A garbage disposal is an essential kitchen appliance, but it’s not immune to problems. One of the most common issues homeowners face is a clogged garbage disposal, particularly when grease has built up inside. Grease can solidify and block the blades, causing your disposal to stop working. Luckily, this is a problem you can often fix yourself with a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix a garbage disposal that’s clogged with grease.

1. Turn Off the Power

Before attempting any repairs, safety should always be your top priority. First, turn off the power to the garbage disposal. There are two ways to do this:

  • Unplug the disposal: If the disposal is plugged into an outlet under the sink, simply unplug it.
  • Turn off the circuit breaker: If your disposal is hardwired, go to your electrical panel and switch off the circuit breaker that controls the disposal.

This step is crucial to avoid any accidental starts while you are working on the disposal.

2. Check for a Jam

Sometimes, the disposal may seem clogged due to an obstruction, such as a piece of food or debris. If the issue is grease-related, there may also be a buildup causing the motor to seize. To check for a jam:

  • Use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the disposal for any visible obstructions.
  • If there are items stuck in the blades, use tongs or pliers (never your hands) to remove them.

If there’s no visible obstruction and you suspect the grease is the issue, it’s time to move on to the next steps.

3. Break Down the Grease

Grease can accumulate in the disposal over time, especially if hot grease from cooking is poured down the drain. This grease solidifies, sticks to the walls, and obstructs the blades from turning. To dissolve or loosen the grease:

  • Boiling water: Bring a kettle of water to a boil and carefully pour it down the disposal. The hot water will help melt the grease, breaking it down so it can be washed away. Pour the water in slowly to ensure the grease doesn’t just harden again in the pipes.
  • Dish soap: You can add a squirt of dish soap into the disposal and let the boiling water follow. Dish soap helps cut through the grease and makes it easier to break up. Run the disposal for a few seconds after adding the soap to help loosen the buildup.

4. Use a Plunger

If boiling water and soap don’t do the trick, you may need to try using a plunger. Here’s how:

  • Fill the sink: If there’s standing water in the sink, fill it up with a little more water, enough to cover the drain opening.
  • Place the plunger: Position the plunger over the drain opening and create a seal.
  • Plunge vigorously: Push up and down with quick, forceful motions. The pressure created will help dislodge the grease clog. After a few plunges, check if the disposal starts to work again.

5. Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar work as natural cleaners that can help dissolve grease buildup and clear your garbage disposal. Here’s how to use this method:

  • Pour baking soda: Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the disposal.
  • Add vinegar: Follow with half a cup of vinegar. You will notice fizzing and bubbling as the two substances react, which helps break down the grease.
  • Wait: Let the baking soda and vinegar sit for about 10–15 minutes. During this time, the reaction works to break down the grease clog.
  • Flush with hot water: After the wait, flush the disposal with boiling water to wash away the grease and debris.

6. Check and Clean the Disposal Blades

Once the clog seems to be cleared, it’s a good idea to check the disposal blades. Grease buildup can cause them to become sluggish or ineffective, so cleaning them will help prevent future clogs.

  • Use a brush: A small bottle brush or a scrub brush can help clean the edges of the blades. Avoid using anything sharp or abrasive, as this could damage the disposal.
  • Use ice cubes: To sharpen the blades and remove any remaining grease, fill the disposal with ice cubes and run cold water while turning the disposal on. The ice helps scrape off built-up grease and grime.

7. Run the Disposal

Once you’ve cleaned the blades, run cold water through the disposal and turn it on for about 30 seconds to ensure everything is flowing smoothly. The cold water helps solidify any remaining grease, allowing it to be washed away.

8. Prevent Future Grease Buildup

To avoid future grease clogs, always dispose of grease properly. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool and dispose of it in a container or trash. You can also rinse dishes and pans with hot water and dish soap before putting them in the disposal to help break up any leftover grease.

Additionally, consider using a drain strainer to catch any large food particles and avoid putting starchy, fibrous, or greasy foods down the disposal.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a garbage disposal that’s clogged with grease is manageable with a few household tools and techniques. Always remember to prioritize safety by turning off the power before working on the disposal. Regular maintenance, like using boiling water and avoiding pouring grease down the drain, will help keep your disposal in good working order for years to come. If these DIY methods don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to call a professional plumber to inspect and repair the disposal.