Picture this: you’re in the midst of preparing a delectable meal in your Manhattan kitchen when an unpleasant aroma suddenly fills the air. If you’ve ever encountered the stench emanating from a smelly garbage disposal, you’re not alone. In fact, studies show that over 60% of households across Manhattan have experienced the issue at some point.
Often, the culprit behind that foul odor is none other than your trusty garbage disposal. While this convenient appliance is a lifesaver in the kitchen, it can occasionally develop a not-so-pleasant aroma that permeates the entire space.
But don’t worry because, in this blog, we’re diving deep into the world of smelly garbage disposals. We’ll take a closer look at the common causes behind the stench, providing you with insightful tips and DIY solutions to learn how to get rid of smelly garbage disposal. From simple home remedies to preventive measures, we’ve got you covered.
But what if the issue persists, and the smell becomes more than you can handle? That’s where the Garbage Disposal Professionals of Manhattan step in – we’ll also discuss when it’s time to reach out to these experts for a helping hand.
What Causes Garbage Disposal to Smell?
Garbage disposals are a wonderful convenience. But they are a great way to ruin your kitchen and bathroom, leaving you with a smelly, greasy mess that is nearly impossible to get rid of.
If you have a smelly garbage disposal, there are several causes for it. Here are some of the most common reasons why your disposal might be stinky:
Food Residue
Food residue is one of the most common causes of bad smells from garbage disposals. When food particles become lodged in the disposal blades, they can rot and begin to smell like rotten eggs or sewage.
Grease and Oils
Grease and oil can collect on the interior surfaces of your garbage disposal over time, causing it to smell bad as well. This happens when grease hardens in your drain trap or the pipes carrying waste water away from your sink.
Clogged Drain
Another common cause of smelly garbage disposal is a clogged drain line. If this happens often enough, it could lead to an overflow situation where the water starts backing up through your sink pipes into your kitchen cabinets or even under your sink cabinet if there aren’t any stops installed on those lines yet!
Fibrous Foods
Foods like corn husks, celery, carrot peels, and potato peels can cause a bad smell in your garbage disposal. When these fibrous foods are disposed of down the drain, they can cause clogs and other issues with your plumbing system, which can also lead to a bad smell when the waste builds up and starts decomposing in the pipes or septic tank.
Lack of Water Flow
The garbage disposal is only effective when there is enough water running through it to help break down food particles and move them away from the blades and out of your home’s pipes. If you don’t run enough water while operating the disposal, some of those particles may get stuck behind something else in the pipe and create an unpleasant odor that makes it’s way out through your sink or dishwasher drains (or even worse—through your toilet!).
Bacterial Growth
It’s normal for your garbage disposal to smell like mildew or mold. If you notice anything more pungent than that, it could mean that bacteria have grown in the disposal and are producing foul-smelling gases as they break down organic matter.
Neglected Cleaning
If you haven’t cleaned your garbage disposal in weeks or months, then you probably need to do so immediately! When food scraps sit inside the disposal without being processed properly, they start to decompose and release gases that make them smell terrible.
Infrequent Use
Disposals that aren’t used regularly can develop stagnant water and odors. A Consumer Reports survey found that 43% of respondents occasionally experience unpleasant smells due to infrequent use of their disposals.
Old Grinding Parts
If your garbage disposal is older than five years or has been subjected to heavy use, it may have worn out the motor bearings or other parts that help it grind food properly.
Improper Disposal
Last but not the least cause of smelly garbage disposals is improper disposal. This means putting things in the disposal that shouldn’t go there—like banana peels or chicken bones! If you’ve been doing this on purpose (c’mon now), then it’s time for some new habits: stick to small amounts of food scraps and avoid putting anything other than water down your drain until it’s fixed!
Tools & Materials You Will Need For Smelly Garbage Disposal Remedy
Before you begin to learn how to clean a smelly garbage disposal, make sure you have all of the tools and materials listed below:
- Kitchen gloves (plastic or rubber are preferred)
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar
- Ice Cubes
- Citrus Peels
- Dish Soap
- Old Toothbrush
- Rubber Gloves
- Pliers
- Safety Glasses
- Flashlight
- Plunger
How to Fix Smelly Garbage Disposal?
