How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal with Standing Water

A clogged garbage disposal with standing water is one of the most frustrating problems that homeowners experience from time to time. In this article, we will discuss some of the ways to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water.

Use A Sink Plunger

One of the simplest ways to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water is by using a sink plunger. A plunger works its magic by exerting water pressure to push down the clog. The rubber cup forms a vacuum seal over the drain opening so that when you push the plunger up and down several times, the water pressure will remove the blockage.

To use a sink plunger, follow these simple steps.

• Disconnect power from the unit and position the plunger over the garbage disposal drain
• Push the plunger up and down at least 6 to 8 times. Do not lift the plunger off the drain so that you maintain a tight seal and generate a good amount of water pressure to clear the clog.
• Remove the sink plunger and wait to see if the standing water drains. If it drains, it is likely that you’ve successfully cleared the clog. If the water doesn’t drain after several attempts, try a different method.
• If the clog clears, run hot water down the garbage disposal to push any remaining debris down the drain.

Use A Drain Snake

If a sink plunger doesn’t work, try dislodging the clog using a drain snake. Also known as a hand auger, a drain snake is a long, flexible metal cable designed for removing clogs and obstructions from drains.

To use a drain snake to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water, follow these steps.

• Step 1: Shut off the power switch and unplug the garbage disposal.
• Step 2: Remove the standing water from the garbage disposal using a cup or bowl.
• Step 3: Slowly push the snake cable into the opening of the drain and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake to feed the snake further into the drain.
• Step 4: Keep feeding the snake into the drain until you feel some resistance—this is an indication that you’ve reached the clog.
• Step 5: Rotate the snake against the clog and push the tip of your snake into the obstruction. The clog might become tangled with the auger head, allowing you to pull it out, or it will break up and slide down the pipe.
• Step 6: Retract the drain snake and run water down the drain for several minutes to clear any remaining debris.

Remove The P-Trap

A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe found under sinks. A wide range of debris tends to accumulate in this curved piece of pipe. Place a bucket under the pipe so that the standing doesn’t spill on the floor. To remove the P-trap, unscrew the nuts on either end and remove it with a wrench. Dislodge any debris that may be causing a blockage and reconnect the P-trap.

Schedule Garbage Disposal Repair Service with Neighborhood Plumbing

Is your garbage disposal in disrepair and you are looking for an experienced plumber to perform repairs? Call Neighborhood Plumbing for reliable garbage disposal repair and replacement. Our plumbers in Franklin Park have many years of industry experience, so they’ve seen it all when it comes to garbage disposal issues.