Is your garbage disposal not draining properly? Standing water in the sink? Strange smells or grinding noises? If you’re dealing with a clogged garbage disposal, you’re not alone. A blocked or backed-up garbage disposal is one of the most common kitchen plumbing issues homeowners in Amarillo, Texas face.
Unclogging a garbage disposal can often be a simple DIY fix. But if the problem persists, knowing when to call in a professional can save you time, frustration, and potential damage to your plumbing system.
At Plumbing Amarillo, we’re here to walk you through the process and offer fast, affordable solutions if your food disposal is clogged, jammed, or leaking. Let’s get started.
Signs of a Clogged Garbage Disposal
How do you know if your garbage disposal is clogged? Here are clear signs:
- Water not draining or draining slowly from your sink
- A garbage disposal backing up into the sink
- Foul odors coming from the drain
- Disposal is humming or making strange noises but not grinding
- Standing water in the garbage disposal
- You flipped the switch, and the disposal stopped up immediately
These are all indicators of a clogged garbage disposal drain—and it’s time to act.
What Causes Garbage Disposal Clogs?
Before we dive into how to fix a clogged garbage disposal, it’s important to understand what causes the blockage. The most common reasons include:
1. Improper Food Waste
Certain items like eggshells in the garbage disposal, coffee grounds, potato peels, grease, bones, and starchy foods (like rice or pasta) should never go down your disposal. These materials are notorious for causing buildup and blockage.
2. Not Running Water
Running cold water while using your garbage disposal is essential. Without water, waste can’t flow freely, resulting in a clogged drain with garbage disposal.
3. Overloading the Unit
Dumping large amounts of food all at once can lead to a food disposal clog or even damage internal components.
4. Old or Faulty Equipment
Garbage disposals generally last 8–15 years. A worn-down or malfunctioning unit may cause frequent clogs and backups.
How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal: Step-by-Step
If you’re asking, “How do I unclog my garbage disposal?” — here’s a complete, step-by-step guide you can follow.
1. Turn Off the Power
Before doing anything, cut power to the garbage disposal at the breaker box. Safety first!
2. Check for Visible Obstructions
Shine a flashlight into the disposal. If you see any food scraps, utensils, or debris, use tongs or pliers to remove them. Never stick your hand inside!
3. Try the Reset Button
Locate the red reset button on the bottom of your unit. If your garbage disposal is not working but humming, this might do the trick.
4. Use a Plunger
Yes, you can plunge into a garbage disposal! Place a kitchen plunger over the drain opening, fill the sink with water to cover the seal, and plunge up and down several times. This can help clear clogged garbage disposal drain lines.
5. Break It Down Naturally
Pour ¼ cup of baking soda, followed by ½ cup of white vinegar, down the drain. Let it foam for 10 minutes. Then run hot water. This is a natural way to clean out a garbage disposal and dislodge soft blockages.
6. Remove the P-Trap
If your disposal won’t drain after trying everything above, place a bucket under the sink and unscrew the P-trap. Clean out any food clogs or debris and reassemble it.
7. Check the Trap Arm
Still no luck? Inspect the horizontal trap arm that connects to your wall pipe. A blockage here can stop your disposal from draining properly.
8. Use an Allen Wrench
Insert an Allen wrench into the flywheel socket under the disposal and rotate it to free any stuck impellers. This can fix a jammed disposal.
Can Drano Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal?
Avoid using harsh chemicals like Drano at your disposal—they can damage the blades, seals, and pipes. If you’re thinking “how to unclog a garbage disposal without taking it apart,” natural methods or professional help are safer and more effective.
When to Call a Plumber for Your Clogged Disposal
If you’ve tried all the above and still have:
- A garbage disposal is not draining but spinning
- A kitchen sink disposal clogged with standing water
- A garbage disposal is running but not draining
- Or the unit stopped altogether
…it’s time to contact a licensed professional.
PlumbingAmarillo.us Can Help Fix Your Garbage Disposal
At Plumbing Amarillo, we specialize in resolving kitchen sink clogs, garbage disposal repairs, and complete replacements. Whether your garbage disposal is backed up, blocked, jammed, or needs replacing, our skilled technicians are ready to provide:
- 24/7 Emergency Garbage Disposal Repair
- Clogged Garbage Disposal Drain Cleaning
- Food Disposal Unclogging
- Safe & Fast Garbage Disposal Replacement
- Insinkerator & Garburator Repair Services
Don’t risk damaging your plumbing with DIY mistakes. Let the pros at PlumbingAmarillo.us handle the dirty work for you.
Book Your Clogged Garbage Disposal Repair in Amarillo, TX
A stopped up garbage disposal doesn’t have to ruin your day. If you’re searching online for “how to fix a clogged garbage disposal” or “plumber near me for food disposal repair,” we’ve got you covered.
Call us today or schedule your appointment online with Plumbing Amarillo — the #1 trusted plumbing company serving Amarillo, Canyon, Bushland, and the greater Texas Panhandle.
👉 Fast Service | Licensed Experts | Affordable Pricing
FAQs – Clogged Garbage Disposals
Q: Can a garbage disposal get clogged easily?
Yes, especially if the wrong items are put into it or if water isn’t used properly during operation.
Q: Should you put eggshells down a garbage disposal?
No. Despite common myths, eggshells in the garbage disposal can contribute to clogs.
Q: What do I do if water isn’t draining from my disposal?
Start by turning off the power, checking for visible obstructions, using a plunger, or calling a plumber if needed.
Q: How can I prevent garbage disposal clogs?
Avoid putting grease, starchy foods, fibrous vegetables, or coffee grounds into your disposal. Always run cold water during and after use.