We’ve all been there: you’re cooking dinner and decide to throw some scraps into the garbage disposal, but as soon as you turn it on, you’re hit with a wave of stank. What gives?
Garbage disposals are designed to help us get rid of food waste in a quick, easy way—but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some tips on how to clean smelly garbage disposal.
Flush with Cold Water
The first thing to do when your disposal starts smelling is flush out any lingering food particles with some cold water. This will help clear out any residue that might be causing the stink, and it might even get rid of some of the bacteria that have set up camp in your drain lines or pipes (if they haven’t already).
Use Citrus
If your sink smells like rotten eggs, try adding some citrus peels or fruit oils like lemon juice or orange oil into the disposal unit before running it again. The citric acid will eliminate any lingering smells in the pipes and keep them smelling fresh for longer periods of time!
Baking Soda and Vinegar
The combination of baking soda and vinegar neutralizes the acids in the disposal, which helps prevent odors from developing. Pour one cup of baking soda into your disposal, then add one cup of vinegar through the drain opening. Run water at full force until all of the mixture has been washed away. You may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove all traces of baking soda since it will continue to eat away at any lingering residue left behind by previous meals.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
This is a great trick if your garbage disposal smells like fish! Add a tablespoon of baking soda to the disposal, then pour a cup of lemon juice and let it there for 30 minutes. After that, run water through the disposal until the smell is gone!
Ice and Salt
Put a handful of ice cubes into your disposal, followed by a tablespoon of salt. Turn on the water and let it run for about 20 seconds. This will help dislodge any food particles that may be stuck inside the disposal.
Commercial Disposal Cleaner
If you don’t want to use ice and salt, try using a commercial cleaner like CLR or BioCleanse before you turn on the water in an effort to clean out any food particles or grease buildup in your drain pipe underneath your sink (not recommended if there is any damage). This method works well if you have hard water stains as well as odors coming out of your garbage disposal unit.
Boiling Water
If your garbage disposal smells like rotten eggs, it’s likely that sulfur-based compounds have built up in the drain. The easiest way to learn how to fix smelly garbage disposal is to pour boiling water down the drain. Make sure you add about one cup of baking soda, as well. This will help to neutralize the odor-causing compounds and keep them from building up again in the future.
Clean Your Rubber Flaps
To clean your rubber flaps (the pieces that seal off the disposal from food), you’ll need a toothbrush and some dish soap. Fill up your sink with warm water, then stick your toothbrush in there for about five minutes so that all of its bristles are wet. Next, turn on your disposal and rotate it around in circles while brushing all over the rubber flaps with soap and water until they’re completely clean! Once they’re dry, replace them back into place before turning off your sink faucet again!
Check for Blockages
It’s a good idea to clean out your garbage disposal regularly, but you can also check for blockages if you don’t want to do that. To do this, turn off the power from your garbage disposal and then use an Allen wrench or a pair of tongs (depending on how much room there is between the disposal and its housing) to remove any debris that may be stuck there.
Regular Use
You should also ensure that you use your garbage disposal regularly so that food doesn’t sit in it long enough for bacteria or mold growth. If you use it regularly, then this will help prevent smelly garbage disposals from happening in the first place!
Check Your Pipes
Your pipes could also be the cause of your stinky sink. Your pipes can get clogged with grease or other debris and start to smell like rotten eggs. To test this theory, put some ice cubes down your sink drain and wait about 15 minutes; if there’s no change in smell, then your pipes are probably fine.
Get Professional Help
If you still have problems after checking for leaks and cleaning out your garbage disposal, call a plumber for garbage disposal repair Manhattan. They will be able to fix the problem quickly and easily with their expertise in plumbing, electrical work, and appliances like garbage disposals.
How Often Should You Clean Your Garbage Disposal?
The answer depends on how often you use your garbage disposal.
