A garbage disposal is a convenient and necessary tool for most households, but it can be a frustrating appliance to own when it isn’t working correctly. A clogged garbage disposal is one of the more common household issues that homeowners face, but it isn’t always a difficult problem to solve. Douglas Cooling & Heating teaches you how to unclog a garbage disposal and shares when your garbage disposal unit should be replaced so you don’t experience continued performance problems.

Before You Start

Whenever you experience a clogged garbage disposal, it’s best to tend to the problem as soon as possible. Ignoring this issue not only takes your appliance out of service, but the clog can start producing foul odors which are quite unpleasant. Garbage disposals that continue to be used even though it is clogged, can cause worse damage that may result in a replacement. 

Before we get into how to unclog a garbage disposal, it’s important that we give you a safety warning. Because the garbage disposal blades are extremely sharp, you should never insert your hand down into the garbage disposal unit. Before using any sort of tool to reach down into the garbage disposal, you should always disconnect the power to avoid accidents and damage to the unit.

There are some tools you may need to use when performing the steps for how to unclog a garbage disposal. Gather the following items before you start addressing the clog:

• Tongs
• Pliers
• Sink plunger
• Allen wrench
• Bucket
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Flashlight

Steps for Unclogging a Garbage Disposal

If you suspect something is trapped down inside your garbage disposal unit, follow these steps to restore your unit to working order:

Step 1: Cut power to the garbage disposal by unplugging it from the outlet and flipping the circuit breaker that powers that outlet.

Step 2: If the clog has caused water to back up in your sink, use a sink plunger to drain it. If you have a double sink, be sure to cover the sink drain opposite the garbage disposal before plunging. Cover the proper drain opening with the plunger and push it up and down vigorously to push water through the drain. If the plunger is unhelpful in removing the standing water from your sink, you’ll need to use the bucket and scoop it out.

Step 3: Use the flashlight to look down into your garbage disposal and see if you can visualize the material clogging the appliance. 

Step 4: If you see the item that has jammed the blades, motor, or flywheel, use your tongs or pliers to reach down into the canister and grab it. Food waste may be wrapped around the blades causing the clog. Use a tool to loosen and remove the food particles that are preventing the blades from spinning. Run hot water into the garbage disposal drain to see if this helps dissolve some of the food particles. 

Step 5: If you aren’t able to remove the clogging material through the drain, you need to manually turn the garbage disposal parts to dislodge the matter. A garbage disposal can also act clogged if its blades or motor have seized, which a manual turn will also help correct. Use the hex wrench that came with your appliance or a 1/4-inch Allen wrench and insert it into the hole at the bottom center of the unit. Fully turn the tool both right and left to try and loosen the parts or dislodge the clog – do a full counterclockwise turn, then a full clockwise turn. Once the blades have loosened, remove the wrench.

Step 6: Reconnect the plug to the outlet and switch the breaker back on. 

Step 7: Turn on the cold water tap, then flip the switch to activate your garbage disposal.

Step 8: Allow both the water and your garbage disposal to operate for about a minute while you observe drainage. As long as your sink drains properly, your garbage disposal should be unclogged and you can turn off the unit then the water supply.

If you find yourself constantly working through the steps to unclog a garbage disposal, it may be time to replace your appliance. Frequent clogs are a sign the garbage disposal is wearing out. If you don’t experience frequent clogs or other system problems, garbage disposals can typically last up to 12 years. 

Items to Avoid Putting Down The Garbage Disposal

Make sure you’re only putting food waste down the garbage disposal and nothing else. Too much food can cause your unit to overheat and struggle. Avoid putting the following items in garbage disposals to help avoid clogs from developing:

• Coffee grounds
• Banana peels
• Potato peels
• Citrus peels
• Grease
• Eggshells
• Hard foods

Garbage Disposal Help in Birmingham

If you’ve tried the steps for how to unclog your garbage disposal but still aren’t having any luck, it’s time to seek professional help. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule a drain cleaning service for your garbage disposal in Birmingham, AL.

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If you need a plumber in Birmingham, Alabama, do you know how to find one? At some point, everyone needs a plumber – when that time comes, you’ll want to be prepared. So, where can you find plumbers in Birmingham? Douglas Cooling & Heating shares how to find a quality plumbing professional along with the services a good plumber should have to solve your particular plumbing issue.

Where to Look for Plumbers in Birmingham

When it comes time to find plumbers in Birmingham, Al there are a few steps you can take to ensure you’re finding a quality professional.

Ask for Recommendations

Use the power of your network to find local plumbers in Birmingham. Start by asking your nearby friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. These are people you trust, so they’re more likely to recommend someone who did quality plumbing work for them in the past.

Chances are, someone you know can recommend a good plumbing company. Or, if you’re lucky, they may have even had a positive experience with a plumber and be able to refer you to them. Word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to find a quality service provider.

Search Professional Organizations

Professional organizations are a great resource when looking for professional plumbing services in the Birmingham area. Two excellent sources are the Alabama PHCC and your local chamber of commerce.

