A jammed disposal occurs when an object (fish tank gravel, electrical wire or coins) jam the cutting blades inside the grinding chamber of the disposal. If you have an Insinkerator disposal, using the Allen wrench may be enough to take care of the problem.

Don't stick your hand in the disposal to remove items that have jammed it! A long pair of needle nose pliers or best of all, a wet/dry shop vac can help you to remove the FOD (foreign object damage).

If water is backing up in one or both bowls or your sink, you have a clogged drain line. If the side without the disposal drains fine, then the clog is in the line coming directly off of the disposal. If both sides fill up, then the clog is more than likely in the p- trap. Whatever you do, don't use a liquid drain cleaner to clear the clog!

Helpful Hints For Disposal Use

• Run cold or warm water prior to turning the disposal on.
• Continue to run the water for several seconds after shutting the disposal off.
• Don't grind celery or other fibrous vegetables.
• Moderation, moderation, moderation. Feed small amounts at a time.
• Use small slices of lemon wedges to freshen up a stinky disposal.

Hurricane Katrina has devastated the Gulf Coast of the United States. Let's do what we can to support the efforts of the American Red Cross.

September is National Preparedness Month which is a joint venture between the American Red Cross and the Department of Homeland Security. The Red Cross web site contains important and useful information in regard to this. Do you have a plan and if so, does the rest of your family know about it?