If you’re like most Americans, you probably use your garbage disposal a lot. You dump your coffee grounds every morning, or maybe you’re a big fan of chopping up vegetables and throwing them down the drain as well. If this is the case, you should clean your garbage disposal regularly—maybe even every few days!
But if you’re not using your garbage disposal as much, it’s okay to go a little longer between cleanings.
DIY Vs. Professional Garbage Disposal Repair
Garbage disposals are great tools that allow us to dispose of food waste conveniently and environmentally friendly way. However, they can sometimes become clogged or damaged, which can cause problems in your kitchen. When this occurs, you may want to repair it yourself or hire a professional plumber to do so for you.
So here’s a comparison table outlining the differences between DIY (Do It Yourself) and professional garbage disposal repair that will help you make a decision:
| Aspect | DIY Garbage Disposal Repair | Professional Garbage Disposal Repair |
| Skill Required | Moderate to Advanced DIY Skills | Professional Expertise Required |
| Cost | Lower Cost (Tools and Parts) | Higher Cost (Labor and Expertise) |
| Time Investment | Variable; Can Take Longer | Typically Faster Turnaround |
| Risk of Damage | Higher Risk of Causing Further Damage | Lower Risk with Skilled Professionals |
| Tools and Equipment | Basic Tools Might Suffice | Specialized Tools and Equipment |
| Diagnosis and Accuracy | May Lack Accurate Diagnosis | Accurate Diagnosis and Troubleshooting |
| Quality of Repair | Depends on Skill and Experience | High-Quality Repairs by Professionals |
| Warranty and Guarantees | No Professional Warranty | Professional Repairs Often Guaranteed |
| Safety Concerns | DIYers May Be Less Aware of Safety | Professionals Adhere to Safety Norms |
| Complex Issues | Might Struggle with Complex Problems | Experts Handle Complex Repairs |
| Convenience | DIY at Your Convenience | Schedule an Appointment with a Technician |
| Long-Term Reliability | Mixed Results Depending on Skill | More Reliable Repairs by Professionals |
| Learning Curve | DIYers Need to Learn Repair Techniques | Professionals Already Trained |
Tips for Preventing Garbage Disposal Smells
Garbage disposals are pretty much a given in most kitchens, but few people know how to keep them working their best. Here are 10 tips for keeping your garbage disposal running smoothly and smelling fresh.
- Run water before and after use.
- Use cold water to solidify grease.
- Cut large items into small pieces.
- Avoid fibrous foods like celery.
- Use only biodegradable cleaners.
- Keep utensils and non-food items out.
- Grind citrus peels to freshen.
- Use regularly to prevent rust.
- Check for leaks and strange noises.
- Consult the manual for troubleshooting.
Call Garbage Disposal Pros And Enjoy A Year-Round Breeze Of Freshness For Your Disposal!
Do you know what’s worse than a stinky, overflowing garbage disposal?
A year-round breeze of freshness.
We get it. Your kitchen smells like a dumpster, and you just want to be done with it. You don’t want to have to worry about your disposal or the smell coming from it anymore. You just want the air around your house to be fresh so that when guests come over, they can breathe easy and not worry about what’s happening behind closed doors—or on the other side of the wall in the kitchen.
That’s why Taylor Group is here: to help you get rid of those nasty smells once and for all!
Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service, no matter what garbage disposal needs you have.
The Taylor Group has been operating for over 16 years, and we have been providing the best garbage disposal services for New York City for just as long. We specialize in commercial, residential, and industrial applications, so whether you need something installed or repaired—or maybe even replaced entirely—we can help. Our expert team of technicians can handle any issue you might be experiencing, including:
– Dirty Disposals
– Broken Motors
– Broking Pipes
– Clogged Drain Lines
Our technicians will come to your home or business and diagnose the problem with your garbage disposal, keeping you informed along the way so you know what’s going on. Then they’ll fix it right away so that you can enjoy a year-round breeze of freshness at your disposal!
Whether you have a problem with your garbage disposal or just want to replace your garbage disposal and give your kitchen a fresh new look, we’re here for you!
Give us a call today at (855) 999-LEAK to set up an appointment for Garbage Disposal Maintenance in Manhattan!
