What is the best way to unclog a garbage disposal?

Answer 1

there is a place for a Allen wrench to insert, and turn the disposal if it is jambed. Clogged, unhook power, clean it out. A simple bottle of draino may help it out.

Answer 2

The answers so far go to a clog in the disposal. My experience is that clogs occur in the drain pipes below the sink into which the disposal grindings flow. If you clear the disposal according to the others answers and still have a clog, disconnect and clear the pipes below the sink/s. There will be spilled water so remove all items and put a container on the cabinet bottom before you begin. Although the connections are manufactured to be loosened and tightened by hand, you may have to use adjustable pliers to initially loosen. For reassembly, hand tight is tight enough. If you have a double sink, the clog is probably in the fitting into which the pipes from both sinks are inserted.

Answer 3

Turn off the power. IF possible shut the breaker off and tag it out of service if you think someone might turn it on. Once no power, then take the rubber stopper off the top and look in. Clear it out if you can. If a broken glass got in and jammed it or a bone jammed it look for it and take it out. If full of garbage get out what you can and try to flush with HOT water. REMEMBER - do not pour your grease in the disposer. Worst case is to undo the drain pipes and twist off the motor housing. HEAVY. then clean it out and replace it. Tighten everything. Turn power on and test with only water running. NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE DISPOSAL WITH POWER CONNECTED.

Answer 4

Shut it off, put on a rubber glove and reach inside it to take out whatever you can. Then take the little wrench that came with it, poke it into the motor shaft at the bottom and twist until the wrench can go a full turn. remove the wrench. Then let water flow in and turn it on again. Repeat as needed. (If the motor had overheated on the first jam then press its reset button).

As the manufacturer says it the manual, never use chemicals like drano in it. they will corrode the innards and if you can't get everything going they will be in there as a dangerous mix to fly around when you turn it on.

Answer 5

Is the disposal stuck (won't turn) or is the drain plugged?
To unstick the disposal, you can use a broom handle to wedge between the blades and turn it counter clockwise. (Make sure you don't turn the disposal on while you do this).
If the drain is plugged, you'll probably have to take the drain pipe apart under the sink and snake out the drain.

Answer 6

Call the plumber. HaHa. My husband tried to unclog ours last summer. It was a total disaster.