Why is My Garbage Disposal Smelly?

If your garbage disposal is smelly, there are a few things you can do to dispel the smell and make everything smell fresh. Today, we’ll explain what causes garbage disposal odors and how to get rid of the smells.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the name you can count on for all things related to garbage disposal units. From fixing broken garbage disposals to garbage disposal replacement, we’ve got you covered.

Three Reasons Why Your Garbage Disposal Might Smell

• Food Residue Buildup

When food particles aren't ground up completely or are stuck in the disposal, they can rot and decompose, causing unpleasant odors. To avoid this problem, our plumbers in Flower Mound recommend running cold water while using the disposal. This helps to flush away food particles and prevents them from sticking to the blades. It’s also advisable to avoid grinding fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, and potato peels. These foods are known to clog the disposal. It's best to compost or throw these away in the regular trash.

• Grease and Oil Accumulation

Foul odors coming from your garbage disposal can also be an indication of grease and oil accumulation in the drain. Even a little grease and oil can spell disaster for your kitchen sink disposal and drain lines as a whole. The trick is to avoid putting anything greasy down the garbage disposal.

A combination of vinegar and baking soda can help dissolve grease and oil in the unit. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then run hot water. If the smell persists, call a nearby plumbing repair service for help.

• Sewer Gas Leaks

If the trap under your sink isn't working properly, sewer gases can seep up through the drain and into your disposal. This can cause an offensive odor that will render your kitchen unusable. Just like other components of your plumbing, the trap needs regular maintenance to function properly. If you need help with fixing the P-trap, get in touch with a professional plumbing service.

What to Do If Your Garbage Disposal Smells Bad

• Method 1: Clean Garbage Disposal with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour half a cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, allowing the fizzing reaction to break down grease and grime. Next, run hot water down the drain to remove the items causing the offensive smell.

• Method 2: Grind Citrus Peels

This is another simple method to get rid of garbage disposal smells. Grind lemon or lime peels in the disposal and flush them down with cold water. The citrus acids will help eliminate odors.

• Method 3: Clean Garbage Disposal with Salt and Ice

Pour half a cup of salt into the disposal, followed by a handful of ice cubes. Turn on the disposal and let it grind the ice and salt. To get rid of the clogs, flush the mixture down with cold water. The ice and salt will help to scrub away debris and freshen the disposal.

• Method 4: Call a Plumbing Repair Service for Help

If your efforts to get rid of foul smells in a garbage disposal are fruitless, call a professional plumber for help. The experts will disassemble the appliance to establish the cause of the problem and provide you with a long-lasting solution.

If you’re looking for an expert to help you with garbage disposal cleaning or garbage disposal replacement, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing.