Have you ever used your kitchen sink only to catch a whiff of something foul? Unfortunately, unpleasant smells are a common problem for kitchen sinks with garbage disposals. While garbage disposals are designed to grind up and flush away food waste, lingering smells often mean something’s gone wrong inside the system. Whether it’s trapped food, grease buildup, or even a mechanical issue, it’s important to address the problem quickly before it causes a larger issue.
In this guide, our expert plumbers at Goode Plumbing explain the common causes of garbage disposal odors, share safe cleaning methods, and help you recognize when it’s time to call our team for professional garbage disposal repair in Chicago.
Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Odors
While a smelly garbage disposal is certainly unpleasant, that’s not the only problem at play. Odors coming from your garbage disposal can signal a larger issue, so it’s important to know what is behind these smells. Some of the most common causes of garbage disposal smells include:
1. Food Buildup
Over time, bits of food can start to build up, as some food may get caught under the garbage disposal’s blades or along the disposal walls where the blade can’t fully reach. When food gets stuck for a prolonged period of time, it will start to go bad, which can cause a rotten or sour smell.
2. Grease & Fat
One of the worst things you can pour down your garbage disposal is grease. Grease and oil will harden and stick to your garbage disposal’s components, which can impact its ability to work correctly. This also creates a sticky film that other food particles can stick to, which will exacerbate the smell problem.
3. Mold & Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew thrive in dark and moist environments, which is exactly what a garbage disposal provides. That’s why it’s important to regularly flush your garbage disposal to prevent mold from developing. If it does, you’ll likely notice an earthy or musty smell.
4. Dirty Rubber Splash Guard
The splash guard in your sink serves an essential function, as it stops food debris from splashing back into your sink when you run your disposal. However, this often means that the splash guard will collect grime and food debris over time. This buildup is often accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
5. Mechanical Issues
If you’ve noticed a garbage disposal smell in conjunction with other problems, a larger issue could be at play. If your garbage disposal is also making strange noises or isn’t grinding properly, there could be a mechanical malfunction. Faulty blades, motor issues, or internal buildup might be to blame.
DIY Cleaning Tips for a Smelly Garbage Disposal
Fortunately, many garbage disposal issues can be fixed with some simple garbage disposal cleaning methods that utilize household staples. Before you call a professional, try these safe, effective ways to eliminate odor and clean your disposal:
- Ice cubes and salt: Put a few handles of ice and some rock salt into your disposal, then turn on cold water and run the disposal for 30 seconds.
- Lemons: Don’t throw away your lemon rinds! Cut lemons or limes into small pieces and place them down your disposal. Then run cold water and turn on your disposal.
- Baking soda and vinegar: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda into your disposal, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with water.
You should also clean your splash guard. If your splash guard can be removed, pull it out and clean with dish soap. If it can’t be removed, turn your garbage disposal off and use a toothbrush to scrub underneath it.
When To Call a Plumber for Garbage Disposal Repair
If you’ve tried the garbage disposal cleaning tips to no avail or if the odors just keep coming back, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Persistent smells can mean there’s a deeper issue within the plumbing or the unit itself, and a professional can get to the root of the problem.
If you are dealing with any of the following, it’s time to stop the DIY attempts and turn to a professional:
- The odor persists after multiple cleanings
- The disposal clogs or drains slowly
- You hear grinding, rattling, or humming noises
- The unit leaks water or won’t turn on
- You suspect mold or bacterial growth deeper in the pipes
Call Goode Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Repair in Chicago
Ignoring the warning signs of a garbage disposal problem could lead to clogs, water backups, or complete disposal failure, all of which can cause costly kitchen plumbing repairs. Instead, save the time and hassle by reaching out to our team at Goode Plumbing. We provide expert garbage disposal repair in Chicago and the surrounding areas. We’ll inspect your system, clear any buildup, and ensure it’s running clean and efficiently again.
Contact Goode Plumbing today to schedule a garbage disposal repair in the Chicago area.
