{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2025-04-17T16:01:11+00:00"},"categoryId":33953,"data":{"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33951,"title":"Plumbing","slug":"plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"}},"childCategories":[],"description":"Need to unclog a problematic drain? Trying to get your garbage disposal to work? You've come to the right place. Check out our articles on these kitchen fixtures.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33953&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":false,"articleCount":21,"bookCount":0},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":21,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:53:09+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-09-18T19:39:33+00:00","timestamp":"2023-09-18T21:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"title":"How to Install a Garbage Disposal","strippedTitle":"how to install a garbage disposal","slug":"how-to-install-a-garbage-disposal","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Here are the basic steps for installing a garbage disposal, including how to connect the cord to the motor wires.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"A food disposer takes the place of a sink basket and drain piece on one of the kitchen sink bowls. To install this appliance, consult the installation instructions that come with the unit, because the steps vary among brands. Here are the basic steps for installing any food disposer:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the sink basket (if one was installed).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Send the sink sleeve (which replaces the sink basket and secures the disposer to the sink bowl) through the hole in the sink bottom and secure the sleeve to the bowl by using the gasket and mounting rings, following the unit’s installation instructions.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The gaskets and mounting rings keep the sink sleeve from leaking when you run water. There are two mounting rings: the upper mounting ring and a backup mounting ring. There’s also a snap ring that goes into the groove on the backup mounting ring as extra security for keeping the unit in place.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Lift the disposer and align the mounting lugs (small, rolled curls of metal attached to the mounting ring) and mounting ears (90-degree angled metal cliplike pieces also attached to the mounting ring near the lugs) with the mounting screws located between the upper and backup mounting rings.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The mounting screws are threaded. The lugs and ears are located on the lower mounting ring, which is attached to the disposer housing (the main body of the unit).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Turn the disposer clockwise until it’s supported on the mounting assembly (sleeve and mounting rings).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Attach the discharge tube (a short, approximately 90-degree plastic elbow where the waste and water is discharged) to the discharge opening (the larger hole in the side of the housing).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The tube uses a rubber gasket and metal flange to secure it and keep it from leaking.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you’re draining your dishwasher through the disposer, remove the plug in the smaller dishwasher nipple and attach the dishwasher drain hose to the nipple with a hose clamp.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you don’t have a dishwasher, do not remove the plug! If you remove the plug but don’t have a hose to connect to the nipple, the water will spew out the hole.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Connect the drain line pipe from the sink drain setup to the disposer’s discharge tube with a slip nut and washer.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You may need to cut either the discharge tube or the drain line pipe to fit.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Lock the disposer in place by using the disposer wrench (included with the unit).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Insert the wrench into one of the mounting lugs on the lower mounting ring and turn it clockwise until it locks.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nA standard plug-end cord is the electrical power connection for most disposers. But you do need to connect the cord to the motor wires. Here’s how:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the disposer’s bottom plate.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire of the power cord.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Connect like-color wires by using wire connectors.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">To ground the unit, attach the green ground wire from the power supply to the green ground screw that will be on the disposer housing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The screw is easy to spot, because it’s actually painted green.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Gently push all the wires in and reinstall the bottom plate.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plug in the cord and you’re good to go!</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","description":"A food disposer takes the place of a sink basket and drain piece on one of the kitchen sink bowls. To install this appliance, consult the installation instructions that come with the unit, because the steps vary among brands. Here are the basic steps for installing any food disposer:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the sink basket (if one was installed).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Send the sink sleeve (which replaces the sink basket and secures the disposer to the sink bowl) through the hole in the sink bottom and secure the sleeve to the bowl by using the gasket and mounting rings, following the unit’s installation instructions.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The gaskets and mounting rings keep the sink sleeve from leaking when you run water. There are two mounting rings: the upper mounting ring and a backup mounting ring. There’s also a snap ring that goes into the groove on the backup mounting ring as extra security for keeping the unit in place.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Lift the disposer and align the mounting lugs (small, rolled curls of metal attached to the mounting ring) and mounting ears (90-degree angled metal cliplike pieces also attached to the mounting ring near the lugs) with the mounting screws located between the upper and backup mounting rings.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The mounting screws are threaded. The lugs and ears are located on the lower mounting ring, which is attached to the disposer housing (the main body of the unit).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Turn the disposer clockwise until it’s supported on the mounting assembly (sleeve and mounting rings).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Attach the discharge tube (a short, approximately 90-degree plastic elbow where the waste and water is discharged) to the discharge opening (the larger hole in the side of the housing).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The tube uses a rubber gasket and metal flange to secure it and keep it from leaking.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you’re draining your dishwasher through the disposer, remove the plug in the smaller dishwasher nipple and attach the dishwasher drain hose to the nipple with a hose clamp.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you don’t have a dishwasher, do not remove the plug! If you remove the plug but don’t have a hose to connect to the nipple, the water will spew out the hole.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Connect the drain line pipe from the sink drain setup to the disposer’s discharge tube with a slip nut and washer.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You may need to cut either the discharge tube or the drain line pipe to fit.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Lock the disposer in place by using the disposer wrench (included with the unit).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Insert the wrench into one of the mounting lugs on the lower mounting ring and turn it clockwise until it locks.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nA standard plug-end cord is the electrical power connection for most disposers. But you do need to connect the cord to the motor wires. Here’s how:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the disposer’s bottom plate.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire of the power cord.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Connect like-color wires by using wire connectors.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">To ground the unit, attach the green ground wire from the power supply to the green ground screw that will be on the disposer housing.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The screw is easy to spot, because it’s actually painted green.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Gently push all the wires in and reinstall the bottom plate.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plug in the cord and you’re good to go!</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33953,"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210313,"title":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","slug":"how-to-replace-a-washer-in-a-leaky-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210313"}},{"articleId":206658,"title":"How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-stem-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206658"}},{"articleId":205937,"title":"How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer","slug":"how-to-clean-a-faucet-aerator-and-sink-sprayer","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205937"}},{"articleId":204809,"title":"How to Replace a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-replace-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204809"}},{"articleId":204777,"title":"How to Remove a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-remove-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204777"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6508ba8ed8694\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6508ba8ed8c34\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-09-18T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":184970},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:53:16+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-09-18T19:19:57+00:00","timestamp":"2023-09-18T21:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"title":"How to Hook Up a Drain Line to a Sink","strippedTitle":"how to hook up a drain line to a sink","slug":"how-to-hook-up-a-drain-line-to-a-sink","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to choose the correct drain kit for your sink, the parts it should have, and the basic steps for connecting your drain.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"After you have attached your faucet and water supply and set your sink, it’s time to connect the sink drain. Drain kits come in different materials and configurations, but installing them is a snap. Choose the kit with the configuration for your sink type, and you’re halfway home!\r\n\r\nYou have a couple of choices for drain kits: chromed metal kits and PVC drain kits. Both work well and are about equally easy to use. The main factor on deciding which one to use is cosmetic — will the drain line be visible? If it will be visible, you’ll want to use the chromed kit. If it’s out of sight in the sink base cabinet, which most kitchen drains are, then the good-old white plastic PVC kit is the way to go; PVC is cheaper.\r\n\r\nKitchen sink drain kits, whether they’re chromed or PVC, use nut and washer screw-together connections. Besides being easy to install, they also let you easily disconnect the assembly when it’s time to unclog a drain or quickly rescue that wedding ring that fell down the drain. A basic, single-bowl kit includes:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A tailpiece, which connects to the bottom of the sink strainer</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A trap bend (or P-trap), which forms a water-filled block to prevent sewer gas from coming up through the sink drain</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A trap arm, which is connected to the downstream end of the P-trap and then to the drain line that leads to the main drainage line</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nA double-bowl drain kit will have everything the single-bowl kit has along with a waste-Tee connection and additional length of drain line to connect both bowls to a single P-trap.