That clog that has your name on it

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Published Date 9/21/2023

Sometimes being a homeowner can make you determined to learn — to learn how to DIY in a world that screams “Hire a handyman.” The secret sauce in all this is YouTube, where video upon video proves that if someone else can repair something, you can too.

But what about a kitchen sink that refuses to drain? Before you begin sifting through the Craigslist services listings to deal with the mess of a clogged garbage disposal, you should know this fix doesn’t come cheap. According to Realtor.com’s Tara Mastroeni, estimates for the average cost to have a plumber repair your garbage disposal is $238. But if you’re willing to get your hands dirty, this is a repair you can do on your own.

First, you’ll need a flashlight, some tongs, an Allen wrench, towels you’re not attached to, a bucket, and some adjustable pliers. Now. Make sure to turn OFF the garbage disposal—by either unplugging it under the sink or shutting off the associated breaker. Use a flashlight to determine if you can see the clogged object from above the sink.

Never stick your hand inside a disposal, even if your slender hand fits. NEVER EVER. OK? Mastroeni is obviously adamant about that.

Can’t see it? If the object is too small to be seen or grabbed by tongs, locate the hole on the bottom of your disposal unit, under the sink. It’s meant to help clear jams from the motor (bet you didn’t know this until now). Insert an Allen wrench into the hole, and twist it back and forth. Continue until you can feel that the motor can spin freely — without any resistance.

Now press the small red button on the bottom of the disposal unit to reset the motor. Plug the disposal back in and try to run it. Good to go? No? Okay. Let’s take three steps back and punt. “If the disposal is still not working, the clog is likely stuck in the sink piping that connects to the disposal,” says Mastroeni. “You’ll need to disconnect the pipes in order to remove the clog, which is a messy job.”

Still willing? Unplug the garbage disposal again. Prepare your workspace by laying down towels to protect the cabinet. Have a large bucket on hand to catch the mess. Now use your hands or an adjustable wrench to loosen the pipes connected to the garbage disposal at their joints. While you may not be completely sure where the clog is, keep in mind that it is most likely to occur in places where the pipes bend or turn. Once that’s done, allow the pipe to drain and then use your hands to remove the clogged material from the pipe. If you’re really fastidious, you can completely disconnect the clogged section of piping in order to wash it out in another sink.

You’re almost done! Move the pipes back into place, and tighten the connections until they are snug. Test the garbage disposal once again to make certain it’s functioning properly and to check for leaks. This ugly little job is now a memory. Or, you can commemorate it by using those $ 238 dollars on something a bit more palatable — like dinner out.

Realtor, TBWS

All information furnished has been forwarded to you and is provided by thetbwsgroup only for informational purposes. Forecasting shall be considered as events which may be expected but not guaranteed. Neither the forwarding party and/or company nor thetbwsgroup assume any responsibility to any person who relies on information or forecasting contained in this report and disclaims all liability in respect to decisions or actions, or lack thereof based on any or all of the contents of this report.

NEXA Mortgage, LLC (NMLS #1660690) 3100 W Ray Rd 201, Suite 209, Chandler, AZ 85226 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org); Equal Housing Opportunity