New Garbage Disposal Drains Slow (Causes and Solutions)

Often, we’re all subjected to garbage disposal issues. Some general queries are slow draining which might lead to clogging and vice versa.

Sometimes, even when we notice minor slowed drainage, we leave it at that and unconsciously wait for the worst before attempting to fix it. But the truth is that undermining the initial stages isn’t the wisest decision.

The analyses for slowed draining could be an entire list long. Luckily, I will discuss some of them in this article and leave insights on their respective solutions and guidelines. Come and have a look!

Why is My New Garbage Disposal Not Draining?

More often than not, the underlying causes for slow drainage are blockages. Especially if ground food wastage and lack of water flushing are involved, the waste and debris will only build up without sufficient drainage, causing a full-blown blockage and overflow.

I want to give you the fundamental insight that garbage disposals usually face no aftermath grinding most food chunks and residue. However, what comes after the grind might cause the problem or be responsible for smooth sailing.

The speculations could often be as simple as food waste lacking minimum water levels, which forbids the disposal from sending it through the drainage lines.

The waste traps and lines in disposals can often get obstructed and even coated with food wastage. Additionally, if you notice that your disposal is draining the substances at a slower pace, the origin of the effects is most likely in the U-shaped drain trap.

But more on that later. Let’s ponder a few more reasons for slow draining and ultimate clogs.

1. Banana Peels –

One thing to remember about disposing of banana peels is that they have stringy fibers, which can notoriously and single-handedly do all the damage.

2. Potato Peels –

Clog makers such as potato peels have also made it to this list because they can often form a starchy paste once disposed of. This gruesome paste is stubborn and sticky, thus, a significant contributor to clogged drains. If it’s not draining because of potato peels, these methods will help you.

3. Coffee Grounds And Egg Shells –

Solid waste such as these can create more considerable havoc than you realize. Grounding up coffee grounds and eggshells creates even tinier waste particles that are prone to sticking and staying on the services and edges of the pipe, rapidly barricading and sealing the system.

4. Flushing Water –

Putting the minimum required water is necessary if you want your garbage disposal to live long. Sufficient water is needed to flush out the waste that’s been building up in the pipes. News flash: Flushing down water would be no help once a complete blockage has occurred.

Solutions to Handle New Slow Garbage Drains?

As we’re familiar with some of the answers to why your disposal is draining slowly, it’s time to know how to amend the circumstance. The first measure in this entire ordeal is to comprehend the faulty region.

Once that’s done, you must get your hands dirty at this stage. Let’s see how you can rectify this nuisance.

· Removing The Trap –

Set a bucket beneath the disposal drainpipe before you begin. With the assistance of channel-type pliers, disengage the slip-nuts on the pipe and extract the drain trap.

You could notice water rushing out as soon as you disconnect the pipe. Ensure the bucket is placed correctly, so the waste substances and water don’t spill.

· Clean The Drain Trap –

It immediately needs eradication if you notice any more significant or minor clogs in the trap fitting, especially in the U-shaped bending. Utilize a scrub brush to get rid of the debris effectively. If the rubbish is particularly persistent, you can take aid from a straightened coat hanger to get rid of it.

· Examine The Trap Arm –

The clog could also be in the horizontal drain piece connected to the wall and the branch pipe. You can take out the trap arm temporarily by employing a slip nut. You can use a wire or a brush to clean the trap arm’s interior.

· Snaking The Branch Drain –

You can skip this step if you notice that the trap arm and P-traps are relatively clean. Moreover, this would also mean that the clog has reached even deeper into the branch drains. You can utilize an auger or drain snake to optimize your cleansing scope in the branch drain drain drain.

Implant the drain snake into the junction from beneath the sink, making good turns as you work your way around the bends of the pipes. Run the cables back and forth through the branch drain to remove the clog and ensure the obstacle breaks free.

· Reassembling –

This step is similar to the first; you only have to put the P-traps and trap arms back to their original spot utilizing nuts.

Ensure that the trap arms go downstream to the branch drain and are likewise placed. When satisfied with their positioning, move on to hold them in place with nuts and pliers.

· Flushing The Drains –

Lastly, to flush any remaining grime and debris from the system, let the faucet run water through the disposal for a few minutes.

If you’re confident that the drains are working satisfactorily afterward, you can barricade the disposal by placing a stopper at its opening and filling the sink with hot water.

As soon as the sink is filled, quickly pull out the plug and let the disposal absorb one final, significant, and forceful flush. This last additional flush will guarantee that any clog, big or small, will break unfastened, ultimately solving your slow-draining issue.

Guidelines for Proper Maintain of Garbage Disposal Drains:

Here are a few getaways that can make your tug-of-war with garbage disposals significantly bearable. Check them out.

Clean the disposal every two weeks: A simple baking soda and vinegar concoction should kill bacteria and clean the disposal.

When not to use hot water: Flushing hot water down the disposal during a major clog is a big no-no.

Products to steer clear from: Skirt from using commercial drain cleaners and bleach to clean the disposal.

Use the wrench that comes with the disposal: If any fibrous substance gets tangled in the disposal blades, use the wrench to handle the clog.

Avoid shoving your fingers down the disposal: Tools such as tongs and pliers are more convenient and safe than your fingers. Since you’re dealing with fine blades, the idea is incredibly hazardous.

Power down: Unplug the device and break off every electrical connectivity when cleaning and repairing the system. Remember, with electrically powered equipment such as these, safety should be your top priority,

Avoid disposing of uncomplimentary waste: It’s a bad idea to shove down solid, starchy, and fibrous leftovers in the disposal. You might think cutting them up into smaller bits would help. Heck, no!

These tinier bits would build an oversized clog in your disposal over time.

Run the garbage disposal: Even if you don’t use the garbage disposal daily, ensure you occasionally run the device with cold water. This prohibits the blades from accumulating rust and corrosion. Another gain of such practice is to dislodge any former food bits that might be stuck from the previous cycle.

Solutions for InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Drains Slowly

You can try the solutions we discussed in this article or go for the following method that the InSinkErator website suggested for slow-draining garbage disposals.

1. Use a plunger or plumber’s helper to free the clog. Place a stopper over the unaffected sinkhole if you have a double sink.
2. Fill the sink with four inches (10cm) of water, and place the plunger over the garbage disposal opening. Slowly press down on the plunger, then quickly pull it up with force. Repeat this motion several times.
3. Once the clog is dislodged, run water and the garbage disposal for a minute or two to clear any remaining debris.

Final Words

Well, this is it. The highlighted solution for slowed drainage and guideline of specific do’s and don’ts should be handy now.

The truth is, how carefully you use the garbage disposal has a prominent role to play, then you might succumb. The garbage disposal’s generic wear and tear, capacity, and lifetime spent with you can be all boiled down to how methodically you prefer to exercise its benefits.

Get to work now and follow my guide to avoid these terrifying encounters in the future.