garbage-disposal
I removed the old garbage disposal and only have to hook up the drain on the new one, but it is acting like it is too short. Here is the before photo:
And here is the new one (if you look closely, there is a gap between the drain and the trap and I'm just not sure what to do. All the instructions I've found so far just say, 'connect it' and that's just not enough details for my first plumbing job. 🙂 I'd really appreciate some newbie hand-holding on this one!
Have a look at the trap under your sink. Assuming it's PVC with large plastic nuts, all you should need is ChannelLock pliers:
Unscrew the trap from the wall and disposal, and clean the trap itself, or snake the drain going into the wall, depending on where your clog is. Be sure to have a bucket and towels handy since there will be water backed up before the clog and in the trap.
If you can't find the clog either in the trap or with the snake, and you know it's further down the drain (try running some water through the disposal and into the bucket with the trap out), then I have family that swear by these drain bladders that attach to a garden hose, get inserted into the drain (past the vent) and they swell up to seal your end of the pipe while sending water down until the clog is forced out:
Each one of these will cost around $20 give or take, well less than a visit from a plumber.
First of all, I don't recommend using boiling water to clear things in most cases. If you have grease build-up, the boiling water may melt a bit and move it a little further away, but it will then solidify further down the line as it cools. If it's not grease, the boiling water isn't likely to do much that cold water wouldn't do as well. (And if this is your problem, try what you can to limit grease entering the drain in the first place).
Sounds like you have a single basin sink with the disposal underneath. A picture of the plumbing would help.
First thing I would do on a standard sink is pull the trap. Normally it should be there in a way that you unscrew two connectors and it comes free (have a bucket and some towels ready.
Normally there should be water in the trap, but not much in the line away. Examine the trap and see if it's got a blockage. Look in the line away and see if it's clear. If there's a blockage, clear it with a snake.
If it's a simple blockage, I'm confused why the disposal would make it worse.
Best Answer
Original drain was longer. That piece has been added back on and is in use now. Props to brhans for the tip!