Is your garbage disposal backing up? It’s so frustrating when you have an appliance that is supposed to help get rid of food and waste, but instead it gives you problems. The garbage disposal works hard and it’s one of the most convenient appliances in your kitchen – until it stops working. Garbage disposals backing up are one of the most common plumbing issues many homeowners face. So what gives?
In this guide, we will share information for you to better understand the causes and solutions behind this issue. We cover the top reasons the garbage disposal might be backing up and what you might be able to do about it. Plus, we will share when it’s time to call the professionals. Keep reading to learn more!
What Happens When a Garbage Disposal Backs Up?
A garbage disposal backup might be something as minor as slow drainage or even just hearing gurgling sounds in the drain. However, it could lead to water sitting in the sink or even gunk and debris backing up into the sink. The issue is something blocking the flow, and it might in the garbage disposal hookups itself or it could be farther down the drain line.
When a backup occurs, you can experience any or all of these things:
- Foul odors
- Gurgling noises
- Slow draining
- Water sitting in the sink
- Water or waste coming back up into the sink, or even to the other side of a double sink
Understanding the cause or how bad the issue is can help determine the next step to fixing the problem. Let’s look at those top causes now.
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Food Waste Overload
A very common issue is simply that too much food waste is being put down the disposal at one time. In addition, it may be that the wrong kinds of foods are being placed in the garbage disposal. Any bulky waste can overrun the system and clog the blades or the pipes. Anything starchy or fibrous can cause similar issues. You should never put pasta, rice, grease, or fats down the garbage disposal or your drains.
Things like potato peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds are common culprits of garbage disposal backups, despite things you might have heard about them being good for a garbage disposal. We also recommend avoiding anything fibrous, like celery or corn husks.
Try running the disposal with cold water to see if you can break down the waste. You can use tongs or pliers to remove and dispose of any visible debris. Do not put your fingers down there. In addition, some homeowners find that flushing with boiling water can help with minor clogs.
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Clogged Drain Lines
It’s entirely possible that your issue has nothing to do with the garbage disposal and everything to do with a clog in your drain pipe. The disposal might be working just fine, but if it is connected to a drain pipe that is clogged, it’s going to back up on you.
For quick fixes or minor clogs, you can use a drain snake or an auger, or even try plunging the sink to see if that might release the clog. If these do not resolve your problem, go ahead and call the plumber.
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Improper Use or Installation
Are you using your sink drain and your garbage disposal properly? The truth is that many plumbing systems are not designed to handle high volumes of debris or waste, even after they’ve gone through the garbage disposal. You should only send small amounts at one time through the disposal. If you have multiple bends in your drain line, these are areas where the debris can get caught up and clog the line.
In addition, sometimes it’s just poor installation, such as an improper angle or loose connections. You can check for signs of these issues, but you will likely need to call a plumber.
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Jammed Blades
Have you ever turned on your garbage disposal and heard a loud, screeching noise? We’ve all accidentally put forks down the disposal without realizing it. When something hard, like a utensil, bone, or fruit pit gets down there it can get stuck in the blades and cause a jam.
To fix this, you need to turn off all power and unplug the garbage disposal. You might be able to dislodge the item with tongs or a tool. Otherwise, you will need a hex key to manually turn it from underneath and dislodge the item.
Preventing Future Backup Problems with Your Garbage Disposal Backing Up
There are steps you can take to help prevent more problems with your garbage disposal. Just being aware and proactive can go a long way to help avoid clogging the garbage disposal or the drain. These are some best practices to follow:
- Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal
- Cut up any large food scraps
- Never put oil, fat, or grease down the drain
- Clean the disposal regularly
- Limit starchy or fibrous foods in the disposal
These are best practices, but you also need to know when it’s time to call a plumbing service. While you might be able to handle minor issues or clogs with what you have at home, there are times you just need to call. If you’ve tried the basic fixes and they haven’t resolved your issue, call the plumber.
The professionals have training, tools, and expertise to figure out the problem and get it taken care of. Calling them is a far more effective approach when you can’t resolve it easily.
Garbage Disposal Backing Up? Call Stewart Plumbing Home Services
Garbage disposals are tough, but they still have limits. If you’re experiencing a backup issue or a clog that you can’t get resolved, give Stewart Plumbing a call. We will be there quickly to get it figured out and get you back to normal operations.
Contact us today for your garbage disposal needs.