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">If your sink has a garbage disposer, you need an additional longer section of drainpipe to connect the disposer’s drain line to the bowl drain line. The crosspiece that comes in the kit may or may not be long enough to make the connection between the disposer and other sink bowl drain pieces. You have to check yours out to be sure. Follow your disposer’s installation instructions.</p>\r\nAssembling and connecting the drain kit is fairly simple. The pieces are easy to maneuver, so you can adjust them to fit almost any setup. Don’t expect the horizontal pieces to be in super-straight alignment with the tailpieces or the drainpipe. The only thing that matters is that they all eventually get connected together.\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Start by attaching the tailpiece to the sink drain and tightening the slip nut and washer by hand.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you have a multiple bowl sink, all of the drain tailpieces should be the same length for an easier installation.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Slip the trap onto the tailpiece and then position the trap’s horizontal piece next to the drain line coming out of the wall.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The horizontal piece must fit inside the end of the drain line. Remove the trap and cut the horizontal section to fit.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reattach the trap to the tailpiece and into the drain line and tighten the slip nuts and washers.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nBefore you do anything else, get the bucket and rags ready. Lay some rags directly below each connection so that, if there is a leak, the towels will immediately soak up the water. And leave the rags there for a couple of days, just in case a leak develops over time.\r\n\r\nHave your helper turn on the water while you begin inspecting for leaks. Don’t be alarmed (or upset) if you have a joint that leaks. Just shut off the water, take a deep breath, disassemble and reassemble the connection, and check again for leaks.","description":"After you have attached your faucet and water supply and set your sink, it’s time to connect the sink drain. Drain kits come in different materials and configurations, but installing them is a snap. Choose the kit with the configuration for your sink type, and you’re halfway home!\r\n\r\nYou have a couple of choices for drain kits: chromed metal kits and PVC drain kits. Both work well and are about equally easy to use. The main factor on deciding which one to use is cosmetic — will the drain line be visible? If it will be visible, you’ll want to use the chromed kit. If it’s out of sight in the sink base cabinet, which most kitchen drains are, then the good-old white plastic PVC kit is the way to go; PVC is cheaper.\r\n\r\nKitchen sink drain kits, whether they’re chromed or PVC, use nut and washer screw-together connections. Besides being easy to install, they also let you easily disconnect the assembly when it’s time to unclog a drain or quickly rescue that wedding ring that fell down the drain. A basic, single-bowl kit includes:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A tailpiece, which connects to the bottom of the sink strainer</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A trap bend (or P-trap), which forms a water-filled block to prevent sewer gas from coming up through the sink drain</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A trap arm, which is connected to the downstream end of the P-trap and then to the drain line that leads to the main drainage line</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nA double-bowl drain kit will have everything the single-bowl kit has along with a waste-Tee connection and additional length of drain line to connect both bowls to a single P-trap.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">If your sink has a garbage disposer, you need an additional longer section of drainpipe to connect the disposer’s drain line to the bowl drain line. The crosspiece that comes in the kit may or may not be long enough to make the connection between the disposer and other sink bowl drain pieces. You have to check yours out to be sure. Follow your disposer’s installation instructions.</p>\r\nAssembling and connecting the drain kit is fairly simple. The pieces are easy to maneuver, so you can adjust them to fit almost any setup. Don’t expect the horizontal pieces to be in super-straight alignment with the tailpieces or the drainpipe. The only thing that matters is that they all eventually get connected together.\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Start by attaching the tailpiece to the sink drain and tightening the slip nut and washer by hand.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you have a multiple bowl sink, all of the drain tailpieces should be the same length for an easier installation.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Slip the trap onto the tailpiece and then position the trap’s horizontal piece next to the drain line coming out of the wall.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The horizontal piece must fit inside the end of the drain line. Remove the trap and cut the horizontal section to fit.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reattach the trap to the tailpiece and into the drain line and tighten the slip nuts and washers.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nBefore you do anything else, get the bucket and rags ready. Lay some rags directly below each connection so that, if there is a leak, the towels will immediately soak up the water. And leave the rags there for a couple of days, just in case a leak develops over time.\r\n\r\nHave your helper turn on the water while you begin inspecting for leaks. Don’t be alarmed (or upset) if you have a joint that leaks. Just shut off the water, take a deep breath, disassemble and reassemble the connection, and check again for leaks.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33953,"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210313,"title":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","slug":"how-to-replace-a-washer-in-a-leaky-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210313"}},{"articleId":206658,"title":"How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-stem-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206658"}},{"articleId":205937,"title":"How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer","slug":"how-to-clean-a-faucet-aerator-and-sink-sprayer","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205937"}},{"articleId":204809,"title":"How to Replace a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-replace-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204809"}},{"articleId":204777,"title":"How to Remove a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-remove-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204777"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6508ba8eb2e9c\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6508ba8eb33ce\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-09-18T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":184983},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:53:14+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-09-18T19:14:54+00:00","timestamp":"2023-09-18T21:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"title":"Preparing to Install a Kitchen Sink","strippedTitle":"preparing to install a kitchen sink","slug":"preparing-to-install-a-kitchen-sink","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"There's a fair amount preparation to do before you install your new sink, and it's worth taking the time to do it correctly.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Much of the work of sink installation takes place before you set the sink into the countertop. Taking your time with the preliminary work ensures a smooth installation. In most cases, the old plumbing configuration will work with your new sink. But if you’re making a major change in the design of the new sink, be sure that the old plumbing fits the new sink’s requirements. So, before you buy or order a sink, take a few measurements:\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">If you don’t install your sink and faucet according to the instructions, you’ll have to foot the bill for the replacement even if the product is defective. If the manufacturer sees signs of abuse or misuse or an improper installation, they’re off the hook.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Establishing the drain height:</b> Make sure to measure the distance from the underside of the countertop to the center of the drain line that comes out of the wall. This distance is usually between 16 and 18 inches, which allows adequate space for the water to drop into the trap and still leaves enough space below the trap for storing items underneath the sink in the cabinet.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The drain height is usually not an issue unless you’re going from a very shallow sink to one that has very deep bowls (9 to 12 inches deep). Even if you do switch to deeper bowls, it may only be a problem if your old setup had a shallow bowl coupled with a high drain exit position. This may sound like a less than likely setup but it does happen.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you do find that you only have a few inches of space between the bottom of the bowl and the center of the drainpipe, contact a licensed plumber to assess the situation and determine if the drainpipe needs to be lowered.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Determine the shut-off valve heights:</b> Measure from the floor of the sink base cabinet to the center of the valve. Houses built before roughly 1980 were not required to have shut-offs on every sink supply line, so you may not have any at all. If your sink doesn’t have shut-off valves, install them now while you’re working on the system.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If your kitchen didn’t have shut-offs when you tore out the old sink and faucet and you’ve been working on the sink installation for a few days, you better have installed individual shut-off valves by now or your family won’t be speaking with you. Where there are no shut-off valves and there are open pipes or lines, the only way to keep the water from running out is to shut down the entire water supply. Not a good idea when your daughter is getting ready for a big date.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"Much of the work of sink installation takes place before you set the sink into the countertop. Taking your time with the preliminary work ensures a smooth installation. In most cases, the old plumbing configuration will work with your new sink. But if you’re making a major change in the design of the new sink, be sure that the old plumbing fits the new sink’s requirements. So, before you buy or order a sink, take a few measurements:\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">If you don’t install your sink and faucet according to the instructions, you’ll have to foot the bill for the replacement even if the product is defective. If the manufacturer sees signs of abuse or misuse or an improper installation, they’re off the hook.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Establishing the drain height:</b> Make sure to measure the distance from the underside of the countertop to the center of the drain line that comes out of the wall. This distance is usually between 16 and 18 inches, which allows adequate space for the water to drop into the trap and still leaves enough space below the trap for storing items underneath the sink in the cabinet.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The drain height is usually not an issue unless you’re going from a very shallow sink to one that has very deep bowls (9 to 12 inches deep). Even if you do switch to deeper bowls, it may only be a problem if your old setup had a shallow bowl coupled with a high drain exit position. This may sound like a less than likely setup but it does happen.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you do find that you only have a few inches of space between the bottom of the bowl and the center of the drainpipe, contact a licensed plumber to assess the situation and determine if the drainpipe needs to be lowered.