Fountain Hills homeowners! Does your garbage disposal stink? Don’t worry, while it might not be a popular question to ask, a smelly garbage disposal isn’t uncommon. If your garbage disposal fails the sniff test, you’re in luck. Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling has information to help get your garbage disposal smelling fresh again in no time.
Why Does Your Garbage Disposal Stink?
Before we dive into how to fix the problem, let’s talk about why your garbage disposal might be smelling in the first place. Garbage disposals are great for getting rid of food scraps, but over time, bits of food can get stuck in the disposal and start to rot. This can create a funky smell that can spread throughout your kitchen.
Causes of a Smelly Garbage Disposal
Besides the normal bits of food that can get lodged inside the disposal, there are a few other reasons as well. First, you could have a clog. If you notice that in addition to the smell the water just isn’t flowing as freely down the drain as before, a clogged drain could be the culprit. A simple fix could be simply plunging it yourself.
While rare, the p-trap under the sink could dry out, causing sewer gasses to escape back into your kitchen. For this, and clogs you just don’t want to deal with, call Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling to schedule one of our professionally trained plumbers to help you out.
How to Fix a Smelly Garbage Disposal
Now that you know some reasons as to why your garbage disposal stinks, let’s talk about how to fix it. Here are some easy steps you can take to get rid of that unpleasant odor:
1. Clean the Blades
If stuck food particles don’t clog the disposal, they may be on the blades. This is an easy fix. To clean them, turn off the disposal and unplug it. Then, use a brush or scrubbing pad to gently clean the blades. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any stuck-on food.
2. Use Ice Cubes and Citrus Peels
Another great way to freshen up your garbage disposal is to use ice cubes and citrus peels. Simply toss a handful of ice cubes and some citrus peels, like lemon or orange, into the disposal, and run it with cold water for a few seconds. The ice will also help to clean the blades, eliminating the need to manually scrub them. The citrus peels will leave behind a fresh, citrusy scent.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are two household staples that can work wonders when it comes to cleaning and deodorizing your garbage disposal. Simply pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush it out with hot water. This will help to break down any stuck-on food particles and neutralize odors.
4. Boiling Water
Sometimes, all your garbage disposal needs is a good flush with hot water to get rid of any lingering smells. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil, then carefully pour it down the drain while running the disposal. The hot water will help to loosen any stuck-on food particles and flush them away, leaving your disposal smelling fresh and clean.
5. Regular Maintenance
Finally, one of the best ways to prevent your garbage disposal from smelling in the first place is to give it regular maintenance. This means running it regularly to keep the blades clean, and avoiding putting things like grease, oil, and large chunks of food down the drain. You can also use garbage disposal cleaning tablets or homemade cleaning solutions on a regular basis to keep odors at bay.
If after trying these easy DIY solutions you still notice sewer smells coming from the disposal, the final consideration could be your home’s venting system to get rid of sewer gas. Sewer vents are designed to remove sewer gasses from inside your home through PVC pipes that go through the roof to the outside. Leaves or debris can sometimes clog the vent. However, if this is the reason, you will likely notice the sewer smell coming from every sink in your home, not just at the kitchen sink.
Keep Your Garbage Disposal Smelling Good
A smelly garbage disposal can be a real nuisance, but with a little bit of effort, you can have it smelling fresh and clean again in no time. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can keep your garbage disposal in tip-top shape and say goodbye to unpleasant odors for good!
Licensed Plumbers in Fountain Hills, AZ
Not a fan of anything do-it-yourself? No worries. If your garbage disposal needs help or for other plumbing challenges, contact Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling.
Shadrach’s licensed plumbers are ready and able to complete any plumbing repairs you need. If you just want to be proactive to avoid clogs and leaks in the first place, regular plumbing maintenance is the way to go!
Call Shadrach for an appointment today!
