Let’s face it, one of the last things you would want is to detect foul odors from your sink drain while there is a delicious meal being cooked next to it. Garbage disposals often smell due to three reasons, and eliminating these odors is easy. In this article, we will go over the three main reasons that garbage disposals smell and four ways you can eliminate them. If you want to learn more, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing today.
What Causes a Garbage Disposal To Smell?
- Decomposing Food: One of the main reasons that garbage disposals smell is the decomposition of food and grease. Many homeowners often find it convenient to throw away food particles in a garbage disposal without first emptying them into a trash bin, unaware of the harm it can cause. In small amounts, these particles can easily be decomposed without causing a smell, but over time, they can gather in the pipes and lead to horrible smells.
- Mold and Bacteria Growth: Most smells that come from other plumbing systems often reflect the mold and bacteria growth that happens inside the pipes. The kitchen sink is an excellent environment for mold and bacteria to grow, and most garbage disposals are full of it.
- Sewer Gases: While not as common as the previously mentioned reasons, sewer gases may also be another reason for garbage disposals to smell. Sewer gases can rise out of a drain and lead to horrible smells, so traps are installed to prevent these harmful gases from rising. However, sometimes traps can malfunction, and this can lead to sewer gases seeping into the kitchen.
Four Ways You Can Eliminate Garbage Disposal Smells
- Try using Natural Remedies: Use what you have in your house to reduce any bacterial growth and smell coming from your garbage disposals. The most common natural remedy is the baking soda and white vinegar method. This method involves adding half a cup of baking soda to a cup of white vinegar and pouring the mix down the disposal. Wait a few minutes and then run some water through.
- Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits are acidic and known to be antibacterial and antifungal. If the smell of your garbage disposals is caused by the bacteria and mold growth within, throwing down the peelings of citrus fruits can be a good way to reduce this smell.
- Don’t Throw Everything Down the Drain: The purpose of a garbage disposal isn’t to dispose of everything. Try to dispose of major food items by throwing them away in the trash, and let only the small particles be thrown in the disposal. Also, make sure that potato, carrot, corn peels, coffee grounds, and egg shells don’t enter the disposal as their fibrous texture can wrap around the blade and increase the odor.
- Bottle Brush: You can use a little dishwashing liquid and a bottle brush to scrub your disposal gently. Ensure that you make this very soft, and when the disposal is switched off, as you can easily damage the system in this process. Never stick your fingers in the disposal to clean or dislodge anything.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Are you looking for a plumbing company to help eliminate the odors coming from your garbage disposal? You’re in the right place. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we offer professional plumbing services at an affordable price. With our experienced plumbers and exceptional customer service, you no longer have to worry about problems with your garbage disposal. Call us today to learn more about us and our services.