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Determine the shut-off valve heights:</b> Measure from the floor of the sink base cabinet to the center of the valve. Houses built before roughly 1980 were not required to have shut-offs on every sink supply line, so you may not have any at all. If your sink doesn’t have shut-off valves, install them now while you’re working on the system.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If your kitchen didn’t have shut-offs when you tore out the old sink and faucet and you’ve been working on the sink installation for a few days, you better have installed individual shut-off valves by now or your family won’t be speaking with you. Where there are no shut-off valves and there are open pipes or lines, the only way to keep the water from running out is to shut down the entire water supply. Not a good idea when your daughter is getting ready for a big date.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33953,"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210313,"title":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","slug":"how-to-replace-a-washer-in-a-leaky-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210313"}},{"articleId":206658,"title":"How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-stem-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206658"}},{"articleId":205937,"title":"How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer","slug":"how-to-clean-a-faucet-aerator-and-sink-sprayer","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205937"}},{"articleId":204809,"title":"How to Replace a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-replace-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204809"}},{"articleId":204777,"title":"How to Remove a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-remove-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204777"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6508ba8eacbd8\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6508ba8ead537\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-09-18T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":184980},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:45:48+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-10-04T21:28:31+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:40+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"title":"How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal","strippedTitle":"how to unclog a garbage disposal","slug":"how-to-unclog-a-garbage-disposal","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Even if you're careful about what you put down the garbage disposal, clogs can happen sometimes. Follow these tips for a safe solution.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Even if you are careful about what you put down your garbage disposal, clogs happen. There are some simple things you can do to keep clogs to a minimum and steps you can take when that inevitable clog occurs. The following actions are what generally cause clogs in your disposal:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Dropping a foreign object — usually a spoon or fork — into the disposal</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Feeding garbage in too rapidly</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Failing to run enough water (to completely flush out the drainpipes) while garbage is being processed</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYour garbage disposal can be finicky, so don’t expect it to devour and digest everything. For example, don’t throw corncobs, artichokes, avocado pits, or fish and chicken bones down a disposal and expect it to continue working without a clog. Flip through the owner’s manual to find out what your disposal’s limitations are.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">Never use chemical drain cleaners in a disposal. The chemicals are highly corrosive and may damage rubber or plastic parts.</p>\r\nUse Mother Nature’s deodorizer for your disposal: Every few months, cut a lemon in half, throw one half in the disposal, turn on the unit, and let it run for a minute or two. The lemon removes the build-up of residue on the interior of the disposal and deodorizes the unit. You know it’s working by the fresh lemony smell.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Steps for unclogging the disposal</h2>\r\nIf the instructions in your user’s manual are no help, follow these steps to unclog a disposal:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Shut off the electrical power switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">This switch is located under the cabinet, near the disposal, or on a wall nearby. If you don’t find a switch, go to the main power panel and turn off the breaker or remove the fuse that powers the disposal.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Never put your hand in the disposal. Remember that the switch may be defective, so keep your hands out of the disposal even when power to the machine is turned off.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Take a look in the disposal.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">A flashlight may shed some light on the problem — you may see a large object caught in the disposal.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If an object caused the stoppage, use a pair of pliers to reach into the disposal and remove it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wait 15 minutes for the disposal motor to cool.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn on the power and push the reset or overload protector button.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">This button is located on the bottom of the disposal.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nIf the disposal is still clogged, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn off the power and insert a long dowel, a wooden spoon, or a broom handle — never your hand — into the drain opening.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the bottom end of the wooden probe against the impeller (the blades that grind up the garbage) and rock it back and forth to free it.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/291644.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"380\" height=\"400\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When the impeller moves freely, wait 15 minutes for the motor to cool, turn on the power, and push the reset button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nSome disposal models come with a large L-shaped hex wrench. If you have such a model, turn off the power, insert the hex wrench into the opening in the center of the disposal’s bottom, and turn the wrench back and forth until the impeller is freed. Again, wait until the motor has cooled, press the reset button, and then try operating the disposal.","description":"Even if you are careful about what you put down your garbage disposal, clogs happen. There are some simple things you can do to keep clogs to a minimum and steps you can take when that inevitable clog occurs. The following actions are what generally cause clogs in your disposal:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Dropping a foreign object — usually a spoon or fork — into the disposal</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Feeding garbage in too rapidly</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Failing to run enough water (to completely flush out the drainpipes) while garbage is being processed</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYour garbage disposal can be finicky, so don’t expect it to devour and digest everything. For example, don’t throw corncobs, artichokes, avocado pits, or fish and chicken bones down a disposal and expect it to continue working without a clog. Flip through the owner’s manual to find out what your disposal’s limitations are.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">Never use chemical drain cleaners in a disposal. The chemicals are highly corrosive and may damage rubber or plastic parts.</p>\r\nUse Mother Nature’s deodorizer for your disposal: Every few months, cut a lemon in half, throw one half in the disposal, turn on the unit, and let it run for a minute or two. The lemon removes the build-up of residue on the interior of the disposal and deodorizes the unit. You know it’s working by the fresh lemony smell.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Steps for unclogging the disposal</h2>\r\nIf the instructions in your user’s manual are no help, follow these steps to unclog a disposal:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Shut off the electrical power switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">This switch is located under the cabinet, near the disposal, or on a wall nearby. If you don’t find a switch, go to the main power panel and turn off the breaker or remove the fuse that powers the disposal.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Never put your hand in the disposal. Remember that the switch may be defective, so keep your hands out of the disposal even when power to the machine is turned off.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Take a look in the disposal.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">A flashlight may shed some light on the problem — you may see a large object caught in the disposal.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If an object caused the stoppage, use a pair of pliers to reach into the disposal and remove it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wait 15 minutes for the disposal motor to cool.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn on the power and push the reset or overload protector button.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">This button is located on the bottom of the disposal.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nIf the disposal is still clogged, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn off the power and insert a long dowel, a wooden spoon, or a broom handle — never your hand — into the drain opening.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the bottom end of the wooden probe against the impeller (the blades that grind up the garbage) and rock it back and forth to free it.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/291644.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"380\" height=\"400\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When the impeller moves freely, wait 15 minutes for the motor to cool, turn on the power, and push the reset button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nSome disposal models come with a large L-shaped hex wrench. If you have such a model, turn off the power, insert the hex wrench into the opening in the center of the disposal’s bottom, and turn the wrench back and forth until the impeller is freed. Again, wait until the motor has cooled, press the reset button, and then try operating the disposal.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33953,"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Steps for unclogging the disposal","target":"#tab1"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210313,"title":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","slug":"how-to-replace-a-washer-in-a-leaky-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210313"}},{"articleId":206658,"title":"How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-stem-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206658"}},{"articleId":205937,"title":"How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer","slug":"how-to-clean-a-faucet-aerator-and-sink-sprayer","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205937"}},{"articleId":204809,"title":"How to Replace a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-replace-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204809"}},{"articleId":204777,"title":"How to Remove a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-remove-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204777"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b00c0fea\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b00c18c9\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-10-04T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":184451},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:44:50+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-09-29T19:25:37+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:39+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"title":"How to Unclog a Drain with a Snake","strippedTitle":"how to unclog a drain with a snake","slug":"how-to-unclog-a-drain-with-a-snake","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"If you've already tried other methods to unclog your drain, it might be time to try a drain auger, or snake. Here's how to do it.