Garbage disposal runs but water backs up into sink; poor or no draining through the disposal.

Safety First: Turn OFF the disposal and unplug it or switch off the breaker. Do not use chemical drain cleaners in a disposal-equipped sink.

Step-by-step:

• 1. Check for standing water: If the sink is full, bail out as much water as possible into a bucket.
• 2. Inspect the disposal outlet: From under the sink, locate the discharge elbow where the KitchenAid disposal connects to the drain trap. Remove the two or three screws and detach the elbow. Check for packed food debris and clean thoroughly.
• 3. Clean the P-trap: Place a bucket under the trap. Loosen the slip nuts and remove the P-trap and adjacent pipes. Clear any clogs and rinse with water.
• 4. Check dishwasher inlet: If a dishwasher is connected, remove the hose from the disposal's dishwasher inlet nipple and inspect for blockage. Clean out any hardened food or grease.
• 5. Reassemble and test: Reinstall all pipes and the discharge elbow, ensuring gaskets are seated. Run water and briefly operate the disposal to confirm proper drainage.

When to call a technician: If the drain line in the wall is blocked beyond the trap, a plumber may be required to clear the line.