Can someone please tell me how to take apart a garbage disposal and check the lines for blockage of some sort? Liquid
by
Terri J
+8
plumber isn't doing the trick and that side of my sink keeps over filling and needing to be plunged. I feel like I am bringing up clumps of dirt? when I stick my hand down and reach the bottom of the disposal.
11 answers
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The disposer should have a "side arm" that is connected via two screws...this side are then feeds in to the vertical tail piece of the other sink. You should be able to unscrew the disposer arm and disconect the tail picece and trap via the slip nuts...this whole assembly can then be checked / rinse cleaned etc. I all of that is clear the problem may be in the disposer grinder area...which could be extracted from the hole where the side arm was.
KMS Woodworks
on Jul 21, 2012
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Huh? After reading this twice Kevin, I think I understand what you mean. I think b/4 I am taking it apart though, I will at least turn off the water and place a bucket to catch any water that may be in one of the pipes. Thanks. Is there anything you can't fix - lol . Wish you were my neighbor and could show me sometime.....
Terri J
on Jul 21, 2012
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If the disposal is clogged itself then you need to revers it using the little metal arm tool that comes with it so it will move freely again. But it sounds as though your drain is the issue. That is connected to the side of the disposer. Most times its connected to the drain trap with a rubber fitting, some have a turn fitting that you loosen. In any case put a bucket under the trap and remove it. It should come off easy. If you put in drain cleaner, be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection to prevent any splash to the eyes. Once the trap is removed you should be able to clean the trap out if that is where things are stuck, or snake into the wall from the open pipe. The hardest part of this is working in the tight area. But its really a pretty easy thing to do. If you need to drop the disposer there is a metal ring where the disposer meets the sink bottom. This ring has little round hole shaped openings around the edge. By putting a screw driver in these holes and turning this ring it will release the disposer from the sink fitting. Just have a 2nd set of hands to help hold it from dropping as it can be a bit heavy. Be sure to unplug the disposal or turn off the power to it if your removing this appliance, You do not want it to turn on when handling it.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jul 21, 2012
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No doubt do I want to accidently turn it on while working on the stupid thing. I think you are correct that the problem is in the drain. Pray for more rain here, as then I can get my neighbor to help instead of hitting golf balls. Thanks for the detailed description of how to do this - I never really played "plumber" before.
Terri J
on Jul 21, 2012
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As a DIYer, not a pro like Woodbridge, I assure you that this is a pretty simple, if dirty, job. But Woodbridge describes what you need to do.
3po3
on Jul 21, 2012
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Terri...if you try the pipe first like I mention it may save you the trouble of "un-mounting" the disposer itself from its drain flange...those a re a real bugger to get back in place...its that dang pesky gravity thing...a disposer can weight 10 pounds or so.
KMS Woodworks
on Jul 22, 2012
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Kevin, Why can't ya'll (I mean you, Steve & Wooodbrige) just take turns visiting Yuck (I mean York) and teaching me how to do these things in person??? - lol. Of course, all family members are welocme too.
Terri J
on Jul 22, 2012
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Did you check out this new venture I am doing. www.tiptophouse.com You and many of the other weekend warriors here is why I decided to do this. Thanks for the compliments as well!
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jul 22, 2012
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What a great idea you have come up with!!! You said you only charge for labor as needed though, so would your labor apply to driving to York, PA (lol). I have a million projects I know are over my head, but you may be able to "walk" me thru some - such as getting my furnace ready for winter in the fall, or A/C problems, just as you did w/ the garbage disposal/clogged pipe issue. Unfortunatley, it's not raining here today, so my helper in hitting little white balls around. Oh well, can't really blame anyone for taking a little time here and there for themselves. I will call you to discuss rates etc. - my computer won't let me email you for whatever reason..... Have a great week! Terri
Terri J
on Jul 22, 2012
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If you keep putting them white round things in the disposal, it will keep plugging the pipes!
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jul 22, 2012
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Darn it - the secret is out! Unfortunatley, he has about a zillion of those stupid white round things!
Terri J
on Jul 22, 2012
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