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"If neither cleaning the trap nor plunging clears a plumbing clog, your final weapon is a drain auger (also known as a snake). This tool, a coiled steel wire usually about 1/4-inch thick with a handle on one end, works the opposite way that a plunger does: You push the snake into the clog and crank it to drive the snake farther into the obstruction.\r\n\r\nWhile parts of the clog break up and flush through the drain, the snake helps you gain access to the clog so that you can pull it out. Some snakes can fit as an attachment on an electric drill, giving it more power to force it through the clog. Snakes are especially handy because they're long enough to reach clogs that are deep within a drainpipe.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/291641.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >How to prevent drain clogs</h2>\r\nYour best defense against clogs is to avoid them in the first place. The following are some common-sense practices to use:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Use a sink strainer:</b> A clogged kitchen sink is usually the result of garbage or foreign objects entering the drain. Use a sink strainer to prevent garbage and small items from entering the drainpipe.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Take care of your garbage disposal:</b> When using a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/plumbing/clogs/how-to-unclog-a-garbage-disposal/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">garbage disposal</a>, run cold water at full volume while the machine is chopping up the garbage; leave the water running for a full minute after you shut off the disposer. This precaution flushes the garbage completely out of the small-diameter sink drainpipe and into the larger main drainpipe, where it's less likely to cause a clog.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Don't dump materials down your drain:</b> Do-it-yourselfers often flush building materials down the drain. The most common offender is plaster or wallboard compound, which seems innocent enough going down but can harden in the drainpipes and clog them. To prevent these clogs, never dispose of leftover building materials in sink drains.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Steps for using a drain auger</h2>\r\nYou can rent a manually operated or an electrical drain auger for a few bucks at a rental center. The equipment is easy to use, but ask the dealer for operating instructions. The basic process is as follows:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The auger begins its journey down the drain.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keep pushing more of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You may have to apply pressure when cranking the handle to get it to bend around the tight curve in the trap under the sink. After turning the curve, the snake usually slides through easily until you hit the clog.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Rotate the snake against the blockage until you feel it feed freely into the pipe.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The rotating action enables the tip of the snake to attach to the clog and spin it away or chop it up. If the clog is a solid object, the auger head entangles the object. If you don't feel the auger breaking through and twisting getting easier, pull the auger out of the drain — you'll likely pull the clog out with it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Run water full force for a few minutes to be sure that the drain is unclogged.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Sometimes, the clog flushes down the drain; at other times, the clog comes out attached to the snake.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","description":"If neither cleaning the trap nor plunging clears a plumbing clog, your final weapon is a drain auger (also known as a snake). This tool, a coiled steel wire usually about 1/4-inch thick with a handle on one end, works the opposite way that a plunger does: You push the snake into the clog and crank it to drive the snake farther into the obstruction.\r\n\r\nWhile parts of the clog break up and flush through the drain, the snake helps you gain access to the clog so that you can pull it out. Some snakes can fit as an attachment on an electric drill, giving it more power to force it through the clog. Snakes are especially handy because they're long enough to reach clogs that are deep within a drainpipe.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/291641.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >How to prevent drain clogs</h2>\r\nYour best defense against clogs is to avoid them in the first place. The following are some common-sense practices to use:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Use a sink strainer:</b> A clogged kitchen sink is usually the result of garbage or foreign objects entering the drain. Use a sink strainer to prevent garbage and small items from entering the drainpipe.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Take care of your garbage disposal:</b> When using a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/plumbing/clogs/how-to-unclog-a-garbage-disposal/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">garbage disposal</a>, run cold water at full volume while the machine is chopping up the garbage; leave the water running for a full minute after you shut off the disposer. This precaution flushes the garbage completely out of the small-diameter sink drainpipe and into the larger main drainpipe, where it's less likely to cause a clog.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Don't dump materials down your drain:</b> Do-it-yourselfers often flush building materials down the drain. The most common offender is plaster or wallboard compound, which seems innocent enough going down but can harden in the drainpipes and clog them. To prevent these clogs, never dispose of leftover building materials in sink drains.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Steps for using a drain auger</h2>\r\nYou can rent a manually operated or an electrical drain auger for a few bucks at a rental center. The equipment is easy to use, but ask the dealer for operating instructions. The basic process is as follows:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The auger begins its journey down the drain.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keep pushing more of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You may have to apply pressure when cranking the handle to get it to bend around the tight curve in the trap under the sink. After turning the curve, the snake usually slides through easily until you hit the clog.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Rotate the snake against the blockage until you feel it feed freely into the pipe.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The rotating action enables the tip of the snake to attach to the clog and spin it away or chop it up. If the clog is a solid object, the auger head entangles the object. If you don't feel the auger breaking through and twisting getting easier, pull the auger out of the drain — you'll likely pull the clog out with it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Run water full force for a few minutes to be sure that the drain is unclogged.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Sometimes, the clog flushes down the drain; at other times, the clog comes out attached to the snake.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33953,"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[{"label":"How to prevent drain clogs","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Steps for using a drain auger","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210313,"title":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","slug":"how-to-replace-a-washer-in-a-leaky-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210313"}},{"articleId":206658,"title":"How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-stem-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206658"}},{"articleId":205937,"title":"How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer","slug":"how-to-clean-a-faucet-aerator-and-sink-sprayer","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205937"}},{"articleId":204809,"title":"How to Replace a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-replace-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204809"}},{"articleId":204777,"title":"How to Remove a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-remove-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204777"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221aff9ec74\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221aff9f64f\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-29T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":184384},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-28T14:39:14+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-28T14:39:14+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-09T18:15:43+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"title":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","strippedTitle":"how to replace a washer in a leaky faucet","slug":"how-to-replace-a-washer-in-a-leaky-faucet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Repairing a leaky faucet usually requires replacing a washer. Conserving water and avoiding a professional plumber in one DIY home-improvement project? This vid","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<div class='x2 x2-top'><div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div></div>Repairing a leaky faucet usually requires replacing a washer. Conserving water and avoiding a professional plumber in one DIY home-improvement project? This video shows you how to fix a leaky faucet by replacing the washer.","description":"<div class='x2 x2-top'><div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div></div>Repairing a leaky faucet usually requires replacing a washer. Conserving water and avoiding a professional plumber in one DIY home-improvement project? This video shows you how to fix a leaky faucet by replacing the washer.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33953,"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":206658,"title":"How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-stem-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206658"}},{"articleId":205937,"title":"How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer","slug":"how-to-clean-a-faucet-aerator-and-sink-sprayer","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205937"}},{"articleId":204809,"title":"How to Replace a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-replace-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204809"}},{"articleId":204777,"title":"How to Remove a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-remove-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204777"}},{"articleId":184983,"title":"How to Hook Up a Drain Line to a Sink","slug":"how-to-hook-up-a-drain-line-to-a-sink","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/184983"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-631b82cfd1384\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-631b82cfd1ac2\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Videos","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":"694613095001","name":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","accountId":"622696558001","playerId":"default","thumbnailUrl":"https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/622696558001/882d7249-548e-499b-ae9b-bff89d2805ab/fc537c17-b37e-44a9-803e-1bba2265e55c/160x90/match/image.jpg","description":"Repairing a leaky faucet usually requires replacing a washer. Conserving water and avoiding a professional plumber in one DIY home-improvement project? This video shows you how to fix a leaky faucet by replacing the washer.","uploadDate":"2022-06-30T15:40:49.142Z"}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":210313},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T14:48:23+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T14:48:23+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:13:28+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"title":"How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet","strippedTitle":"how to fix a leaky stem faucet","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-stem-faucet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Knowing how to fix a leaky stem faucet saves money, and the process is easy. A leaky stem faucet usually means that the packing is worn out or needs tightening.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Knowing how to fix a leaky stem faucet saves money, and the process is easy. A leaky stem faucet usually means that the packing is worn out or needs tightening. The packing (which looks like string) keeps water from leaking out around the stem. These faucets have no aerators and are found mostly in laundry rooms and outdoor sinks.