How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal in Detroit

A garbage disposal is a workhorse in the kitchen. But when it clogs, it can bring your sink — and your daily routine — to a halt. If you’re searching for how to fix a clogged garbage disposal, you’ve likely already tried flipping the switch only to hear a hum, smell something foul, or watch water back up into the sink. This guide will break down the right steps to fix a clog, when you can DIY, and when to call a professional.

Why Garbage Disposals Clog in the First Place

Clogs don’t just “happen.” They’re usually caused by one of these issues:

• Wrong food waste: Grease, fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks), pasta, rice, and potato peels expand or tangle inside the unit.
• Not enough water: Running the disposal without a strong water flow allows ground-up debris to stick and harden.
• Worn blades: Over time, blades dull, making it harder to grind food, which leaves larger chunks to clog the drain.
• Foreign objects: Silverware, bottle caps, or even glass sometimes slip in unnoticed.

Step 1: Safety First

Before touching anything:

• Turn off power. Flip the wall switch off. Better yet, shut off the breaker.
• Never reach in blindly. Even when off, blades are sharp.

Step 2: Reset the Disposal

Most garbage disposals have a red reset button underneath. Pressing it after a jam can sometimes bring it back to life if it overheated. If the disposal trips immediately again, the clog is still present.

Step 3: Use the Hex (Allen) Wrench

At the very bottom of the disposal, you’ll see a small hole for a hex wrench. Insert the wrench and work it back and forth to manually free the blades. If you feel resistance that won’t budge, there’s a hard clog inside.

Step 4: Check for Visible Obstructions

• Shine a flashlight into the disposal chamber.
• Use tongs or pliers (not your hands) to remove any visible debris.

If you see pasta, potato skins, or fibrous vegetables wound around the impellers, carefully extract them.

Step 5: Flush with Hot Water and Soap

After freeing the blades, plug the sink, fill it halfway with hot water, add dish soap, then unplug and let it flush through. The pressure helps wash debris deeper into the drain line.

Step 6: Baking Soda and Vinegar Rinse

For minor buildup, a natural cleaning solution can help:

• Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain.
• Add 1 cup vinegar and let it fizz for 10 minutes.
• Flush with hot water.

This doesn’t clear major clogs but reduces grease buildup and odors.

Step 7: When the Problem Isn’t in the Disposal

If you’ve cleared the chamber but water still won’t drain, the clog is likely in the drain line or P-trap. At this point:

1. Place a bucket under the sink trap.
2. Loosen the slip nuts and remove the trap.
3. Clear any debris manually or with a small auger.
4. Reassemble, check for leaks, then flush with water.

When You Should Call a Professional

DIY has limits. Call a pro if:

• You’ve reset and manually freed the blades but the disposal still hums.
• There’s a foul odor that won’t go away.
• The clog is in the main drain line, not the trap.
• Your disposal leaks from the bottom (seal failure = replacement needed).
• You’re uncomfortable disconnecting plumbing.

A pro can use a camera inspection or auger to clear deeper clogs without damaging your pipes.

Cost of Garbage Disposal Repair in Detroit

Expect to pay:

• Clog clearing: $100–$175 on average.
• Disposal replacement: $200–$450 installed, depending on brand.
• Deep drain clearing (beyond disposal): $150–$300.

While you can spend $50 on DIY kits, if the problem is deeper, you risk damaging pipes or burning out the motor. Professional service usually pays for itself.

How to Prevent Future Garbage Disposal Clogs

• Run cold water before, during, and after use. Cold water solidifies grease so blades grind it up, instead of letting it coat pipes.
• Feed slowly. Don’t dump large amounts of food at once.
• Avoid problem items: grease, oil, fibrous vegetables, bones, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
• Clean monthly: Run ice cubes with rock salt through the disposal to sharpen blades. Add lemon peels for freshness.