If you’ve ever been faced with a sink full of dirty dishes and no dishwasher to clean them, you may have asked yourself this question. The answer is yes you can plunge a sink with garbage disposal. Plunging is one of the best ways to clear clogged garbage disposal.
In this article, we’ll explain the proper way to plunge a sink with a garbage disposal so you can get your kitchen back in working order.
What is garbage disposal and how does it work? A garbage disposal is an appliance that’s used to grind food waste into small pieces. It’s usually installed under the sink and connected to the plumbing system.
When you turn on the garbage disposal it will use a spinning blade to chop up food scraps so they can pass through the drain pipes without blocking them.
To plunge a sink with a garbage disposal you’ll need to remove the drain stopper and any debris from the sink. Then insert a plunger over the drain hole and plunge up and down vigorously several times. This will create a suction that can dislodge the blockage in the garbage disposal or pipes.
Once you’ve finished plunging turn on the water to see if the blockage has cleared. If it hasn’t, you’ll need to use a plumbing snake or other tool to remove the clog. If all else fails, you may need to call a licensed plumber for professional help. With that being said plunging your sink with garbage disposal is usually an easy and effective way to clear most clogs.
So, the next time you find yourself standing over a sink full of dishes and no dishwasher in sight, take a deep breath and give plunging a try. You may be surprised at how quickly it works!
Plunge Sink With Garbage Disposal
Yes, you can plunge into a sink with garbage disposal. Before plunging, make sure that the switch to turn on the garbage disposal is in the off position and remove any items from around the kitchen drain.
Then, place a plunger over the drain and push down then up several times until water begins to flow again. If this doesn’t work, you may need to check for a clog further down in the pipes. It is best to call a plumber for assistance if this happens.
In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the garbage disposal to access the clog and clear it manually. If that is the case, make sure to turn off the power to the unit and use protective clothing and equipment when doing so.
With proper care, you can easily plunge a sink with a garbage disposal in no time at all.
Methods To Unclog the Garbage Disposal?
If you find yourself with a clogged garbage disposal, several common household items can help which include:
- Boiling Water: Boiling water can help break up any food particles stuck in the garbage disposal. Pour a gallon of boiling water down the sink to allow it to reach the clog and break it up into smaller pieces.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Baking soda and vinegar can help break up grease clogs in the garbage disposal. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar down the sink. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before flushing the drain with hot water.
- Ice Cubes: Ice cubes can help break up stuck food particles and grease. Place a few ice cubes in the garbage disposal and turn them on until they are completely broken down.
- Metal Coat Hanger: If you’re dealing with a clog that is further down the pipes, a metal coat hanger may be your best bet. Unwind the coat hanger, shape it into a “U” shape, then feed it down the drain to break up any clogs.
- Plumber’s Snake: A plumber’s snake is a long flexible metal rod that can be used to unclog difficult clogs in pipes. Feed the snake down the kitchen drain until it reaches the clog and twists the snake to break up the blockage.
With these common household items, you should be able to unclog your garbage disposal in no time at all. If none of these methods work it may be time to contact a professional plumber for assistance.
FAQs – Unclog Garbage Disposal With Plunger?
Can you snake a sink with a garbage disposal?
Yes, you can snake a sink with garbage disposal. Make sure to turn off the power to the garbage disposal before attempting to snake it, and use protective clothing and equipment when doing so.
A plumber’s snake or a metal coat hanger are both effective tools for snaking a sink with the garbage disposal.
Do plumbers hate garbage disposals?
No, plumbers do not hate garbage disposals. They are quite helpful in preventing clogs and other plumbing problems.
Plumbers may recommend avoiding certain items such as coffee grounds or eggshells to prevent clogs but they are still valuable tools for reducing the risk of blockages.
Also Read: Garbage Disposal Smell Like a Dead Animal
Can garbage disposal clog both sinks?
Yes, a garbage disposal can clog both sinks if the pipes are connected. If this occurs you may need to unclog the line further down in the pipes.
If you cannot fix the clog yourself it is best to contact a professional plumber for assistance. Some of these clogs may be difficult to reach and require specialized tools that most people do not have at home.
Why did New York ban garbage disposals?
New York City passed a law in 1997 that banned all new residences from installing garbage disposals citing environmental concerns. The city believed that the waste produced by the disposals was polluting local waterways and harming marine life.
The law has since been amended to allow for certain types of food waste disposal systems but it still prohibits traditional garbage disposals.
Final Thought
Garbage disposals are a common fixture in American kitchens, but what many people don’t know is that they can be used to plunge sinks.
If you have a clogged sink and no plunger on hand, try using your garbage disposal instead. Put the stopper in the drain and fill the sink with water.
Turn on the disposal and push down on top of it with the plunger. The suction from the disposal should help to dislodge whatever is blocking your sink. I hope this was helpful and that you are now able to unclog your sink with ease.
