Rice and pasta are the “silent killers” of kitchen plumbing. While they seem soft and harmless, they are actually some of the most common reasons garbage disposals seize up. Because these foods are highly absorbent and starchy, they expand in water and create a thick, glue-like paste that can stop disposal blades in their tracks.
If your disposal is humming but not grinding, or if it has stopped working entirely after a big pasta dinner, this guide will walk you through the steps to get it running again.
Why Rice and Pasta Clog Your Disposal
To fix the problem, it helps to understand why it happened. Unlike hard objects like peach pits or bones, rice and pasta don’t just “jam” the blades; they create a viscous seal.
- Expansion: Even after they are cooked, rice and pasta continue to absorb water. In the dark, wet environment of your pipes, they swell to double their size.
- Starch as Adhesive: When ground up, these foods release starches that act like a natural glue, sticking to the “impeller teeth” and the walls of the grind chamber.
Safety First: The Golden Rule
Before you attempt any repairs, turn off the power.
- Flip the wall switch to the “Off” position.
- Unplug the unit from the outlet under the sink. If it is hard-wired, turn off the circuit breaker at your home’s main electrical panel.
- Never put your hand inside the disposal, even if the power is off. Use tongs or a wooden spoon if you need to remove debris.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Unclog Your Disposal
1. The Manual Rotation Trick (The Hex Wrench)
Most garbage disposals have a small, hexagonal hole on the very bottom of the unit (outside the canister, under the sink). This allows you to manually rotate the motor to break the starch seal.
- Find the Wrench: Look for a 1/4-inch Allen wrench (hex key). Many units come with one taped to the side.
- Insert and Turn: Insert the wrench into the hole at the bottom center of the unit.
- Crush the Clog: Forcefully turn the wrench back and forth in both directions. You should feel resistance from the rice/pasta paste. Keep turning until the motor moves freely in a full 360-degree circle.
2. Press the Reset Button
When a disposal jams, the motor can overheat. To prevent the motor from burning out, a “thermal overload” sensor will trip, cutting power to the unit.
- Once you have loosened the clog with the hex wrench, look for a red reset button on the bottom or side of the unit.
- Push it in. If it clicks and stays in, the power is restored. If it pops back out, let the motor cool for another 10 minutes and try again.
3. Clear the Standing Water (If Necessary)
If your sink is full of starchy water, use a plunger.
- Ensure there is enough water in the sink to cover the bell of the plunger.
- Block the other sink drain (if you have a double sink) with a wet rag or stopper to ensure the pressure goes directly to the clog.
- Plunge vigorously to break up the “paste” sitting in the P-trap.
4. Flush with Cold Water
Once the blades are moving freely and the power is reset:
- Plug the unit back in.
- Turn on the cold water at high pressure.
- Turn on the disposal.
- Let the water run for at least 60 seconds to ensure all the starch is flushed completely through the plumbing and into the main sewer line.
What to Put Down the Disposal (And What to Avoid)
To prevent another Saturday night spent under the sink, refer to this quick guide:
| Safe for Disposal | Avoid at All Costs | Why? |
| Most fruit scraps | Rice & Pasta | Expands and creates “glue.” |
| Small vegetable ends | Coffee Grounds | Accumulates in the P-trap like sediment. |
| Liquids (non-grease) | Fats & Greases | Solidifies and coats pipes. |
| Citrus peels (for smell) | Eggshells | The membrane can wrap around blades. |
| Ice cubes (cleans blades) | Fibrous Veg (Celery) | Strings can tangle the motor. |
Long-Term Maintenance Tips
- Use Cold Water: Always use cold water when running the disposal. Hot water can melt fats, which then solidify further down the pipes, leading to deeper clogs.
- Small Batches: Never dump a whole pot of rice down the drain at once. Feed it in small handfuls with plenty of water.
- The Baking Soda Flush: Once a month, pour half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the disposal. Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with boiling water to clear out any residual starch buildup.
By following these steps, you can save yourself a costly visit from a plumber and keep your kitchen running smoothly.
