The waste disposer can easily become clogged with food, especially if not enough water is used to drain. You can remove a small blockage yourself; nevertheless, it will be useful to read the instructions for the waste disposal unit beforehand. Also read our article to learn how to clean the disposal unit.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Part One: Determine the cause of the blockage
Step 1. Determine the cause of the blockage
Use a flashlight to inspect the drain. Actions to eliminate it depend on the type of interference.
- If you suspect that the drain is not clogged with food, but something else, keep the water out and try to unclog the drain using the same methods as if it was clogged with food. If a valuable item, such as a ring, is stuck there, you can immediately call a plumber, this will increase the chances of getting it.
- If the drain has been clogged for a long enough time, it is most likely that the cause is too much food waste and not enough water. You will most likely find it easier to crush the obstruction and push it inward rather than pull it out.
Step 2. Do not pour chemicals into a waste disposer
Cleaning the sink is different from cleaning the recyclers, as chemicals can destroy the plastic parts of the recyclers.
Step 3. Disconnect the heat exchanger from the energy source
First, do it with a switch. Then disconnect the heat exchanger from the power source in case the switch is faulty.
Method 2 of 4: Part Two: Cleaning with Tongs
Step 1. Take long-handled tongs or pliers
Insert a pair of tongs into the hole of the recycler next to the blades.
Never put your hands in the waste heat exchanger. There are sharp blades, and they are easy to cut with them even when the engine is off
Step 2. Try to pull out the item with pliers or tongs if it is the one that clogs the drain
Step 3. Wait 15 minutes
During this time, the motor will cool down if it was previously difficult for it to work due to interference.
Step 4. Connect the heat exchanger to the power supply
Drain a small amount of water through it, then run the water if you are sure that the obstacle has been removed.
Method 3 of 4: Part Three: Cleaning with a Wrench
Step 1. Look for the wrench that goes into the hole of the heat recovery unit
Many recyclers can be cleaned with a wrench.
Use a wooden pin or wooden spoon if you don't have one
Step 2. Insert a key or wooden pin between the blades where you think the obstruction is
The blades are called "impeller"
Step 3. Move the pin back and forth trying to loosen the obstacle
Step 4. Use tongs to pull out large items
Step 5. Rotate the impeller
If it moves freely, then the obstacle has been removed.
Step 6. Wait 15 minutes if the engine has been running recently
Step 7. Connect the heat exchanger to the power source and turn on the water to wash out the eliminated interference
Method 4 of 4: Part Four: Caring for a Waste Disposal
Step 1. Avoid getting large or hard objects into the disposer
Never throw bones, metal or plastic objects there.
Step 2. Run cold water into the disposal unit not only during the grinding of the waste, but also for at least 30 seconds after it has finished grinding it
