24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE •
At Gem we aim to offer the highest quality service for your home or business.
Heating & Cooling
If you’re in need of a repair or system replacement, trust our licensed HVAC technicians.
Plumbing & Drains
Whether you need a system upgrade, installation, replacement or inspection, our plumbers are here to help.
Electrical
From replacing a light switch to designing a networking system, our electricians can handle it all.
Smart Home
Our smart home expertise ranges across all services, and we are here to guide you through navigating the latest smart technology.
Indoor Air Quality
We will keep your air quality above standard, to keep you healthy in your home.
Commercial Services in New England
Let us handle your service needs, so you can focus on running your business.
HomeX℠ Remote Assist
Get virtual support from experts
We offer a wide range of services for commercial and industrial applications.
Commercial Plumbing
Commercial Heating & Cooling
Commercial Electrical
Commercial Refrigeration
Commercial Drain Cleaning and Jetting in New England
Industries Served
We create & update facilities, for any industry, to make your business better.
We cover everything from large-scale industrial design to mechanical engineering.
Providence Marriott Downtown Renovation
Care New England Medical Facility Renovation
Lincoln, Rhode Island
Fall River, Massachusetts
Bellingham, MA
October 21, 2019 • In GEM Featured Blog Post, Plumbing • 6 Min Read
By GEM
Oh boy, is your garbage disposal not working? That’s no fun. The good news is, we know everything about garbage disposals and we’re here to help you fix the issue, so you can get your kitchen back on track!
Common garbage disposal issues:
If you’re experiencing a heating, electrical or plumbing issue give HomeX Remote Assist a try. You’ll be connected with a vetted technician over the phone or through video chat to diagnose and even fix your issue virtually.
The first thing to do is to look at the underside of your garbage disposer for the red reset button. Push it and see if that works.
If that does not work:
Note: If the impeller won’t turn, then there’s probably something stuck in the disposer. It could be a steak bone or peach pit, although plumbers report pulling all sorts of inappropriate objects out of disposers, such as bottle caps or aluminum foil. Making sure that power to the disposer is off, look inside to see if you can see the source of the jam.
Beware! Never stick your fingers in a disposer. Pull out anything you see with tongs or pliers.
If the disposer still won’t work, it may be time to call a plumber or consider buying a new disposer. GEM Plumbing is here for all of your garbage disposal needs!
If your garbage disposal is clogged it is actually likely the result of the drain attached to the disposal being clogged. We have the insider’s scoop on the clogged drain/ garbage disposal hack that will fix your issue in no time: baking soda!
Note: Never use drain cleaner in a disposer. It can damage the plastic parts inside the disposer. In addition, you can be splashed with the caustic liquid while working to clear the clog. (That wouldn’t be good!)
Beware! Never stick your fingers into a garbage disposer. Trust us—not a good idea.
Note: In many instances, your dishwasher drains through your garbage disposer. This allows the disposer to grind any large food particles that may be drained out of your dishwasher. There are some jurisdictions, however, where the plumbing code prohibits such a connection.
If your dishwasher drains through the disposer, you want to make sure that the connection is securely clamped so that the hose isn’t blown off by the pressure created by plunging the drain. That would make a mess.
If these tips and tricks didn’t help solve your clogged garbage disposal issue, we are here to help. GEM’s licensed plumbers have years of experience in drain cleaning and garbage disposals, and they are at your service for all of your Plumbing Maintenance and Repairs needs.
And that should get your garbage disposal back to performing the way it’s supposed to!
Need help from a licensed professional?
Through our partnership with HomeX, GEM Plumbing & Heating customers can now speak with a vetted technician via a phone call or video chat. Diagnosis of your issue is free and if we’re able to fix your issue virtually it’s just $50! If you’re a member of our Home Advocate membership this service is free to you.
Try Remote Assist
Share This Article
Chat with us
Book online
September 9, 2021 • 2 Min Read
Soap not lathering? Are you noticing mineral stains on your clothes or dishes? These are all signs telling you there’s...
August 19, 2021 • 2 Min Read
Are you looking to lend your basement some more space? The water heater is a mysterious contraption to many homeowners....
August 19, 2021 • 4 Min Read
Not sure which way to heat your home’s water? The good news: you have plenty of options for water heaters...
August 11, 2021 • 2 Min Read
A healthy heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial to keep you and your family from melting in...