Unclog Your Kitchen Drains: How to Fix a Garbage Disposal Jam

A jammed garbage disposal is frustrating but do not panic. The grounding noise is followed by silence. Most jams are easy to fix without calling a plumber. There are some simple steps you can try before you reach for expensive repair services. You can try something simple like a spoon or citrus is stuck inside. With a few simple tools and some precautions you can often dispose of anything that should run into the sink in minutes. 

Causes Of Garbage Disposals Jams and Clogs

When a garbage disposal jams or becomes clogged it is caused due to the buildup of food waste that has accumulated over time. The particles of food such as small bones, egg shells and vegetable peels and fruit skins can get stuck in the blades of the disposal and cause damage or blockage and repair plumbing materials . Accumulated grease and oils from food can also cause a blockage. If you haven't used your disposal in some time the motor may capture or accumulate the garbage and cause the blockage. In this case you should call a professional plumber for help to solve this matter.  

Tips for DIY Fixes for Garbage Disposal Jams

A jammed garbage disposal always seems to happen at the worst time. But before searching for a plumber's number, you can fix many jams. You do not need special trolls or experience, just you need some patience and the right tips. Most problems are simple to solve like sticking hard food scraps in the utensils. Save money and avoid stress and get disposal spinning again with some simple steps. 

Resetting The Unit:

Before working on the garbage disposal, disconnect the disposal unit by pulling the plug to prevent it from accidents.locate the reset button on the underside of the unit. Look for the red button and press it. Pushing the button back to reset the unit. If you can't see the reset button you try the manual side i.e. rotating the grinders. Remember to unplug the unit first and the section goes below in more detail.  

Then run the water through the unit. Make sure the water should be cold and dispose of it for one or two minutes. 

Manually Rotating the Blades:

Turn off the power to the disposal unit and inspect it. Look for any physical blockages that can be removed easily with pliers or other tools. Insert a wrench into the disposer and turn it several times to try to free up any stuck blades and other parts. Turn the wrench counterclockwise as much as possible. Then turn it anticlockwise. Keep moving the wrench until you can rotate it completely. The wrench is flexible and applies the force because the unit will not harm the disposal unit. 

Manually Removing Blockages:

The first step is to switch off the electricity supply of the room. Use a flashlight to inspect the drain of your sink. Direct the light towards the outer edges of the unit. Locate the small grinders of the disposal blades and check if there is any obstruction present in the blades. These diy plumbing will help you in future from future blockages 

A jammed garbage disposal is annoying but it can be serious. With the right steps you can fix yourself in minutes. Remember to stay safe and never stick your hand inside and always use the reset button. Now you are always ready to fix the jams with confidence and keep your kitchen running smoothly.