How to Maintain a Garbage Disposal

Featured Pro: Eric Stromer
Category: Home Improvement
Time: 1:22


ERIC STROMER: Hey, I’m Eric Stromer. Here’s your GMC Trade Secret.

Garbage disposal jams are never fun. And why spend all that hard-earned money on a plumber when you can do it yourself? I’ll show you how.

First of all, cut off the power to the disposal. Now, most waste disposals come with an Allen wrench that will easily free up a jam. Reach under the disposal and insert the wrench into the center of the bottom of the unit. Turn the wrench back and forth until it moves freely in a full rotation. With the power off, you can check to see what else might be causing the jam.

Next, restore power, turn on the water, and test the disposal. If it’s still jammed, repeat the previous steps.

Now, if you don’t have access to a garbage disposal wrench, you also might want to try using the end of a broom handle. You can go ahead and put that right in the disposal and then move it back and forth, trying to dislodge whatever may be keeping the unit from operating successfully.

Now, to maintain the disposal, you can try dumping a tray of ice along with some cut-up lemons or oranges to help keep the blades clean and fresh and sharp. When running the disposal, use cold water. It’ll help solidify the grease and prevent the pipes from clogging. Never pour bleach, drain cleaners or other chemicals into the disposal. It’ll damage the unit and harm the environment.

Next time you’re in disposal jams, try these GMC Trade Secrets. I’m Eric Stromer.