Whirlpool garbage disposal runs but water backs up into the sink and drains slowly.

Safety first: Turn off the disposal and ensure it cannot start while you work on the plumbing.

• Run water and disposal: Try running cold water and the disposal for 30–60 seconds to clear minor buildup.
• Check dishwasher knockout: If a dishwasher is connected, confirm the knockout plug in the Whirlpool disposal inlet was removed during installation.
• Clean P-trap: Place a bucket under the trap, loosen the slip nuts, and remove the P-trap and horizontal drain. Clear any clogs and rinse the pipes.
• Inspect discharge elbow: Remove the elbow from the disposal and clean out any packed food or foreign objects.
• Reassemble and test: Reinstall all plumbing, check for leaks, then run water and the disposal to confirm proper drainage.