How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal

If the drain has backed up, the first thing you need to do is get that nasty water out of there. Your best bet for this job is an ordinary toilet plunger - though, since this is your kitchen sink, it is probably best if you take a trip to the hardware store and get yourself a brand new one to dedicate to this purpose now and in the future. Use it just as you would on the toilet - place the plunger over the drain and use the handle to pump air in and out until the water begins to drain. Depending on the source of the clog, this can take quite a bit of effort, but is usually effective in the end, so keep going for at least 20 - 30 minutes before you decide to throw in the towel.

The very next step is to cut the power to the unit. Don't just turn off the power switch on the wall, but turn off the circuit breaker. Once the power is off, you will need a powerful flashlight and a long, flathead screwdriver, a hammer, and some rubber gloves. While wearing the gloves, press the rubber gasket out of your way so that, with the aid of the flashlight, you can see into the grinding mechanism of the disposal.

Use the tip of the screwdriver to experimentally try to rotate one blade and then the other. Generally a blade will not move easily, and this is the source of your trouble. Often items like potato skins get lodged under the blades instead of disposing properly or sometimes small items like corn cob holders or other little metal or plastic bits can wind up in the blades. If the blade is very hard to move, try pressing the tip of the screwdriver against it and tapping the handle of the screwdriver with the hammer to dislodge it. If you can get the resistant blades to move, you can usually find the source of your problem and remove it with your hand or the screwdriver.

Once you've found the source of the clog and taken care of it, restore the power, turn on a slow stream of water (don't run it dry!) and test the disposal. If it is working properly, pour ¼ cup each of baking soda and vinegar to clean any remaining debris out - do this once a week to maintain a clear drain.