Garbage disposal clogs can occur for several reasons, but they’re often caused by ground-up food waste reacting to water – or lack of water - in the drain line. Clogged disposals typically come about as a result of putting the wrong types of foods in, not using enough water to flush the waste down, or from a buildup of substances over time.

A slow draining disposal is the most common sign of a clog, and these clogs often form in the P-trap of the drain (the U-shaped fitting below the disposal discharge pipe).

Certain types of foods have a particularly bad rep for causing clogs in garbage disposal units. But what foods should you avoid putting in a garbage disposal? Here are some of the top culinary culprits for clogs:

1. EGGSHELLS: Eggshells create tiny granular waste that may stick to sludge in the pipe and create garbage disposal clogs.
2. COFFEE GROUNDS: Like eggshells, coffee grounds create granular waste. It might be better to dispose of grounds after having your morning coffee - that way you’ll be alert enough to remember to put them in the trash!
3. RICE, PASTA, AND OTHER EXPANDING FOODS: Rice, pasta, and bread are all troublemakers. They can continue to expand in the drain and leave a starchy residue, which can lead to problems. Throw them in the trash instead of the drain, and you should be in the clear.
4. STRINGY VEGGIES: Think pumpkin, celery, corn husks, and even some types of lettuce. The stringy parts can wrap themselves around the blades and become entangled in a stringy mess that causes resistance.
5. POTATO OR BANANA PEELS: Potato and banana peels are notorious clog makers. Once ground up, they form a starchy paste that can form a clog in the garbage disposal drain.
6. COOKING GREASE AND OIL: Just like you’re not supposed to have too much grease and oil in your diet, you shouldn’t have too much of it in your drains. It sticks to drainpipes and hardens, creating a backed up garbage disposal by preventing water from flowing freely. Rather than pouring oils into the drain, pour them into sealable containers, and throw the sealed containers in the trash.

Unclogging a garbage disposal is usually a pretty easy fix, even if you’re not confident with DIY. Some food disposal clogs are more stubborn than others, but generally you can unclog a garbage disposal in a few simple steps. Here’s how to clear a garbage disposal clog:

1. First, turn off and unplug the garbage disposal. You should never attempt to fix a garbage disposal clog when the power is on.
2. Look inside the disposal using a flashlight. If there is a visible object or clog, use a tool such as a pair of pliers or tongs to carefully fish out the debris.
3. Next, plug in the disposal and turn it on to see if it works properly. You may need to press the reset button. If the disposal works and the water is draining, great! If not, there’s a chance that the clog is further down the pipe, so you’ll need to move onto Step 3.
4. Turn off and unplug the disposal again. Place a plunger over the garbage disposal drain opening. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the lip of the plunger, then push the plunger up and down for about a minute. Check the function of the disposal. If it works – well done! If not, you know the drill… next step…

5. Now it’s time to try a natural remedy to banish the clog. Using baking soda and vinegar to unclog a garbage disposal is easy. All you need to do is pour ½ cup of baking soda into the unplugged disposal, then follow with ½ cup of white vinegar. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, then turn the disposal on again and run water through the disposal for another couple of minutes. Test the function of the garbage disposal. With any luck, you’ll have cleared that clog!

6. You can also use Drano^® products to bust through clogs in a garbage disposal drain. We recommend Drano^® Kitchen Gel for garbage disposals with standing water, or Drano^® Dual-Force Foamer Clog Remover to dissolve through grime lining the pipe. Both products are safe to use in kitchen pipes and are effective to clear a garbage disposal clog. Before using any Drano^® product, read all package instructions and safety warnings.
7. Finally, for the more DIY-savvy; another option is to remove the P-trap and snake the drain to fish out a deep or stubborn clog. You can find a step-by-step guide on how to snake a drain in our How to Unclog Any Drain article. This method is more advanced than the steps above, so if you don’t feel confident in attempting it, it’s definitely better to call a plumber.

If none of these DIY methods for a clogged food disposal work, or if you are experiencing regular issues with your disposal, please don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Sometimes only an expert can identify and repair the problem, it’s not a reflection of your DIY abilities!

Now you know how to unblock your garbage disposal, but you can save yourself a lot of time and effort by knowing how to prevent the clogs from forming in the first place. Below are tips for how to avoid garbage disposal blockages:

• Familiarize yourself with your garbage disposal capabilities. Read the instruction manual carefully to get a better idea of how to look after your garbage disposal, plus what you should and shouldn’t be putting in there.
• Regularly flush the disposal with plenty of cold water when it is running and for 10 seconds after turning it off. This will ensure that any ground food particles are washed out of the disposal and help prevent blockages in the drainpipe. Do not use hot water however, as this can react with oils and fats to form clogs.
• Avoid putting the wrong foods in the garbage disposal. Be especially careful not to fill your disposal with the harmful food waste mentioned above, including eggshells, coffee granules, starchy foods, stringy vegetables, fruit or vegetable peels, and fats and oils. You should also be cautious about tougher food waste including avocado pits, corn cobs, fish bones, and chicken bones.
• Use Drano^® Foaming Disposal Strips. They freshen your garbage disposal with a clean citrus scent and foaming action.This will help keep the disposal smelling fresher.
• Use Drano^® Max Build-Up Remover on a monthly basis. This product is great for maintaining the function of most household drains and is safe to use on garbage disposals. Using this product once a month, as directed, will help to prevent a clogged garbage disposal and ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible.

Explore more everyday clog busting tips on our Clog Basics blog page. Browse the full Drano^® product range to find out how our products can help you.