Why Does My Garbage Disposal Smell So Bad?

There can be a lot of reasons why your garbage disposal smells bad. Sometimes it is because of something that you have put down the drain, and other times it is because of a problem with the disposal itself.

If your garbage disposal is smelly, the first thing you should do is try to determine why it is so stinky. Once you find the root cause of the stench, you will be in a better position to fix it.

Garbage Disposal Smells Like Rotten Eggs

Multiple homeowners have had this experience at some point or another: they go to use their garbage disposal and are assaulted by a horrible smell coming from the unit itself. The source of this smell is hydrogen sulfide gas, which can occur due to problems with the drain line or the plumbing system in general – not just with your disposal. Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs because of chemicals added to make it detectable by humans under certain conditions. It is heavier than air, so it settles down into pits and low spots, such as your garbage disposal.

Potential Causes of Garbage Disposal Smells Like Rotten Eggs

1) Your drain line is clogged and needs to be cleaned out, which allows the gas to escape safely.

2) The seal on the bottom of your garbage disposal unit is not working correctly and leaks the awful-smelling gases into your home. You can fix this by replacing it with a new one or adjusting its position to have better contact with the sink flange (the circular piece around your drain).

3) There may be an issue with your plumbing system in general because hydrogen sulfide gas occurs naturally due to decomposition (organic material turning into the soil) and also when water mixes with certain types of minerals (like sulfates).

Garbage Disposal Smells Like Sewage

If your garbage disposal smells like sewage, it probably means that there is a blockage somewhere in the line. This blockage can be anything from food waste to grease and oils. When the disposal tries to send this waste down the drain, it backs up and starts to smell bad.

Potential Causes of Garbage Disposal Smells Like Sewage

1) The most common cause of smelly garbage disposal is a blockage in the line, usually caused by food waste, grease, or oils.

2) If your sink does not have a P-trap (a curved piece of pipe located under your sink), it can cause sewage smells to come up through the drain. You can buy a P-trap at most hardware stores or online.

3) There may be an issue with your plumbing system in general because sewage smells can also occur naturally due to decomposition (organic material turning into the soil) and also when water mixes with certain types of minerals (like sulfates).

How to Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Smells

Once you have determined the root cause of your garbage disposal’s foul smell, you can take steps to get rid of it. If the odor is coming from something you have put down the drain, like food waste, you can try using a product like Bio-Clean, which breaks down the matter and gets rid of the odors.

If it is coming from something you cannot get rid of, like hydrogen sulfide gas, then you should call a plumber to inspect your plumbing system and recommend a solution.

If The Garbage Disposal Is At Fault

If you find out that you have a problem with your garbage disposal itself, not just its drain line or pipes, then there are things that can be done to fix it. First of all, make sure the unit is powered on when it is in use – if not, this can cause smells too. Also, do not put anything other than water into the unit. This is because this can lead to stinky build-up in the drain. If that does not work, you may need to replace your garbage disposal unit altogether.

After The Issue Is Resolved 

After you have fixed the issue with your garbage disposal, it is a good idea to do a load of dishes right afterward so that any food waste is washed down the drain and not allowed to sit in the pipes. Even if there is not an obvious problem with your garbage disposal, keeping it clean can help prevent odors from occurring.

At-Home Remedies To Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Odors

Garbage disposals may seem like a convenient way to get rid of food waste, but they can also produce unpleasant odors. Here are four ways to eliminate garbage disposal smells:

1) Use a scented deodorizer. One easy way to combat unpleasant smells is to use a scented deodorizer. There are many different types available, so be sure to choose one that suits your needs.

2) Clean the disposal regularly. Another way to reduce or eliminate odors is to clean the disposal regularly. This involves removing any gunk or debris that may have built up over time.

3) Use citrus peels. Citrus peels can also help reduce or eliminate garbage disposal smells. Simply throw a few citrus peels into the disposal, run it for a minute, and then turn off the water.

4) Use ice cubes. An easy way to kill odors is to use ice cubes made from vinegar. This will help eliminate any smells coming from inside your garbage disposal unit.

So, if you are experiencing unpleasant smells coming from your garbage disposal, do not worry – there are plenty of ways to get rid of them. By following the tips above, you can restore your kitchen to its former freshness. Odors not only make a kitchen smell terrible but also indicate that something may be wrong and need attention. You should never ignore odors in your home – especially when they are coming from the garbage disposal! So take action today and get rid of those pesky smells for good.

How To Avoid A Smelly Garbage Disposal

1) Always run plenty of water when using your disposal. Not only will this help wash away any food particles, but it will also help to keep the blades moving and prevent bacteria growth.

2) Occasionally pour a cup of bleach down your drain to kill any bacteria build-up.

3)Avoid putting stringy or fibrous foods – such as corn husks, artichokes, celery, and potato peels – into your disposal. They can get caught in the blades and cause nasty smells.

4)Only grind up or chop large quantities of food at once; adding too much to the disposal in one go may cause it to jam and/or splash back onto your kitchen floor.

5) Never put any type of oil or grease down your garbage disposal

General Maintenance For Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are a great way to keep your kitchen clean and free of debris, but they require some regular maintenance in order to run smoothly. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your disposal:

1) Run cold water while the disposal is on to help flush it clean.

2) Never put anything down the disposal that is not biodegradable, like grease or fat. These can cause the blades to overheat and break.

3) Regularly use a drain cleaner to clear out any clogs that may form in the pipes leading up to the disposal.

4) If your disposal starts making strange noises, turn it off immediately and call a plumber. It may need some repair work.

Keeping your garbage disposal in good condition is essential for keeping your kitchen clean and healthy. With a little bit of regular care, it will last for years to come.

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

The life of a garbage disposal depends on how often it is used and the type of food put into it. Garbage disposals usually last for around ten years, but they can last for up to 15 years with proper care.

One way to make your garbage disposal last longer is to avoid putting certain foods down the drain. Fibrous materials, such as celery and onion skins can wrap around the blades and cause the disposal to jam. Grease and fats can also cause problems by coating the blades and stopping them from working correctly.

At-Home Remedies To Fix Your Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal is jammed, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it. The first thing to do is make sure that the disposal is switched off. If it is on, you could get injured when trying to clear the jam.

Once you have verified that the disposal is off, use a flashlight to look down the drain and see if you can spot the jam. If you can see the jam, try using a plumber’s wrench or a broom handle to try to clear it.

If you cannot see the jam or clearing it does not work, turn on the water and pour dish soap or degreaser down the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then turn on the disposal. The dish soap or degreaser will help to break up the jam.

If none of these methods work, you may need to call a plumber to clear the jam for you.