Why Your Garbage Disposal Keeps Jamming (And How to Fix It)

Common Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Keeps Jamming

1. Vegetable Fibers: One of the most common reasons that your garbage disposal keeps jamming is that the strands in the fibers unravel and wrap around the base of the impellers. At first, you might notice the motor slowing down, but over time, the tension increases to a point where the disposal won’t work anymore.
2. Starchy Foods: When starch reacts with water, it can quickly expand and turn into a paste-like structure. If you put large amounts of paste, rice, or even potatoes down the garbage disposal, it can swell inside and act like a glue to the disposal.
3. Hard Materials: One of the most obvious reasons your garbage disposal keeps getting jammed is that hard materials like bones, seafood shells, or fruit pits are too dense for the disposal to handle, which creates a tension in the system. The blades hitting these materials can break the mechanism and lead to leaks under the sink. Call a plumber in Killen, TX today to learn more.
4. Hot Water: A common misconception people have is that using hot water is best for your plumbing system. While it is true that hot water is better for sanitizing dishes and surfaces, it usually has a bad impact on the plumbing system. Hot water liquefies any fats on foods, which allows them to easily pass through the disposal. However, when the water cools, the grease quickly solidifies and slowly forms clogs deep in the plumbing system.

Safe Ways to Unjam the Disposal Yourself

There are many reasons for a garbage disposal jam. Trying to resolve these problems by yourself can be dangerous, so please contact an experienced plumber to help you do this. However, if you do want to know the safe ways to unjam the disposal yourself, please follow these instructions clearly:

1. The most important step in this process is to turn off the power switch. Once the power switch is off, press the reset button located at the bottom of the unit.
2. Once it is off, use the Allen wrench that comes with most units and insert it into the hex slot underneath. Turn the wrench back and forth to free the stuck flywheel. You should now have access to the chamber.
3. Look inside the chamber and try removing all the visible debris. When everything is clear, set it back up and turn the power back on. Run water and test the unit.
4. If the system still seems to be jammed or not working, please call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get your garbage disposal replacement today.

Need Help With Your Garbage Disposal? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today

Whether your home garbage disposal isn’t working at its best or you need to install a garbage disposal for the first time, you’re in the right place. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we are here to help with all your plumbing problems. With our experienced staff and quality services, plumbing services are no longer worrisome. Call us today to learn more about us and our services.