To fix a clogged or jammed garbage disposal:

  • Turn the garbage disposal off.
  • Insert the correct size hex or Allen wrench in the six sided hole in the bottom of the garbage disposer motor.
  • Move the wrench back and forth to dislodge whatever it is that’s clogging it.

Note: This tip is not recommended for porcelain sinks. 

To clean a kitchen garbage disposal:

  • Pour a small amount of baking soda in the garbage disposal.
  • Pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the disposal on top of the baking soda.
  • Allow the mixture to work for a few minutes.
  • Pour boiling water in the garbage disposal.
  • Allow the hot water to remain in the disposal for a few minutes.
  • Turn the garbage disposal on, and flush it out with water from the sink faucet.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Danny Lipford: Rebecca asks, “If my garbage disposal is stuck, is it time to buy a new one?”

If your garbage disposal sounds like this, well, turn it off. Because it’s in a bind, and if you leave it that way, it’ll end up tripping the reset button on the bottom of the disposal or even a circuit breaker in your home.

But to dislodge whatever’s causing it to be in a bind you can use the hex wrench that came with the garbage disposal. I know most people lose them, that’s okay. Grab your set of Allen wrenches, get the right size, insert it into the recess hole right in the bottom of the disposal, and turn it left and right until you dislodge whatever caused it to get into a bind.

Then a little extreme cleaning may be good. Put a little baking soda in, a half a cup of vinegar; and then, after about five minutes, boiling water. That should help clean it, and keep it from being a problem in the future.


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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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