ice would melt, but I ain't so sure about glass!!

That is my "whole bag of tricks" for slow draining disposals. I have others for when my wife runs the silverware thru the disposal, but that's a whole 'nother topic.

Merry Christmas and thanks for your post.

Rick

 

Thanx so much for everyone's advice on the disposal problem. Now I know not to use those heavy things in it.
And just like Bjboxcar, "kudos" to Rick for the ice trick. I think that's exactly what it needed. There was alot of residue left in those holes from the people who used to live here, and I wasn't sure if it was ok to use drain cleaners in there or not,or just exactly how you're supposed to clean it. But the ice is just what it needed!!!!!
Thanks again