A malfunctioning garbage disposal is just one reason why your home may smell like a sewer. It’s unpleasant and embarrassing. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer the unpleasantness of a stinky garbage disposal for long. Check out these main reasons your garbage disposal smells and see how you can clean up the foul odors.
Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Smells Bad
Has this happened to you recently? You were finishing up dinner with your family and went to place the dirty dishes in the sink only to be accosted by a noise-tingling smell. You attempted to clear away the smell by running water and soap down the drain but to no avail.
If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re likely waving a white flag of surrender and hoping to find guidance on your problem. Before you can take care of your smelly garbage disposal, you need to understand why it’s producing unpleasant odors. Here are the top reasons your kitchen sink stinks:
There’s Food Decomposing Under the Impellers
While garbage disposals have self-cleaning capabilities, some food particles can be left behind. This happens when the system’s blades become dull, or someone tries to dispose of wastes not meant for the disposal. If they are not drained within a few days, the food scraps will start to rot and emit a foul odor.
There Are Leaky or Blocked Pipes
Your garbage disposal is connected to a series of pipes carrying the water and food wastes away from your sink. If one of these pipes begins leaking or the drain vent becomes clogged, sewage odors can be pushed back up to your kitchen. This is a serious problem that professionals should address before extensive water damage occurs.
There’s a Buildup of Mold
Warm, moist environments act as a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Because garbage disposals consist of dark, wet parts, it’s not uncommon for them to develop a buildup of mold. The mold produces the rotting smell you notice in your kitchen drain. You may be able to get rid of the smell by cleaning the underside of the garbage disposal’s rubber flange.
Solutions for Getting Rid of Unpleasant Smells in Your Garbage Disposal
Now that you understand why your garbage disposal stinks, you can take steps to remedy the situation. The following home remedies can be used to eliminate and prevent odors in your kitchen sink:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar and pour the mixture down the drain. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
- Grind ice cubes and lemon peels in the garbage disposal to dislodge gunk and leave a fresh scent.
- Use garbage disposal cleaning pods to get rid of odors and prevent food particle buildup.
Garbage Disposal Still Smelly? We Can Help!
If the above solutions didn’t eliminate your kitchen drain’s smells, there could be a more serious issue within your plumbing system. We’ll inspect your system and provide necessary garbage disposal repairs. We can also perform drain and sewer cleaning for those extra stubborn clogs deeper in your system.
Reach out to our team for Pittsburgh plumbing services, and we’ll freshen up the air in your home.
