The holidays are a time for family gatherings, delicious meals, and festive celebrations, but they’re also a time when your kitchen works overtime. Unfortunately, this can lead to one of the most common holiday headaches: a clogged garbage disposal. If you’re dealing with standing water and a backed-up disposal, don’t panic!
Here’s a detailed guide on how to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water so you can get back to enjoying your holiday festivities.
Understanding the Cause of a Clogged Garbage Disposal
Learning how to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water starts with understanding what caused the clog in the first place. A garbage disposal typically clogs due to the buildup of food scraps, grease, or other debris that didn’t break down properly. This situation is especially common during the holiday season, when heavier kitchen use and large amounts of food waste make clogs more likely. Knowing what caused the clog can help you choose the best method to clear it.
Common Causes of Holiday Clogs
Large amounts of food scraps—especially starchy foods like potatoes and pasta—are a major culprit. Starchy foods tend to create a paste-like substance that can quickly block your disposal’s pipes. Grease or oil is another common cause; when poured down the drain, it solidifies, creating a sticky blockage. Even non-food items, like bones or small pieces of plastic from holiday meal prep, can accidentally find their way into the disposal and cause a clog. This season, learning how to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water can help you avoid long-lasting issues from these common causes.
Safety First: Preparing to Clear the Clog
When it comes to figuring out how to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water, safety should always come first. Start by disconnecting the power to the garbage disposal to ensure there’s no risk of accidental activation while you’re working. You can unplug it directly from the outlet or switch off the circuit breaker. Before starting, gather a few basic tools that will help you tackle the clog: a plunger, flashlight, bucket, wrench, and possibly some baking soda and vinegar.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unclogging the Disposal
Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water, including detailed steps that will safely and effectively get the disposal working again.
Step 1: Remove Any Visible Debris
Look down into the disposal using a flashlight and see if there are any large, visible obstructions. Use tongs or a gloved hand to remove items that might be clogging the disposal. Avoid reaching into the disposal with your bare hand since the blades, even when stationary, can still pose a hazard.
Step 2: Try a Plunger Technique
Using a sink plunger can be a simple yet effective way to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water. Place the plunger over the drain and create a seal. With slow, steady pressure, plunge to try and dislodge any minor blockages that may be causing the water to back up.
Step 3: Use the Reset Button and Test the Disposal
If using a plunger doesn’t work, locate the small, red reset button on the underside of your garbage disposal. This button is designed to reset the motor after a jam. Press it, turn the power back on, and test the disposal. If it works and the water starts to drain, you may have resolved the issue.
Step 4: Manually Turn the Disposal’s Blades
If the clog remains, you can try manually turning the disposal’s blades using an Allen wrench. Insert the wrench into the hex slot located on the underside of the disposal, and turn it back and forth to help break up the blockage. This can be one of the most effective methods to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water, as it allows you to dislodge any materials causing the obstruction.
Using Baking Soda and Vinegar to Dissolve Clogs
One of the safest and most eco-friendly solutions when learning how to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water is to use baking soda and vinegar. This combination works well for clogs caused by grease or food residue.
Start by pouring about a half-cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, add a half-cup of vinegar and allow the mixture to fizz and bubble for about 15-20 minutes. This chemical reaction helps break down minor clogs, and once the time has passed, you can flush out the debris by running hot water down the drain. This solution is gentle yet effective, making it ideal for unclogging garbage disposals without harsh chemicals.
Preventing Future Clogs During the Holidays
Once you’ve successfully figured out how to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water, it’s wise to take steps to prevent future clogs—especially during the holiday season. Following a few simple guidelines can help ensure your garbage disposal remains in top shape.
Avoid disposing of starchy foods, fibrous vegetables (like celery or corn husks), or grease down the disposal, as these items are common causes of clogs. Always run the disposal with cold water before and after use to help flush out any remaining residue, and consider cutting waste into smaller pieces to ensure easier disposal. Regular maintenance and mindful usage can make a big difference in keeping your garbage disposal clog-free.
Conclusion
Learning how to unclog a garbage disposal with standing water is a valuable skill, especially during the holidays when your kitchen is busier than usual. By following the steps above, you can clear a clog safely and efficiently. However, if you’ve followed all of these steps and your garbage disposal still isn’t draining, it might be time to call in a professional. Persistent clogs could indicate a deeper issue, and a professional inspection can ensure your disposal and other kitchen systems are ready for the demands of the holiday season.
This holiday season, don’t let clogged drains and backed-up garbage disposals add stress to your celebrations. Contact us today for a home inspection to ensure everything in your kitchen—and your home—is in perfect working order. From disposal maintenance to full kitchen inspections, we’re here to help make your holidays run smoothly.