Garbage Disposal jams

[RMarkland]

Perhaps someone has the solution to this problem. We have lived in both the Lantana and Iris model homes. Those models (and I am sure others) have a connection from the disposal to the main drain that frequently clogs. While I am becoming quite proficient with the disassembly and reassembly of the plastic piping to clean out the jam there must be a better solution. The connector to the main drain has a "deflector" which directs the flow downward, and also causes the problem since it minimizes the pipe size. Does any one have a solution?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I guess the answer to your question depends on what you're trying to grind in the disposal. If you're trying to grind up anything on the "don't do that" list, then - don't do that.

If it's anything else, a talk with the plumber might be in order. If it's a new home, you have a new home warranty and can call it in for this.

[retiredguy123]

I have never had a problem with the deflector. I assume you have unclogged the disposal using the disposal wrench and pressed the reset button. I would try filling the sink with hot water and running the disposal. Also, never run the disposal without running the water at the same time. Another thing to check would be the "automatic vent" if you have one. It is a pipe that connects above the trap and terminates just below the underside of the countertop. You can remove it and make sure that it is providing proper venting.

[Chatbrat]

Jammed means its frozen, clogged means water is backing up--make sure of what you're putting in the disposal,

we got rid of the builders line disposal--put in a 3 stage 1 hp insinkerator, its been problem free grinds up everything, super fine

[papasetti82]

Perhaps someone has the solution to this problem. We have lived in both the Lantana and Iris model homes. Those models (and I am sure others) have a connection from the disposal to the main drain that frequently clogs. While I am becoming quite proficient with the disassembly and reassembly of the plastic piping to clean out the jam there must be a better solution. The connector to the main drain has a "deflector" which directs the flow downward, and also causes the problem since it minimizes the pipe size. Does any one have a solution?

Plumbers call Disposals "A plumbers best friend"

[Velvet]

Love garbage disposals but afraid to use it since the brussel sprouts spilled and jammed it up. Just before I had to catch my flight. I will get a stronger unit, that “micro shreds” stuff before I am comfortable using it. Any suggestions for a higher quality disposal?

[Chatbrat]

Insinkerator Evolution, 1 HP 3 stage--simply the best

[Velvet]

Insinkerator Evolution, 1 HP 3 stage--simply the best

Sounds good. I will look for one.

[JoelJohnson]

If it gets stuck, like it won't move, besure the switch is off (or unplug it if you are not sure) use two short wooden broom handles and used to turn the jam.

[Chatbrat]

Wrong there is an offset allen style wrench that will fit on the base of the rotor, insert and try to free it--mack sure the switch is off, no need for Broom Handles with the proper tool-WOW

[Shimpy]

I guess the answer to your question depends on what you're trying to grind in the disposal. If you're trying to grind up anything on the "don't do that" list, then - don't do that.


Friend of mine who is a master plumber told me years ago that the best advice he could give me is "don't use it"

[Velvet]

That’s why I want the industrial strength one. Because I would like to use it. Sounds like so would the OP.

[Mmarr]

Do not use the GD .. often..some items are naturally cloggers..make sure your running hot water through at the end.. lemons or orange rinds with ice cubes to freshen and sharpen blades..
Heavy items use a garbage bag.

[sdeikenberry]

For years, in several homes, I've removed the diverter piece of pipe, and replaced it with a straight piece without the diverter. Long time ago I discovered the diverter actually creates less pipe space for ground up stuff to exit the disposal unit. The function of the diverter is to potentially keep ground stuff from coming up into the other sink. However, I've never, repeat never, had a problem with food coming back into the other sink, even though I've removed the diverter.

[lseymour66]

If it is jammed, use the hex wrench as previous folks have said. If just clogged, you do not have to disassemble . run water to fill up the disposal and simply use a regular plumbers plunger. I have one with a short handle under the sink for just this purpose. Works every tiime.

[dmarti1973]

Our disposal and drain have never clogged in all the years we have been here. Could it be that you are putting things down the disposal/drain that most likely should be disposed of some other way? We have an Iris too!

