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fork stuck in kitchen garbage disposal and unjammable

10K views 15 replies 5 participants last post by  bareshiyth 
#1 ·
new to this forum. searched the forum but no avail.

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i believe there is a fork stuck in my garbage disposal and i've tried using the hex wrench to unjam, but it won't budge. also tried sticking a stick in there to unjam it, won't budge. then put my hand down there, felt nothing sticking out and it won't budge. electrics work as it hums when i throw the switch.

water is backed up in it and there's a bunch of old grease and goo that has been sitting there while i waited for the water to trickle down. however that has come to a stop.

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i feel my last resort is to call a plumber. how much do you think he would charge for a job like this?

my other option is to buy a new disposal unit and install myself and hopefully save some money.

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if there's water in the disposal unit, and i decide to replace myself, is there any precautions i need to take so i don't get week old grease, goo, all mixed with failed draino attempts, all over myself and the kitchen floor and cabinets?

this grease is a rare form of goo that doesn't come off with degreaser. i guess some type of biological organism has grown on it or something. definitely some of the most disgusting substance i've ever had to handle.

and can anyone recommend a decent degreaser so i can cleanse myself of week old bacon grease/draino/fungus concoction?

please help.
 
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#2 ·
They are usually quite simple to remove from the sink---what brand is it?

Often removing from the sink--turn it up side down and work the hex key back and forth will free up the unit.

As to the water? Towels in the cabinet bottom---and a pan to catch the water---that does it--

Post a picture if you can---lots of members have pulled out bad disposers--you will get help--Mike--
 
#4 ·
Land lord should take care of that for you---

Look up at the sink/disposer connection----does it have a silver metal ring with three round openings about the size of a phillips head screwdriver?
If so--it's an In-sinkerator brand--(or one they made with a different name)
 
#5 ·
yes it does have the metal ring with three round openings. but it's brown and i couldn't find any brown insinkerators online. i'll try to post a photo soon.

i was considering telling my landlord, but he's an old guy and i figured if i could do it cheap then it'd be good to learn how to do it at least once. and save him from having to stress over it.

if it was going to require like $300 for a plumber, that's when i'd bug him and have him cover the costs.

thanks for the input.
 
#6 ·
That's an In-sinkerator They are made under dozens of different brands---

Get some towels and a small bucket---Un screw and remove the P-trap if it has one--or remove the two screws holding the metal ring holding the drain pipe to the disposer--there is a rubber washer in that hole--do not loose it,

Next--drop the unit--Stick a screw driver into one of the three rings on the collar --Pull clock wise on the screw driver---while holding the thing up---1/4 turn and the disposer is free---

Dump it upside down--start working that hex key---

I'm off to work soon---but many others here know how to do this---it's not brain surgery.
 
#7 ·
If you find that the unit is dead---get another in-sinkerator of the same size--they do make some big 'fat boys' that often require repiping under the sink--

You will also need a small tub of plumbers putty---

I always replace the P-trap and any old stuff at the same time--but you could reuse the olds if you wish to take a chance on the old stuff ---Mike---
 
#8 ·
thanks a lot mike. that's very helpful.

so if i remove the disposal unit and bring it down upright, will the liquid that's currently backed up in the unit stay in the unit? or will it spill out the sides? my main concern is the mess.

not sure how high the walls of the disposal unit go where it connects to the sink.
 
#9 ·
You should be able to replace that unit yourself turn to you tube they have some good DIY tutorials in replacing disposals. As for the water mixed with acid, use gloves a wet vac and towels. If the drain o has been sitting in that unit for more than a couple days you probably started the end of that disposal. Try and get the same model so the connections will line up as much as possible.
 
#10 ·
If the drain o has been sitting in that unit for more than a couple days you probably started the end of that disposal.
i used the draino when the water was still going down, but very very slowly. however it was draining.

after using the draino is when the water stopped almost completely. it still does drain, but takes a few days just to drain maybe a cup or two. don't know if it was the draino that did it in, but i haven't put anything else down there or run the unit since.

thanks for the input.
 
#11 ·
Once the drain pipe is removed the unit will only have a dribble of water in it---The P-trap will have a cup or two of water in it--catch that with a pan---

Excellent suggestion on the Youtube videos--
 
#16 ·
1: Shop vac out the water & Goo,.... or just undo the trap over a pan or pail & drain it.
2: Test the disposer. There is a breaker button near the edge, Push it & turn it on. Even just a moment of hum says its OK.
3. It is attached to the sink by a bayonet ring. The three tubes use a special wrenck, or any screwdriver that fits. Unscrew it (1/3 turn). If the thing is still attached to the trap, loosen the nut & lift it free & away from the sink.
4: Lift off the "splash guard" and reach inside ^ work out the jamming piece. A wrench, or allen wrench will help, forcing it to rotate & free up.
5: Reinstall.
PS: NEVER use Drano or other silly (but dangerous chemicals which plumbers HATE!)
A disposer that is jammed or not run a while will always "plug up" and not drain, but any turning of the grinder (what the wrench is for) breaks the seal and lets it drain!
 
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