I've got an Insinkerator garbage disposal that's been installed for about 14 years, and lately, my sink has been backing up. When I switch on the disposal, the blades spin as they should, and the standing water goes down. However, there's still a problem. I've checked the P-trap and the pipes going downstream—used a drill-powered snake, and there's no clog there. Recently, whenever I run the dishwasher (which is next to the sink cabinet), the sink fills up halfway with water. Just so you know, my sink is a single bowl that measures 25 inches wide and 8 inches deep. The installation was kind of haphazard, so I'm not sure if everything's in order. Could the issue be a clog in the garbage disposal itself, and do I need to open it up? I'm fairly handy, but I don't want to mess anything up.
3 Answers
I’m not a plumber, but the issue with your dishwasher makes me think the clog is actually in the disposal somewhere. If you’re willing, you might consider taking it apart, but they’re not too expensive to replace if it comes to that. If you decide to get a new one, I’d suggest going with a 1/2 horsepower model instead of the typical 1/3.
One thing you might want to try is pouring a few pots of boiling water down the drain. Sometimes clogs like this are just from grease buildup from food that’s gone through your dishwasher and sink. The hot water can help soften it up and push it through. It might take quite a bit of boiling water, but it’s worth a shot! If that doesn’t work, then you might need to consider a sewer rod or calling a plumber.
I think the clog is further down the line. When you run the garbage disposal, the water goes down because it helps push it past the blockage. I use a 25-foot snake for these situations. If you have a cleanout, that might help you reach the clog more easily. Don’t get too stressed if things shake a bit; that’s normal!