Fixing a Clogged Garbage Disposal

IMPORTANT

• Over time, food particles may accumulate in the grind chamber and baffle. Do not stick your hand in the garbage disposal at any time.

1. Turn off power.
   Turn off the garbage disposal and disconnect the power supply.
2. Clean the baffle.
   Reach through the sink opening and clean the underside of the baffle and inside the upper lip of the grind chamber with a scouring pad.
3. Fill the sink with water.
   Place the stopper in the sink opening and fill the sink halfway with warm water.
4. Mix baking soda and water.
   Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with water in the sink. Turn on the garbage disposal and remove the stopper from the sink at the same time to wash away loose particles.

Tips for Success

• Run garbage disposal along with a moderate flow of cold water. Continue to run cold water for a few seconds after grinding is complete.
• Avoid using hot water when grinding food waste. It is OK to drain hot water into the garbage disposal between grinding periods.
• Never pour grease or fat into your garbage disposal or drain.
• Consider one of our LEDefense units - LEDefense technology kills 99% of odor-causing bacteria, combating the smell that comes from bacteria forming as a result of food waste in your sink. 

• Determine the source of the problem.
  • Turn the disposer on. Do you see a whirlpool in the water? If yes, you may have a clogged drain line. Please move to the next step to troubleshoot. If no, and the disposer is running, click here to troubleshoot for a possible jam. If the disposer is not running, click here to troubleshoot for the disposer not starting. 
• Free the clog.
  • Use a plunger or plumber's helper to free the clog. If you have a double sink, place a stopper to block off the other sinkhole opening.
• Fill the sink with four inches (10cm) of water.
  • Fill the sink with four inches (10cm) of water. Place the plunger over the garbage disposal opening and press down slowly and gently. Then, pull the plunger upwards quickly using your strength. Repeat this pulling action several times.
• Clear the garbage disposal of any debris.
  • When the clog is dislodged, run the water and the garbage disposal for a minute or two.