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Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting

By Bob Formisano, About.com

5 of 6

PROBLEM: Slow Draining


PROBLEM:
Slow Draining

Slow draining of a garbage disposal can be caused by a number of problems.
  • Assuming you've given the disposal enough time to run and clear the garbage, you probably have a clogged drain line.
  • NOTE: Never use chemical drain cleaners with a garbage disposal! You will damage the disposal and since the chemicals probably won't work anyway, you'll end up with a sink full of toxic chemicals you'll have to hand bail into a bucket and flush down the toilet.
  • Remove the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal.
  • Disconnect the drain trap and remove the trap and the discharge drain pipe.
  • Check for clogs or obstructions.
  • If none are found, the clog lies in the line going into the wall or beyond the vertical pipe going into the wall.
  • Clear the obstruction with a sink auger.
    See the Tutorial How to Unclog a Sink.

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