</p>","description":"<p>Knowing how to fix a leaky stem faucet saves money, and the process is easy. A leaky stem faucet usually means that the packing is worn out or needs tightening. The packing (which looks like string) keeps water from leaking out around the stem. These faucets have no aerators and are found mostly in laundry rooms and outdoor sinks.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33953,"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210313,"title":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","slug":"how-to-replace-a-washer-in-a-leaky-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210313"}},{"articleId":205937,"title":"How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer","slug":"how-to-clean-a-faucet-aerator-and-sink-sprayer","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205937"}},{"articleId":204809,"title":"How to Replace a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-replace-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204809"}},{"articleId":204777,"title":"How to Remove a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-remove-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204777"}},{"articleId":184983,"title":"How to Hook Up a Drain Line to a Sink","slug":"how-to-hook-up-a-drain-line-to-a-sink","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/184983"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219c8ac2b8\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219c8ac80b\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Gather your tools: A pair of pliers or a wrench, a screwdriver, replacement packing.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/91823.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p><b>Tip:</b> If you&#8217;re not sure which packing to buy, take your old packing with you to the store. Someone there can help you find the right replacement packing.</p>\n"},{"title":"Turn the packing nut clockwise to tighten it a little at a time.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/91825.image2.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>If the leak stops, you&#8217;re done, but if you&#8217;ve tightened it and it still leaks, then continue to Step 3.</p>\n"},{"title":"Turn off the water at the valve under the sink, and turn on the faucet at the sink until the water stops running.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/91827.image4.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Drain all the water from the faucet to prevent a big mess.</p>\n"},{"title":"Unscrew the handle and remove it.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/91829.image6.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>The screw might be hidden under a cap that snaps in or is threaded.</p>\n"},{"title":"Remove the packing nut.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/91831.image8.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Turn the packing nut counterclockwise until it&#8217;s loose. Take it all the way off.</p>\n"},{"title":"Unwind the old packing from within the faucet.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/91833.image10.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Pay attention to the way the packing was originally positioned.</p>\n"},{"title":"Wind the new packing on the stem.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/91835.image12.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Remember to leave enough room to get the nut on.</p>\n"},{"title":"Turn on the water at the valve under the sink, and reinstall the handle.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/91837.image14.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":""},{"title":"Tighten the packing nut.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/91839.image16.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Tighten the nut enough to stop the water leak but not so much that the handle won&#8217;t turn.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206658},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T13:50:32+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T13:50:32+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:13:09+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"title":"How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer","strippedTitle":"how to clean a faucet aerator and sink sprayer","slug":"how-to-clean-a-faucet-aerator-and-sink-sprayer","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Cleaning clogged faucet aerators and sink sprayers help faucets function like new. Mineral deposits and sediment slow the water flow, so clean your faucet aerat","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Cleaning clogged faucet aerators and sink sprayers help faucets function like new. Mineral deposits and sediment slow the water flow, so clean your faucet aerators or sink sprayers to get a full flow.</p>\n<p>The aerator screws onto the end of the faucet spout and typically has two screens inside that the water flows through. To clean your faucet aerator, you'll need groove-joint pliers, masking tape, paper clip, old toothbrush or small wire brush, and a small bowl. You'll also need some white vinegar or lime-dissolving solution.</p>","description":"<p>Cleaning clogged faucet aerators and sink sprayers help faucets function like new. Mineral deposits and sediment slow the water flow, so clean your faucet aerators or sink sprayers to get a full flow.</p>\n<p>The aerator screws onto the end of the faucet spout and typically has two screens inside that the water flows through. To clean your faucet aerator, you'll need groove-joint pliers, masking tape, paper clip, old toothbrush or small wire brush, and a small bowl. You'll also need some white vinegar or lime-dissolving solution.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33953,"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210313,"title":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","slug":"how-to-replace-a-washer-in-a-leaky-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210313"}},{"articleId":206658,"title":"How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-stem-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206658"}},{"articleId":204809,"title":"How to Replace a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-replace-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204809"}},{"articleId":204777,"title":"How to Remove a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-remove-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204777"}},{"articleId":184983,"title":"How to Hook Up a Drain Line to a Sink","slug":"how-to-hook-up-a-drain-line-to-a-sink","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/184983"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219b5176de\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219b517c7a\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Wrap some masking tape around the jaws of the groove-joint pliers or around the aerator to prevent scratches.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243723.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Protect the surface of the aerator.</p>\n"},{"title":"Grip the outside of the aerator with the pliers, and turn the aerator clockwise to loosen it.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243725.image2.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Be gentle; too much pressure can crush the aerator housing.</p>\n"},{"title":"Disassemble the aerator.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243727.image4.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Push the internal parts out of the aerator housing. A small paper clip might help. If the components are stuck, soak the aerator in white vinegar or lime-dissolver solution (one part vinegar to one part water) for 30 minutes.</p>\n<p><b>Tip: </b>Cover the sink drain to prevent small parts from accidentally falling down the drain.</p>\n"},{"title":"Use an old toothbrush and a gentle touch to clean the parts.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243729.image6.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Don&#8217;t bend the screens or you&#8217;ll have to replace them.</p>\n"},{"title":"Reassemble the aerator parts.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243731.image8.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Insert the screen, disk, and washer or O-ring (depending on your aerator&#8217;s design) in reverse order of disassembly.</p>\n"},{"title":"Reinstall the aerator on the faucet.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243733.image10.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Screw it in by hand in a counterclockwise direction. Use the pliers to tighten securely but there&#8217;s no need to over tighten it. Snug is good!</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":205937},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T11:57:37+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T11:57:37+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:12:53+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"title":"How to Replace a Sink Trap","strippedTitle":"how to replace a sink trap","slug":"how-to-replace-a-sink-trap","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Replace the sink trap to deal with buildup and clogged pipes that a plumber’s snake or plunger can’t fix. Replacing a sink trap is pretty quick work. You'll nee","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Replace the sink trap to deal with buildup and clogged pipes that a plumber’s snake or plunger can’t fix. Replacing a sink trap is pretty quick work. You'll need groove-joint pliers, a bucket, and a replacement sink trap. (Take the old trap with you to the store to get an exact match.)</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">If there is any chance that chemical drain cleaner has been used to clear this trap in the past, you must take extra precaution when working on the trap. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes in case of a water splash. After putting on your protective gear, place a bucket under the sink trap. The bucket makes clean up much easier.</p>","description":"<p>Replace the sink trap to deal with buildup and clogged pipes that a plumber’s snake or plunger can’t fix. Replacing a sink trap is pretty quick work. You'll need groove-joint pliers, a bucket, and a replacement sink trap. (Take the old trap with you to the store to get an exact match.)</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">If there is any chance that chemical drain cleaner has been used to clear this trap in the past, you must take extra precaution when working on the trap. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes in case of a water splash. After putting on your protective gear, place a bucket under the sink trap. The bucket makes clean up much easier.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33953,"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210313,"title":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","slug":"how-to-replace-a-washer-in-a-leaky-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210313"}},{"articleId":206658,"title":"How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-stem-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206658"}},{"articleId":205937,"title":"How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer","slug":"how-to-clean-a-faucet-aerator-and-sink-sprayer","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205937"}},{"articleId":204777,"title":"How to Remove a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-remove-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204777"}},{"articleId":184983,"title":"How to Hook Up a Drain Line to a Sink","slug":"how-to-hook-up-a-drain-line-to-a-sink","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/184983"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219a57538a\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219a575c16\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Remove the slip nuts.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/360883.image0.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>Loosen the slip nuts with groove-joint pliers, unscrew the nuts by hand and slide them away from the connections.</p>\n<p>Be sure to save the two washers that are part of the slip nut connection; you can reuse them with the new trap. Pull off the trap. The old trap will have some gunky water in it, so place the old trap in the bucket.</p>\n"},{"title":"Slide the two washers from the old trap onto the new trap.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/360884.image1.