We’ve seen it happen: a glass slips into the sink, shatters, and suddenly broken shards are lodged deep in your garbage disposal. You may be tempted to flip the switch and hope that the blades handle the mess, but don’t do this. Not only is this a safety risk, but it’s one of the easiest ways to cause serious damage to your garbage disposal system.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to remove broken glass from your garbage disposal safely and effectively.
Dangers of Glass in Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are pretty tough, but they aren’t designed to handle glass. When broken shards get stuck inside, they can:
- Jam or dull the disposal blades
- Damage the motor
- Block the drainpipe
These kinds of damage can do more than just disrupt your kitchen routine. Glass in your garbage disposal can end up requiring costly repairs or even a full system replacement.
How to Tell if There’s an Obstruction in Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal will usually let you know when something’s not right. Common signs of an obstruction include:
- Loud grinding noises or vibrations
- A humming sound without the blades spinning
- Water draining slowly or backing up
- Unusual or persistent odors
If you notice any of these signs, shut off the garbage disposal immediately to prevent any further damage. Before running it again, make sure to check your system thoroughly or call in the team at PlumbPRO Services for a professional assessment.
How To Remove Broken Glass From Your Garbage Disposal Safely
If glass has gotten into your garbage disposal, don’t panic. You may be able to remove it safely by following these steps:
- Cut the power. Always turn off the disposal at the wall switch and unplug it if possible. To be extra safe, you can also flip the circuit breaker connected to your kitchen outlets.
- Shine a light inside. Use a flashlight to inspect the chamber. Look for glinting shards of glass and note their location.
- Use tongs or needle-nose pliers. Carefully remove any visible pieces using tools. Never reach directly into the garbage disposal with your hands.
- Rotate the blades manually. Many disposals have a hex socket underneath. Gently turn it using an Allen wrench to help dislodge any hidden pieces of glass.
- Flush with cold water. Restore power, run cold water, and briefly turn on the disposal. Listen closely for any odd noises, which are strong indicators that debris may still be trapped inside.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Out Your Garbage Disposal
Removing glass from your garbage disposal takes patience. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Never run the disposal to “grind” the glass. This can break components and make removal even harder.
- Don’t use your hands. Even if you think the area is clear and the power is shut off, this can lead to serious injury.
- Skip the shop vac. A shop vac is not a safe or effective tool for removing broken glass from small, wet spaces.
How to Prevent Glass in Your Garbage Disposal
We get it, accidents happen. But a few simple habits can help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.
- Use a strainer when washing dishes in the sink
- Avoid tossing any breakable items into the sink
- Check your garbage disposal chamber before every use
Trust us: prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than repairs.
When to Call a Plumber About Your Garbage Disposal
The professionals at PlumbPRO Services are trained to fix jams, replace damaged parts, and restore your kitchen to full function as quickly as possible. We can also install a new garbage disposal in the event you need one.
If you’ve followed the steps above and your disposal still isn’t working properly, give us a call. We’ll send a technician out to thoroughly inspect your system for signs of debris or other damage.