how do declog a garbage disposal?

Question

as of now the little motor stopped running. I could hear the noise even if it was not doing the job.

Answer 1

I agree you should not stick your hand in it, but maybe a broom handle can get it to turn, I had one where a piece of bone would make it stop once in a while, I would turn off the power, put the wooden broom handle in there and make it turn, and then tried it again and it worked (until the next piece of bone jammed it). Again, do not put you hand in it.

Answer 2

If you keep running the motor you'll burn it up. You need to disconnect the unit from the plumbing (turn off water at the shut off valves first) then clean open it and clean the clogs out. That's what a plumber would do. It's messy but a lot cheaper than paying a plumber. I've done it a number of times (darn roomates used to put all kinds of stuff down there). Another method is to use a broom handle to try and free the spinning part. That sometimes works for small things that catch the spinner.

Answer 3

On the bottom of the disposal there is a red re set button press that. If that does not work you may need to open the drain plug in the bottom of the U shaped pipe and flush it out with a garden hose if you can get a garden hose use a wire hanger and pull the muck out. manytime people tend to putt a load of pasta or potatoes down there and the disposals have a hard time dealing with them. Once you re set and clear the disposals U bend drain plug you should be good to go. One other thing you may have a peice of silver wear or even small plastic in there and this will stop the blades from spining. Ensure you check that out too.

Answer 4

You will notice that (usually) on the bottom of the garbage disposal there will be a slot for a hex wrench. You need to get a hex wrench to fit it at the hardware store or appliance store. Insert the wrench and turn it. This should unclog the garbage disposal.

Answer 5

I use a wooden spoon handle, if that won't turn it, use the Allen wrench to turn the slot on the bottom. Also spray a little cooking oil into the disposal, let it absorb and turn it on, sometimes they rust a little.

Answer 6

Try hitting the reset button. If that doesn't work, either call the plumber or take it apart yourself. It's really not that difficult. Just make sure you turn the water off first.

Answer 7

Sounds like you need to call a plumber. DO NOT STICK YOUR HAND DOWN THERE YOURSELF!!!!