Water does not drain from sink unless disposal is turned on and running. what could it be?

1) Copy following link for garbage disposal troubleshoot:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-repair-and-install-Garbage-disposal.html

2) Remove tubular drain and clean out, so disposal drains.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Take apart the tubular drain pipes beneath sink and clean out everything.
Take photos before removing pipes so parts go back together easily.
Loosen 2 nuts on trap, and trap falls loose.
Remove 2 bolts/screws and remove tailpiece from side of disposal.
Then run snake down drain line leading away from sink to make sure blockage is removed.

I wrote ez disposal steps that give tips on reconnecting tubular drain pipes:
http://www.fixya.com/support/r7929008-replace_garbage_disposal

1) If disposal will not drain: Clean the tubular drain under sink.
Remove 2 nuts on p-trap, and trap falls loose, then remove tailpiece on side of disposal, hand rag over opening to direct water downward, turn on water, turn on disposal and see if disposal empties, clean p-trap, and then reassemble tubular drain.

2) If disposal will not drain and will not run: Clean tubular drain, check for power to disposal.
If disposal is getting power and will not run, and reset button is not tripped out, and cutter disk rotates freely, then disposal is bad.

I wrote ez disposal replacement steps that include tips for tubular drain.
http://www.fixya.com/support/r7929008-replace_garbage_disposal

hello fowl..... you have a blockage in the garbage disposal. you can use a chemical drain cleaner and pour it into the sink where the disposal is located. you should also look into that drain with a flashlight to make sure that there is not a fork or some other object causing the blockage. If you do not choose to use the chemical, you can also disconnect the disposal using the wrench that should be under the sink where the disposal is located. if you choose this method, have a pail handy to catch the water. also unplug the disposal before you work on it. Joe

Sounds like a clog inside disposal.
Water should run freely through disposal.
Remove both nuts on p-trap and trap falls loose.
Put bucket under tubular drain from disposal.
Turn water on to see if water runs out of disposal.
You might need a de-greaser, drain cleaner or CLR

Check following link for tips on disposal replacement
http://www.fixya.com/support/r7929008-replace_garbage_disposal

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The disposal isn't being used much which is causing the slow drain. Turn on disposal for few seconds and this should take care of the problem. During the pump out the pressure is greater than just running water from faucet.

Properly piped, your arrangment should look similar to this picture so that there is a separate trap for the disposal and the other sink basin.

I got a question, I unplug my badger 5 and then pluged it back in and it will not turn off. I just unpluged it.

It's a drain clog within the disposal. Try a drain cleaner, if no luck, you will likely need to replace it.

Can you access the drain hose without moving the dishwasher out? Is it close to the garbage disposal. You probably have a plugged drain. I would begin by plugging the sink that the garbage disposal is in and filling it full of hot water. Then I would unplug it and turn on the disposal and continue running water in it. This should clean the disposal drain well.

If you can access the dishwasher drain hose, you will need to disconnect it and look for a plug. If you can unplug the dishwasher do this first. It may be hardwired in, but some are not. It will all be behind the adjacent cabinetry. Have towels and a bucket handy. It is a good idea to always run some water through the disposal after running the dishwasher (they usually drain into that sink.)


If you cannot access the drain, I would clean the disposal and check all other household drains for slow drainage before calling a plumber. or your dishwasher repairman.


Good luck to you and thank you for using Fix Ya.