[caljeff]

Insinkerator Evolution, 1 HP 3 stage--simply the best

I second that response. Our original disposal became mechanically inoperative. I did a bit of research and determined that the Evolution was best for us.

[hacker5539]

I have had your problem on two homes in The Villages. In both cases I have had a plumber reroute the drain pipe from the garbage disposal. It was changed to drain directly into what I guess is a 1 1/2" line instead of connecting horizontally into the drain line from the other sink. Before this change water frequently came up so high from the sink next to the one with the garbage disposal that it could hit you in the face. (FYI with my first house, a plumber from the company that did the plumbing when the house was built said they connect the way they do so the owner could pay them to do it correctly. I had that one fixed for free!)

[greenflash245]

builders typically don't include the best equipment. myself, I'd get a higher quality replacement and avoid repeated problems.

[Chatbrat]

If you have an Insinkerator Badger, the install of the evolution is very easy, save the power cord from the Badger, remove the twist off locking ring from the badger , after removing the plumbing--once the badger is out--the new evolution will fit in the same spot--install the power cord

The hardest part is lifting the evolution up ,I had to jack it up with some wood scraps

[EdFNJ]

First "appliance" thing we did when we moved in was replace the $69 disposal that was here and wouldn't even grind my fingers when I stuck them in with a heavy duty Insinkerator. Forgot the model but it even grinds my fingernails to dust perfectly. Plus the original one sounded like a freight train running through the kitchen the new one is soooo quiet.

[EdFNJ]

If you have an Insinkerator Badger, the install of the evolution is very easy, save the power cord from the Badger, remove the twist off locking ring from the badger , after removing the plumbing--once the badger is out--the new evolution will fit in the same spot--install the power cord

The hardest part is lifting the evolution up ,I had to jack it up with some wood scraps


LOL, up north I used a floor jack and a book to lift the one we had there when we replaced the old one to hold it in place to twist it on. The thing must have weighted 30lbs. Gave us 14 years of good service. Wanted to take it with me when we moved down here. It would even grind stainless steel to dust. We always wondered where the missing soup spoons went. :D

[rjm1cc]

Did not read all the replies. I have use a "toilet" plunger and also use my garden hose. I would try the hose first. It puts more pressure than just running the water. I also will file both sinks with water before starting either of the above solutions. Helps rinse the stuff down the pipe.
Potato skins and coffee grounds were my problem so they go into the trash.
Never had to take the pipes apart to clean.
I also run the disposal when I am doing the above.

[BobnBev]

Ice cubes once a week, with no water, works for me. Keeps my GD nice and clean.

[jswirs]

Friend of mine who is a master plumber told me years ago that the best advice he could give me is "don't use it"
EXACTLY RIGHT! I use mine for thick liquids only, or very small shreds of vegetables. Anything else goes into the trash, or maybe into a plastic bag, then into the trash. Many folks think the disposal can grind up bulk material. I don't care how powerful the disposal is, that bulk material will eventually build up and get caught somewhere down the line.

[EdFNJ]

Friend of mine who is a master plumber told me years ago that the best advice he could give me is "don't use it" Well, his advice should have been "GET A GOOD ONE" not one of those $59 lightweight models. :)

EXACTLY RIGHT! I use mine for thick liquids only, or very small shreds of vegetables.


Been "disposing" for probably 25 years and have thrown everything "legal" at ithem and NEVER had a jam (other than from a bundle of stainless steel spoons). Unless you have one of those "bargain" models you are being overly cautious. Like anything else, there are cheaper much less powerful models that won't dispose a tomato and expensive top of the line high power heavy duty models that will eat up a whole chicken including bones like Larry The Crocodile would have done for lunch :D

[Chatbrat]

Spare rib bones , chicken bones, lamb chop bones -Nooo Problem

[Curtisbwp]

Just understand what it is that is clogging the drain and do not put that type of garbage in the disposal. I have learned that 'egg shells' seem to clog the line so I do not put egg shells in the disposal.

[sipops]

Have you ever dumped plenty of ice in it. A plumber told us it sharpens the blades. I just empty the ice catcher in the freezer into it and run it. I also run the water at the same time.