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>Fit the new trap into place.</p>\n"},{"title":"Secure the new trap.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/360885.image2.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>Use the slip nuts to secure the new trap to the drain lines. Hand-tighten the nuts. Run water in the sink and check for leaks. If you see a leak, tighten the slip nuts one-quarter turn with groove-joint pliers.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":204809},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T11:53:11+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T11:53:11+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:12:52+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Plumbing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33951"},"slug":"plumbing","categoryId":33951},{"name":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"},"slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","categoryId":33953}],"title":"How to Remove a Sink Trap","strippedTitle":"how to remove a sink trap","slug":"how-to-remove-a-sink-trap","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Removing a sink trap releases whatever is caught inside. If you know how to remove the sink trap you’ll be able to retrieve valuables that disappear down the dr","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Removing a sink trap releases whatever is caught inside. If you know how to remove the sink trap you’ll be able to retrieve valuables that disappear down the drain. It’s happened to almost everyone:. The best rescue tactic is to remove the trap.</p>\n<p>Don’t run any water through the drain — water may flush it farther away. Keep the bucket under the trap to catch what’s inside it when it’s removed from the drainpipe. Removing and cleaning the trap is easy, but wear rubber gloves and eye protection to shield yourself from sharp pieces of debris or drain cleaner (if you’ve used one recently).</p>","description":"<p>Removing a sink trap releases whatever is caught inside. If you know how to remove the sink trap you’ll be able to retrieve valuables that disappear down the drain. It’s happened to almost everyone:. The best rescue tactic is to remove the trap.</p>\n<p>Don’t run any water through the drain — water may flush it farther away. Keep the bucket under the trap to catch what’s inside it when it’s removed from the drainpipe. Removing and cleaning the trap is easy, but wear rubber gloves and eye protection to shield yourself from sharp pieces of debris or drain cleaner (if you’ve used one recently).</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33953,"title":"Sinks & Garbage Disposals","slug":"sinks-garbage-disposals","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210313,"title":"How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet","slug":"how-to-replace-a-washer-in-a-leaky-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210313"}},{"articleId":206658,"title":"How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leaky-stem-faucet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206658"}},{"articleId":205937,"title":"How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer","slug":"how-to-clean-a-faucet-aerator-and-sink-sprayer","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205937"}},{"articleId":204809,"title":"How to Replace a Sink Trap","slug":"how-to-replace-a-sink-trap","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204809"}},{"articleId":184983,"title":"How to Hook Up a Drain Line to a Sink","slug":"how-to-hook-up-a-drain-line-to-a-sink","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","plumbing","sinks-garbage-disposals"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/184983"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219a4ba825\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;plumbing&quot;,&quot;sinks-garbage-disposals&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219a4bb09a\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Place a bucket under the trap (before taking it apart).","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/362141.image0.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>This way, you catch any debris or water that falls out when the trap is removed.</p>\n"},{"title":"Unscrew the metal slip nuts a half turn or so, so that you can finish loosening them by hand.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/362142.image1.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>To protect the chrome finish on the slip nuts, wrap tape around the jaws of your wrench or pliers. Plastic traps have slip nuts that you can usually turn by hand. Some traps have a clean-out plug instead of slip nuts. Simply remove the plug and allow the blockage to spill out.</p>\n"},{"title":"Scrape out any blockage from the trap.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/362143.image2.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>Be sure to knock the gunk into the bucket to make it easier to find your lost treasure &#8212; and to prevent the gunk from falling out into the bottom of your cabinet!</p>\n"},{"title":"Tighten the slip nuts with your hands to ensure that they’re threaded on the trap correctly, and then tighten with a wrench or pliers.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/362144.image3.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>Half a turn is usually all that&#8217;s necessary to stop the trap from leaking; don&#8217;t overtighten.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":204777}],"_links":{"self":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=0"},"next":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=10"},"last":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33953/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=11"}}},"objectTitle":"","status":"success","pageType":"article-category","objectId":"33953","page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{"categoriesFilter":[{"itemId":0,"itemName":"All Categories","count":21}],"articleTypeFilter":[{"articleType":"All Types","count":21},{"articleType":"Articles","count":16},{"articleType":"Step by Step","count":4},{"articleType":"Videos","count":1}]},"filterDataLoadedStatus":"success","pageSize":10},"adsState":{"pageScripts":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2025-04-17T15:50:01+00:00"},"adsId":0,"data":{"scripts":[{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!--Optimizely Script-->\r\n<script src=\"https://cdn.optimizely.com/js/10563184655.js\"></script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- comScore Tag -->\r\n<script>var _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1: \"2\", c2: \"15097263\" });(function() {var s = document.createElement(\"script\"), el = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; s.async = true;s.src = (document.location.protocol == \"https:\" ? \"https://sb\" : \"http://b\") + \".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\";el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();</script><noscript><img src=\"https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=15097263&cv=2.0&cj=1\" /></noscript>\r\n<!-- / comScore Tag -->","enabled":true},{"pages":["all"],"location":"footer","script":"<!--BEGIN QUALTRICS WEBSITE FEEDBACK SNIPPET-->\r\n<script type='text/javascript'>\r\n(function(){var g=function(e,h,f,g){\r\nthis.get=function(a){for(var a=a+\"=\",c=document.cookie.split(\";\"),b=0,e=c.length;b<e;b++){for(var d=c[b];\" \"==d.charAt(0);)d=d.substring(1,d.length);if(0==d.indexOf(a))return d.substring(a.length,d.length)}return null};\r\nthis.set=function(a,c){var b=\"\",b=new Date;b.setTime(b.getTime()+6048E5);b=\"; expires=\"+b.toGMTString();document.cookie=a+\"=\"+c+b+\"; path=/; \"};\r\nthis.check=function(){var a=this.get(f);if(a)a=a.split(\":\");else if(100!=e)\"v\"==h&&(e=Math.random()>=e/100?0:100),a=[h,e,0],this.set(f,a.join(\":\"));else return!0;var c=a[1];if(100==c)return!0;switch(a[0]){case \"v\":return!1;case \"r\":return c=a[2]%Math.floor(100/c),a[2]++,this.set(f,a.join(\":\")),!c}return!0};\r\nthis.go=function(){if(this.check()){var a=document.createElement(\"script\");a.type=\"text/javascript\";a.src=g;document.body&&document.body.appendChild(a)}};\r\nthis.start=function(){var t=this;\"complete\"!==document.readyState?window.addEventListener?window.addEventListener(\"load\",function(){t.go()},!1):window.attachEvent&&window.attachEvent(\"onload\",function(){t.go()}):t.go()};};\r\ntry{(new g(100,\"r\",\"QSI_S_ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\",\"https://zn5o5yqpvmvjgdoun-wiley.siteintercept.qualtrics.com/SIE/?Q_ZID=ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\")).start()}catch(i){}})();\r\n</script><div id='ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN'><!--DO NOT REMOVE-CONTENTS PLACED HERE--></div>\r\n<!--END WEBSITE FEEDBACK SNIPPET-->","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- Hotjar Tracking Code for http://www.dummies.com -->\r\n<script>\r\n (function(h,o,t,j,a,r){\r\n h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)};\r\n h._hjSettings={hjid:257151,hjsv:6};\r\n a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')[0];\r\n r=o.createElement('script');r.async=1;\r\n r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv;\r\n a.appendChild(r);\r\n })(window,document,'https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-','.js?sv=');\r\n</script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["article"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- //Connect Container: dummies --> <script src=\"//get.s-onetag.com/bffe21a1-6bb8-4928-9449-7beadb468dae/tag.min.js\" async defer></script>","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage"],"location":"header","script":"<meta name=\"facebook-domain-verification\" content=\"irk8y0irxf718trg3uwwuexg6xpva0\" />","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage","article","category","search"],"location":"footer","script":"<!-- Facebook Pixel Code -->\r\n<noscript>\r\n<img height=\"1\" width=\"1\" src=\"https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=256338321977984&ev=PageView&noscript=1\"/>\r\n</noscript>\r\n<!-- End Facebook Pixel Code -->","enabled":true}]}},"pageScriptsLoadedStatus":"success"},"navigationState":{"navigationCollections":[{"collectionId":287568,"title":"BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-entry-level-entrepreneur-287568"},{"collectionId":293237,"title":"Be a Rad Dad","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/be-the-best-dad-293237"},{"collectionId":295890,"title":"Career Shifting","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/career-shifting-295890"},{"collectionId":294090,"title":"Contemplating the Cosmos","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/theres-something-about-space-294090"},{"collectionId":287563,"title":"For Those Seeking Peace of Mind","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-those-seeking-peace-of-mind-287563"},{"collectionId":287570,"title":"For the Aspiring Aficionado","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-bougielicious-287570"},{"collectionId":291903,"title":"For the Budding Cannabis Enthusiast","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-budding-cannabis-enthusiast-291903"},{"collectionId":299891,"title":"For the College Bound","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-college-bound-299891"},{"collectionId":291934,"title":"For the Exam-Season Crammer","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-exam-season-crammer-291934"},{"collectionId":301547,"title":"For the Game Day Prepper","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/big-game-day-prep-made-easy-301547"}],"navigationCollectionsLoadedStatus":"success","navigationCategories":{"books":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/books/level-0-category-0"}},"articles":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/articles/level-0-category-0"}}},"navigationCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"searchState":{"searchList":[],"searchStatus":"initial","relatedArticlesList":[],"relatedArticlesStatus":"initial"},"routeState":{"name":"ArticleCategory","path":"/category/articles/sinks-garbage-disposals-33953/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{"category":"sinks-garbage-disposals-33953"},"fullPath":"/category/articles/sinks-garbage-disposals-33953/","meta":{"routeType":"category","breadcrumbInfo":{"suffix":"Articles","baseRoute":"/category/articles"},"prerenderWithAsyncData":true},"from":{"name":null,"path":"/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{},"fullPath":"/","meta":{}}},"profileState":{"auth":{},"userOptions":{},"status":"success"}}
Logo
  • Articles Open Article Categories
  • Books Open Book Categories
  • Collections Open Collections list
  • Custom Solutions

