Disposals

Blocked garbage disposals and sink drains are common especially around holidays and these blockages are mostly preventable. Most people know not to pour grease down the drain but things like egg shells, nut shells, coleslaw, pumpkin seeds and other dense items can block the drain up quickly. These items tend to collect in the p-trap rather than wash away. Always flush plenty of water through the disposal after you use it. When needed throw some ice and a small amount of lemon or orange peel in the disposal to deal with odors. If your disposal has stopped running try pushing in the red breaker switch at the base of the disposal and switching on the disposal again. If it is humming but not turning, switch it off and use the hexagonal key that came with the disposer to try to turn it and dislodge the blockage. The key fits in an hexagonal hole in the middle of the base of the disposal. If this doesn't work the motor may be burned out. Switch it off and call your plumber.