how do i clear a sink disposal that's clogged with coffee grinds?

Question

My messy roommate dumped coffee grinds into my sink and now the water won't drain. "Grinding" the grinds didn't work, the motor just started overheating. Damn you, Sally.

Answer 1

Call a plumber. About $75/hour. I clogged mine up a few years ago with leftover turkey. I tried using a plunger on it which just got it more stuck. Then when the plumber got there, he had to replace a lot of pipes underneath. Cost me about 3 times as much ($165 if I remember correctly).

Answer 2

suck them out with a shop vac. then take apart the drain pipe on the back of the disposal, the u shaped one will come out when you undo the two nuts that hold it in. now put a bucket under the pipe and run some water through the disposer. then clean the u pipe out, next, put it back together the opposite of how it came apart. if it wasn't clogged further down the pipes you'll be all set. good luck, and get a new roommate!!

Answer 3

Remove the whole disposal, and install a strainer, just like the other side of the sink. It will eliminate the possibility of anyone putting the wrong things down your drain. The strainer will catch any debris, and can be emptied in the trash.