Putman & Sons Plumbing

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plumbing problems

How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal

Putman and Sons Plumbing Clogged Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal adds convenience to your kitchen – as long as it works. Problems can occur for several reasons. A foreign object may fall in and cause a blockage. The disposal may not work correctly if garbage is fed into it too fast or without enough water to flush the drainpipes. What can you do if you have a clogged garbage disposal?

  • Switch Off Power to the Garbage Disposal – Switch off all power to the garbage disposal before working on it. If you don’t have a switch, you can turn off the breaker on the power panel.
  • Inspect the Garbage Disposal – Visually inspect the inside of the garbage disposal. Never put your hands inside the unit at any time, even if the power is off. Switches can be defective, so this is a necessary safety measure. A flashlight can help you see the interior.
  • Remove Foreign Object from Disposal – If you see something that doesn’t belong in the disposal, remove it. This should be done carefully with a pair of pliers, so your hands stay away from the blades.
  • Reset the Garbage Disposal and Test – Give the disposal 15 minutes to cool down before turning the power back on and resetting it.

If you are still having trouble, contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing to schedule a repair or replacement. Not all garbage disposals are alike. We can install one that meets your needs.

How to Fix Slow Moving Shower Drains

Putman and Sons Plumbing Clogged Shower Drain

You may be surprised to find that a lot of debris goes down the shower drain. Over time, this can build up, causing a slow moving drain. There are a few things you can try at home to stop this common plumbing problem.

Unclog By Hand

As long as the blockage isn’t deeper in your sewer system, you may be able to clear it by hand. To do this, remove the stopper. Find a piece of wire and bend the end with pliers to form a hook. Slide into the drain and use the hook to lift away tangled hair and debris. Have a utility knife on hand in case you have trouble getting all of the hair out. Once the drain is clear, remove the wire and replace the stopper.

Use Hot Water

A simple household solution to a slow moving shower drain is hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. This method should only be used on drains that are fitted with CPVC pipes. Boiling water can damage PVC pipes.

Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour in two cups of boiling water. Let it work for five minutes before adding a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Next, pour baking soda and vinegar into the drain and replace the stopper. Let it sit while the mixture foams. After it has had adequate time to work, pour a cup of boiling water down the drain.

Do Not Use a Drain Cleaner

There are many commercially-made drain cleaner products available at home improvement and grocery stores. If you have frequent drain problems, it is best to contact a certified plumber to evaluate your system rather than using harsh chemicals that can do further damage. Contact Putman and Son’s Plumbing today.

 

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