Are you noticing an awful smell coming from your kitchen? Don’t worry, it’s more than likely not your cooking. Your garbage disposal can often emit foul odors if something is wrong with it. Here are some reasons your kitchen stinks and some things you can do to prevent these foul odors.
Why Is There a Bad Odor In Your Garbage Disposal?
Garbage disposals are an indispensable appliance in any kitchen. They are convenient and make it easy to dispose of food waste quickly and efficiently. However, a smelly garbage disposal can be a significant problem that can ruin your kitchen experience. Here are some of the common causes of garbage disposal odors:
There’s a Build-Up of Food
Food waste build-up is one of the most common reasons for smelly garbage disposal. Food particles can get stuck in the disposal’s blades and create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to an unpleasant odor. To avoid food waste build-up, make sure to dispose of only the waste meant to go down the disposal. Also, run cold water for 15 seconds before and after using the disposal to help flush out any leftover food scraps.
Lack of Use
A garbage disposal that is not used regularly can also emit an unpleasant smell. This is because the stagnant water inside the disposal can begin to smell over time. To prevent this, run the disposal for a few seconds every day, even if you don’t have any food scraps to dispose of. This will help keep the blades clean and prevent any unpleasant odors from developing.
Old Food Residue
Another reason your garbage disposal might produce a foul smell is due to old food residue that can get trapped in hard-to-reach areas of the disposal, such as the splash guard or the interior walls. To get rid of old food residue, try pouring a cup of vinegar down the disposal and letting it sit for 30 minutes. Then, run cold water and turn on the disposal to help flush out any leftover residue.
The Drain is Clogged
A clogged drain can cause food scraps to get stuck in the disposal, leading to a buildup of bacteria and an unpleasant odor. If you suspect a clogged drain, try pouring hot water down the disposal to help clear the blockage. If this doesn’t work, it’s best to call a professional plumber to inspect the problem.
Poor Installation
If your garbage disposal smells bad shortly after installation, it could be because of an improper installation. If the installation isn’t done correctly, food waste can get trapped in hard-to-reach areas, leading to unpleasant odors. If you suspect an improper installation, it’s best to call a professional plumber to inspect the disposal and make any necessary repairs.
How to Prevent Garbage Disposal Problems
Understanding how to prevent garbage disposal problems can help you understand how to prevent foul odor in your garbage disposal. Here are some tips to help you prevent garbage disposal problems:
- Use cold water when using the disposal to help flush food scraps down the drain and prevent clogs
- Avoid putting hard or fibrous foods, like bones, celery, or potato peels, down the disposal as they can damage the blades and cause clogs
- Regularly clean your disposal by grinding ice cubes or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to help remove food build-up and odors
- Run the disposal regularly, even if you don’t have any food scraps to dispose of, to prevent the build-up of stagnant water and the growth of bacteria
- Always turn off the disposal before reaching in to remove any stuck items or debris
- Avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they can damage the disposal and pipes
- Hire a professional plumber for proper installation and to address any issues that may arise
Following these simple tips can help prevent garbage disposal problems and keep your kitchen running smoothly.
How to Prevent Backflow From the Garbage Disposal to the Dishwasher
Preventing backflow from the garbage disposal to the dishwasher may seem like a small issue, but it can cause significant damage and leave you with a nasty mess to clean up. Luckily, you can take a few simple steps to prevent this from happening.
- Ensure your garbage disposal is installed with a check valve, preventing water and debris from flowing back into the dishwasher. If your garbage disposal does not have a check valve, you can have one installed by a professional plumber.
- Always run the garbage disposal and dishwasher separately. Running both appliances at the same time can create a strong suction that can pull water and debris from the garbage disposal into the dishwasher. Wait until the garbage disposal is completely finished before running the dishwasher.
- Avoid putting large food scraps or hard items, like bones or seeds, into the garbage disposal. These items can cause clogs in the disposal, leading to a backup of water and debris that can overflow into the dishwasher.
Call Us For Garbage Disposal Repair
If you’re having garbage disposal issues, our Drainworks team is here to help. We offer a wide range of plumbing services to homeowners in the Colchester, Connecticut area, including garbage disposal repair, installation, and maintenance services. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you!