How to fix a garbage disposal that is draining slowly

A slow-draining garbage disposal can be a real headache, leaving your sink backed up and your kitchen routine in chaos. The good news? It’s usually something you can fix yourself without too much hassle. Whether it’s a simple clog, grease buildup, or something deeper in the pipes, we’ll help you figure out what’s going on and how to get your disposal back to draining like a pro!

Note: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Cause 1. Clogged blades and drain

Over time, food particles that aren’t completely ground up can stick to the blades or settle in the drain, slowing water flow.

How to clear a clog:

1.  Turn off the disposal and unplug it, or flip the circuit breaker. You don’t want it turning on while you’re working.
2. Grab a flashlight and look inside the disposal for stuck food bits or foreign objects.
3. Use tongs or pliers to carefully fish out anything causing the clog. Never stick your hand inside the disposal.
4. Plug the disposal back in, run cold water, and turn it on to see if the clog is cleared.

Clear the drain with baking soda and vinegar:

1. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Add one cup of white vinegar and let the fizzy reaction break down the clog for about 15 minutes.
3. Carefully pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain to rinse away loosened debris.
4. Turn it on with cold water to confirm everything is flowing smoothly again.

Cause 2. Overloaded or insufficient capacity

Putting too much food waste into the disposal at once can overload it, leading to slow draining or jams.

How to avoid overloading:

• Add food scraps a little at a time instead of dumping everything in at once.
• Always run a steady stream of cold water while using the disposal to help flush waste through the pipes.
• Don’t put overly fibrous items like celery, potato peels, or tough meat scraps into the disposal, they can wrap around the blades and cause problems.

Cause 3. Blockages beyond the disposal

If the pipes connected to your disposal are blocked with food scraps or grease, water will back up into the sink.

How to fix it:

1. Place a bucket under the sink’s U-shaped pipe (the trap).
2. Loosen the slip nuts with a wrench and remove the trap.
3. Check for blockages in the trap and clean out any debris you find.
4. If the clog is deeper, use a drain snake or auger to break it up.
5. Reassemble the trap, tighten the connections, and test the drainage.

Read more: Easy Garbage Disposal Repair Guide

Cause 4. Venting problems

A blocked or ineffective vent disrupts air pressure in your plumbing system, slowing the flow of water through your pipes.

How to fix it:

1. Check other drains in your home. If multiple sinks or tubs are draining slowly, the vent system may be the problem.
2. Carefully inspect the vent openings on your roof for blockages like leaves or debris. Use a flashlight and long tool to clear visible obstructions safely.
3. If the problem persists or you’re uncomfortable working on roof vents, call a plumber to inspect and repair the venting system.

Cause 5. Grease and fat buildup

Fats, oils, and grease can solidify in the disposal or pipes, forming a sticky coating that restricts water flow.

How to fix it:

1. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink in the first place.
2. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain.
3. Add half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar.
4. Let the fizzing reaction break down the grease for 15 minutes.
5. Flush the drain with hot (not boiling) water to rinse away loosened buildup.

Read more: How To Install A Garbage Disposal

Cause 6. Insufficient water flow

Not running enough water while using the disposal leaves food particles behind, which can accumulate and cause slow drainage.

How to fix it:

• Turn on cold water for about 10-15 seconds before you start the disposal.
• Cold water solidifies grease and fats, so the disposal can chop them up instead of letting them coat the pipes.
• Keep it running while the disposal is grinding food.
• Let the water run for another 15-30 seconds after you’re done to flush everything through.
• Grinding up a handful of ice cubes can also help scrape off gunk from the blades and inside the disposal.

Read more: How to fix a burning smell in your garbage disposal

More info

When you need replacement parts, be sure to visit AppliancePartsPros.com with your model number. With millions of parts available, most ship fast and arrive in just two business days. For assistance, call our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While waiting for your part, check out our DIY blog and our YouTube channel, where you’ll find thousands of helpful repair videos.

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