Lots of people are under the impression that the disposal has the same operation as the blender, however it does not, as, firstly there are no blades attached. The disposal works using it’s impellers (lugs) fitted to a plate, which spins and centrifugal force forces the waste against something called a static grinding ring.

Clogging Don’ts:
1). Foreign Objects-don’t drop spoons or forks in the unit.
2). Feed garbage in too quickly.
3). Fail to run adequate water while waste is processed.

The garbage disposal will not process everything, things like corncobs or fish and chicken bones in a disposal will probably clog it. Chemical drain cleaners should not be used in a disposal as they cause corrosion. You can always get good advice from a professional service like Hampstead Plumbers to unclog your unit.

Unclogging Do’s:
Isolate the electrical and water supply, and never place your hand in the disposal, even when power to the machine is turned off. Visually check for foreign objects in the garbage disposal. Should a foreign object cause a stoppage, you can use a pair of pliers to remove it. Switch the power back on and reset overload protector button. A Hampstead Plumber can unclog the GDU.

Disposal still clogged:
Isolate the power again and insert a long dowel, a wooden spoon, or a broom handle never your hand into the drain opening. Press the bottom end of the wooden probe against the impellers and rock back and forth to free up. When the impellers move freely, turn the power back on and test.

Note:
The impellers are the part of the unit that spin and start the grinding and break down of the waste in the unit.

TIP:
It is a good idea to cut a fresh lemon in half, throw one half in the disposal then operate. The lemon’s odour will actually deodorise the unit. You will know it’s working by a fresh lemony smell.
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