• The Alabama PHCC is the state chapter of the National Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), a national trade organization representing plumbing and HVAC contractors. The PHCC has more than 2,000 member companies in Alabama, so you’re sure to find a qualified plumber who’s right for the job. This ensures that your plumber will have industry experience because they are certified by a trade organization.
• Your local chamber of commerce can also be a valuable resource. Chambers of commerce are membership organizations made up of businesses in a particular industry or area. They often have directories of their members, which can be helpful when looking for residential or commercial plumbing services.

Check Review Sites

It can be helpful to check reviews online when searching for plumbers in the Birmingham area. Websites like Google and Yelp are great resources for finding feedback from past customers. Keep in mind there is no way to verify these experiences, so a better strategy here is to look for how a company handles both criticisms and praise online. Look for professionalism, quality work, and responsiveness.

Choosing a Plumber to Hire

When it comes time to hire a plumber, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• It’s important to find plumbing contractors who hold the proper credentials to legally perform this work in Alabama. Plumbers in Birmingham, Al must hold a state certificate, which requires passing an examination.
• The plumber you choose should be bonded and insured. That way, you know you’re covered if any damages or accidents occur.
• Do they have experience in the type of plumbing issue or installation you need? It’s important that you feel confident this professional is able to provide the services you need. If you need emergency plumbing services, be sure to check that they will take a service call after hours.

Common Services Performed by Plumbers in Birmingham

Plumbers in Birmingham, Al thrive on repeat business and referrals. One way to ensure they are the best plumbers for your needs is to make sure they can provide services for a variety of plumbing issues. You may hire a plumber for one thing now, but when you need a different service in the future, it’s always a plus if you are able to work with a professional you already know and trust.

The common residential plumbing services provided by plumbers in Birmingham include:

• General plumbing repairs
• Emergency plumbing repair services
• Piping installation
• Water heater repair, installation, and maintenance
• Leak detection and repair
• Drain cleaning
• Installation and repair of plumbing fixtures
• Water quality services
• Sump pump installation and repair
• Sewer line installation and repair

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Plumbing Help in Birmingham

Douglas Cooling & Heating has a qualified team of plumbers in Birmingham, Al ready to help with all your home plumbing needs. Contact us today to learn more about our business and schedule a service appointment or request an installation quote.

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A leaking toilet can lead to a big problem in any Birmingham, AL area home. As toilet leaks worsen, they have the potential to cause significant water damage to your residence and waste many gallons of water. This isn’t just bad for the earth, but leaky toilets can also cause big spikes in your water bill. Learn how to detect a toilet leak early on to avoid the headaches and expenses that come with a major leak. Douglas Cooling & Heating shares the information you need to know to identify toilet leaks and fix minor problems in your bathrooms.

Tips on How to Detect a Toilet Leak

A leak can stem from various areas of a toilet, including the tank and the toilet bowl. Below, you’ll find tips from the Douglas Cooling & Heating plumbing team that will help you detect a toilet leak in these areas. Our licensed Alabama plumbers also explain what you need to do if you do find a leak in one of your toilets.

Toilet Dye Test

The toilet dye test is a great way to confirm where the leaking your leaking toilet is. This test will confirm if your leaky toilet has a leak between the toilet tank and toilet bowl. This is often a silent toilet leak and can go unnoticed for long periods of time. Here are the directions to perform this quick test:

1. Remove the lid from the toilet tank and set it aside.
2. Remove any tank cleaners that color the water in the tank. Flush the toilet to clear colored water out of the tank upon removal of these materials.
3. Once the tank has filled with clear water, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank to tint the water. There needs to be enough food coloring to noticeably change the water color, so add as many drops of food coloring as you need.
4. Let the toilet sit unused for about 30 minutes.
5. Check the water in the bowl. If the colored water from the tank has entered the bowl through a leak, you will be able to see the color difference due to the dye added to the tank water.

Pencil Test

The dye test is a great method for how to detect a toilet leak, but what is responsible for this leak? The pencil test is another trick for detecting a silent leak and can help you pinpoint the malfunctioning tank components responsible for the problem.

1. Use a pencil to mark the water line on the inside of your toilet tank.
2. Shut off the water supply to the toilet. This can be done by closing the shutoff valve on the water supply line leading into the fixture, which is typically located on the wall underneath or behind the toilet.
3. Let the toilet sit unused for about 30 minutes.
4. Check the pencil mark you made inside the tank.
   • If the current water level is higher than the original mark, this indicates a flush valve problem. The float, float arm, or flapper may need to be replaced, or it may be necessary to replace the gasket below the flush valve. This requires taking apart the entire toilet fixture and is a job best left to a plumber.
   • If the mark is level with the current water level, the problem is with the toilet’s fill valve. Replacing the fill valve is a simple fix that handy homeowners may be comfortable tackling themselves, or you can call your plumber to do so instead.
5. If the pencil test indicated a problem with the flush valve, extend the test and leave the toilet unused overnight. Check the tank water level in the morning – if the tank is nearly empty, this indicates a bad gasket. If the water level is low but the tank isn’t empty, the problem is with a faulty flapper, flapper seat, or float.

Toilet Repair in Birmingham, AL

The above tests are useful for how to detect a toilet leak in your Birmingham, AL area home. If your tests show a leak, call the licensed Alabama plumbers of Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule an appointment for toilet repairs.

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