Article Categories

Book Categories

Collections

Explore all collections
BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)
Be a Rad Dad
Career Shifting
Contemplating the Cosmos
For Those Seeking Peace of Mind
For the Aspiring Aficionado
For the Budding Cannabis Enthusiast
For the College Bound
For the Exam-Season Crammer
For the Game Day Prepper
Log In
  • Home
  • Home, Auto, & Hobbies Articles
  • Home Improvement & Appliances Articles
  • Plumbing Articles
  • Sinks & Garbage Disposals Articles

Sinks & Garbage Disposals Articles

Need to unclog a problematic drain? Trying to get your garbage disposal to work? You've come to the right place. Check out our articles on these kitchen fixtures.

Articles From Sinks & Garbage Disposals

page 1
page 2
page 3

Filter Results

21 results
21 results
Sinks & Garbage Disposals How to Install a Garbage Disposal

Article / Updated 09-18-2023

A food disposer takes the place of a sink basket and drain piece on one of the kitchen sink bowls. To install this appliance, consult the installation instructions that come with the unit, because the steps vary among brands. Here are the basic steps for installing any food disposer: Remove the sink basket (if one was installed). Send the sink sleeve (which replaces the sink basket and secures the disposer to the sink bowl) through the hole in the sink bottom and secure the sleeve to the bowl by using the gasket and mounting rings, following the unit’s installation instructions. The gaskets and mounting rings keep the sink sleeve from leaking when you run water. There are two mounting rings: the upper mounting ring and a backup mounting ring. There’s also a snap ring that goes into the groove on the backup mounting ring as extra security for keeping the unit in place. Lift the disposer and align the mounting lugs (small, rolled curls of metal attached to the mounting ring) and mounting ears (90-degree angled metal cliplike pieces also attached to the mounting ring near the lugs) with the mounting screws located between the upper and backup mounting rings. The mounting screws are threaded. The lugs and ears are located on the lower mounting ring, which is attached to the disposer housing (the main body of the unit). Turn the disposer clockwise until it’s supported on the mounting assembly (sleeve and mounting rings). Attach the discharge tube (a short, approximately 90-degree plastic elbow where the waste and water is discharged) to the discharge opening (the larger hole in the side of the housing). The tube uses a rubber gasket and metal flange to secure it and keep it from leaking. If you’re draining your dishwasher through the disposer, remove the plug in the smaller dishwasher nipple and attach the dishwasher drain hose to the nipple with a hose clamp. If you don’t have a dishwasher, do not remove the plug! If you remove the plug but don’t have a hose to connect to the nipple, the water will spew out the hole. Connect the drain line pipe from the sink drain setup to the disposer’s discharge tube with a slip nut and washer. You may need to cut either the discharge tube or the drain line pipe to fit. Lock the disposer in place by using the disposer wrench (included with the unit). Insert the wrench into one of the mounting lugs on the lower mounting ring and turn it clockwise until it locks. A standard plug-end cord is the electrical power connection for most disposers. But you do need to connect the cord to the motor wires. Here’s how: Remove the disposer’s bottom plate. Strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire of the power cord. Connect like-color wires by using wire connectors. To ground the unit, attach the green ground wire from the power supply to the green ground screw that will be on the disposer housing. The screw is easy to spot, because it’s actually painted green. Gently push all the wires in and reinstall the bottom plate. Plug in the cord and you’re good to go!

View Article
Sinks & Garbage Disposals How to Hook Up a Drain Line to a Sink

Article / Updated 09-18-2023

After you have attached your faucet and water supply and set your sink, it’s time to connect the sink drain. Drain kits come in different materials and configurations, but installing them is a snap. Choose the kit with the configuration for your sink type, and you’re halfway home! You have a couple of choices for drain kits: chromed metal kits and PVC drain kits. Both work well and are about equally easy to use. The main factor on deciding which one to use is cosmetic — will the drain line be visible? If it will be visible, you’ll want to use the chromed kit. If it’s out of sight in the sink base cabinet, which most kitchen drains are, then the good-old white plastic PVC kit is the way to go; PVC is cheaper. Kitchen sink drain kits, whether they’re chromed or PVC, use nut and washer screw-together connections. Besides being easy to install, they also let you easily disconnect the assembly when it’s time to unclog a drain or quickly rescue that wedding ring that fell down the drain. A basic, single-bowl kit includes: A tailpiece, which connects to the bottom of the sink strainer A trap bend (or P-trap), which forms a water-filled block to prevent sewer gas from coming up through the sink drain A trap arm, which is connected to the downstream end of the P-trap and then to the drain line that leads to the main drainage line A double-bowl drain kit will have everything the single-bowl kit has along with a waste-Tee connection and additional length of drain line to connect both bowls to a single P-trap. If your sink has a garbage disposer, you need an additional longer section of drainpipe to connect the disposer’s drain line to the bowl drain line. The crosspiece that comes in the kit may or may not be long enough to make the connection between the disposer and other sink bowl drain pieces. You have to check yours out to be sure. Follow your disposer’s installation instructions. Assembling and connecting the drain kit is fairly simple. The pieces are easy to maneuver, so you can adjust them to fit almost any setup. Don’t expect the horizontal pieces to be in super-straight alignment with the tailpieces or the drainpipe. The only thing that matters is that they all eventually get connected together. Start by attaching the tailpiece to the sink drain and tightening the slip nut and washer by hand. If you have a multiple bowl sink, all of the drain tailpieces should be the same length for an easier installation. Slip the trap onto the tailpiece and then position the trap’s horizontal piece next to the drain line coming out of the wall. The horizontal piece must fit inside the end of the drain line. Remove the trap and cut the horizontal section to fit. Reattach the trap to the tailpiece and into the drain line and tighten the slip nuts and washers. Before you do anything else, get the bucket and rags ready. Lay some rags directly below each connection so that, if there is a leak, the towels will immediately soak up the water. And leave the rags there for a couple of days, just in case a leak develops over time. Have your helper turn on the water while you begin inspecting for leaks. Don’t be alarmed (or upset) if you have a joint that leaks. Just shut off the water, take a deep breath, disassemble and reassemble the connection, and check again for leaks.

View Article
Sinks & Garbage Disposals Preparing to Install a Kitchen Sink

Article / Updated 09-18-2023

Much of the work of sink installation takes place before you set the sink into the countertop. Taking your time with the preliminary work ensures a smooth installation. In most cases, the old plumbing configuration will work with your new sink. But if you’re making a major change in the design of the new sink, be sure that the old plumbing fits the new sink’s requirements. So, before you buy or order a sink, take a few measurements: If you don’t install your sink and faucet according to the instructions, you’ll have to foot the bill for the replacement even if the product is defective. If the manufacturer sees signs of abuse or misuse or an improper installation, they’re off the hook. Establishing the drain height: Make sure to measure the distance from the underside of the countertop to the center of the drain line that comes out of the wall. This distance is usually between 16 and 18 inches, which allows adequate space for the water to drop into the trap and still leaves enough space below the trap for storing items underneath the sink in the cabinet. The drain height is usually not an issue unless you’re going from a very shallow sink to one that has very deep bowls (9 to 12 inches deep). Even if you do switch to deeper bowls, it may only be a problem if your old setup had a shallow bowl coupled with a high drain exit position. This may sound like a less than likely setup but it does happen. If you do find that you only have a few inches of space between the bottom of the bowl and the center of the drainpipe, contact a licensed plumber to assess the situation and determine if the drainpipe needs to be lowered. Determine the shut-off valve heights: Measure from the floor of the sink base cabinet to the center of the valve. Houses built before roughly 1980 were not required to have shut-offs on every sink supply line, so you may not have any at all. If your sink doesn’t have shut-off valves, install them now while you’re working on the system. If your kitchen didn’t have shut-offs when you tore out the old sink and faucet and you’ve been working on the sink installation for a few days, you better have installed individual shut-off valves by now or your family won’t be speaking with you. Where there are no shut-off valves and there are open pipes or lines, the only way to keep the water from running out is to shut down the entire water supply. Not a good idea when your daughter is getting ready for a big date.

View Article
Sinks & Garbage Disposals How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

Article / Updated 10-04-2021

Even if you are careful about what you put down your garbage disposal, clogs happen. There are some simple things you can do to keep clogs to a minimum and steps you can take when that inevitable clog occurs. The following actions are what generally cause clogs in your disposal: Dropping a foreign object — usually a spoon or fork — into the disposal Feeding garbage in too rapidly Failing to run enough water (to completely flush out the drainpipes) while garbage is being processed Your garbage disposal can be finicky, so don’t expect it to devour and digest everything. For example, don’t throw corncobs, artichokes, avocado pits, or fish and chicken bones down a disposal and expect it to continue working without a clog. Flip through the owner’s manual to find out what your disposal’s limitations are. Never use chemical drain cleaners in a disposal. The chemicals are highly corrosive and may damage rubber or plastic parts. Use Mother Nature’s deodorizer for your disposal: Every few months, cut a lemon in half, throw one half in the disposal, turn on the unit, and let it run for a minute or two. The lemon removes the build-up of residue on the interior of the disposal and deodorizes the unit. You know it’s working by the fresh lemony smell. Steps for unclogging the disposal If the instructions in your user’s manual are no help, follow these steps to unclog a disposal: Shut off the electrical power switch. This switch is located under the cabinet, near the disposal, or on a wall nearby. If you don’t find a switch, go to the main power panel and turn off the breaker or remove the fuse that powers the disposal. Never put your hand in the disposal. Remember that the switch may be defective, so keep your hands out of the disposal even when power to the machine is turned off. Take a look in the disposal. A flashlight may shed some light on the problem — you may see a large object caught in the disposal. If an object caused the stoppage, use a pair of pliers to reach into the disposal and remove it. Wait 15 minutes for the disposal motor to cool. Turn on the power and push the reset or overload protector button. This button is located on the bottom of the disposal. If the disposal is still clogged, follow these steps: Turn off the power and insert a long dowel, a wooden spoon, or a broom handle — never your hand — into the drain opening. Push the bottom end of the wooden probe against the impeller (the blades that grind up the garbage) and rock it back and forth to free it. When the impeller moves freely, wait 15 minutes for the motor to cool, turn on the power, and push the reset button. Some disposal models come with a large L-shaped hex wrench. If you have such a model, turn off the power, insert the hex wrench into the opening in the center of the disposal’s bottom, and turn the wrench back and forth until the impeller is freed. Again, wait until the motor has cooled, press the reset button, and then try operating the disposal.

View Article
Sinks & Garbage Disposals How to Unclog a Drain with a Snake

Article / Updated 09-29-2021

If neither cleaning the trap nor plunging clears a plumbing clog, your final weapon is a drain auger (also known as a snake). This tool, a coiled steel wire usually about 1/4-inch thick with a handle on one end, works the opposite way that a plunger does: You push the snake into the clog and crank it to drive the snake farther into the obstruction. While parts of the clog break up and flush through the drain, the snake helps you gain access to the clog so that you can pull it out. Some snakes can fit as an attachment on an electric drill, giving it more power to force it through the clog. Snakes are especially handy because they're long enough to reach clogs that are deep within a drainpipe. How to prevent drain clogs Your best defense against clogs is to avoid them in the first place. The following are some common-sense practices to use: Use a sink strainer: A clogged kitchen sink is usually the result of garbage or foreign objects entering the drain. Use a sink strainer to prevent garbage and small items from entering the drainpipe. Take care of your garbage disposal: When using a garbage disposal, run cold water at full volume while the machine is chopping up the garbage; leave the water running for a full minute after you shut off the disposer. This precaution flushes the garbage completely out of the small-diameter sink drainpipe and into the larger main drainpipe, where it's less likely to cause a clog. Don't dump materials down your drain: Do-it-yourselfers often flush building materials down the drain. The most common offender is plaster or wallboard compound, which seems innocent enough going down but can harden in the drainpipes and clog them. To prevent these clogs, never dispose of leftover building materials in sink drains. Steps for using a drain auger You can rent a manually operated or an electrical drain auger for a few bucks at a rental center. The equipment is easy to use, but ask the dealer for operating instructions. The basic process is as follows: Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake. The auger begins its journey down the drain. Keep pushing more of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. You may have to apply pressure when cranking the handle to get it to bend around the tight curve in the trap under the sink. After turning the curve, the snake usually slides through easily until you hit the clog. Rotate the snake against the blockage until you feel it feed freely into the pipe. The rotating action enables the tip of the snake to attach to the clog and spin it away or chop it up. If the clog is a solid object, the auger head entangles the object. If you don't feel the auger breaking through and twisting getting easier, pull the auger out of the drain — you'll likely pull the clog out with it. Run water full force for a few minutes to be sure that the drain is unclogged. Sometimes, the clog flushes down the drain; at other times, the clog comes out attached to the snake.

View Article
Sinks & Garbage Disposals How to Replace a Washer in a Leaky Faucet

Video / Updated 03-28-2016

Repairing a leaky faucet usually requires replacing a washer. Conserving water and avoiding a professional plumber in one DIY home-improvement project? This video shows you how to fix a leaky faucet by replacing the washer.

Watch Video
Sinks & Garbage Disposals How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Knowing how to fix a leaky stem faucet saves money, and the process is easy. A leaky stem faucet usually means that the packing is worn out or needs tightening. The packing (which looks like string) keeps water from leaking out around the stem. These faucets have no aerators and are found mostly in laundry rooms and outdoor sinks.

View Step by Step
Sinks & Garbage Disposals How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Cleaning clogged faucet aerators and sink sprayers help faucets function like new. Mineral deposits and sediment slow the water flow, so clean your faucet aerators or sink sprayers to get a full flow. The aerator screws onto the end of the faucet spout and typically has two screens inside that the water flows through. To clean your faucet aerator, you'll need groove-joint pliers, masking tape, paper clip, old toothbrush or small wire brush, and a small bowl. You'll also need some white vinegar or lime-dissolving solution.

View Step by Step
Sinks & Garbage Disposals How to Replace a Sink Trap

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Replace the sink trap to deal with buildup and clogged pipes that a plumber’s snake or plunger can’t fix. Replacing a sink trap is pretty quick work. You'll need groove-joint pliers, a bucket, and a replacement sink trap. (Take the old trap with you to the store to get an exact match.) If there is any chance that chemical drain cleaner has been used to clear this trap in the past, you must take extra precaution when working on the trap. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes in case of a water splash. After putting on your protective gear, place a bucket under the sink trap. The bucket makes clean up much easier.

View Step by Step
Sinks & Garbage Disposals How to Remove a Sink Trap

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Removing a sink trap releases whatever is caught inside. If you know how to remove the sink trap you’ll be able to retrieve valuables that disappear down the drain. It’s happened to almost everyone:. The best rescue tactic is to remove the trap. Don’t run any water through the drain — water may flush it farther away. Keep the bucket under the trap to catch what’s inside it when it’s removed from the drainpipe. Removing and cleaning the trap is easy, but wear rubber gloves and eye protection to shield yourself from sharp pieces of debris or drain cleaner (if you’ve used one recently).

View Step by Step
page 1
page 2
page 3

Quick Links

  • About For Dummies
  • Contact Us
  • Activate Online Content

Connect

About Dummies

Dummies has always stood for taking on complex concepts and making them easy to understand. Dummies helps everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know. Whether it's to pass that big test, qualify for that big promotion or even master that cooking technique; people who rely on dummies, rely on it to learn the critical skills and relevant information necessary for success.

Copyright @ 2000-2024 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., or related companies. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Cookies Settings
Do Not Sell My Personal Info - CA Only