Nothing is worse than a garbage disposal that smells. While they are designed to chew up those leftovers and keep your sinks flowing freely, they can also emanate some pretty “smelly” odors. What is causing these horrible odors, and is there anything you can do about it? Our Southeast Michigan plumbing pros have the answers.
What Causes Those Awful Odors Coming from Your Garbage Disposal?
It is not hard to imagine the tiny particles of food that may remain in the disposal chamber after you have used your disposal to chew up leftover food. Using it day after day, over time those tiny pieces rot or decay, causing those nasty odors. When you notice unpleasant smells coming from the sink, there are few things you can do.
Eliminating Odors from the Garbage Disposal
You may think using bleach or other cleaners is the best way to eliminate those foul odors, but the truth is it’s best not to put potentially damaging chemicals down the drain. These chemicals can literally destroy or damage pipes – there is a better way!
Citrus Fruits
Oranges, lemons, and limes are a great way to eliminate odors naturally without worry of causing damage. Citrus fruits not only destroy odor but counter bacteria as well. All you need to do is run warm water, then put a lemon or orange into the disposal and run it intermittently for about two seconds at a time until the fruit is broken down. If you still notice a bit of an odor, repeat a time or two.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Most Ann Arbor homeowners know baking soda and vinegar have lots of uses, and one is neutralizing odors. White vinegar is a powerful cleaner, while baking soda absorbs smells. All you need to do is mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of baking soda, then pour it into the garbage disposal and run at two-second intervals. Repeat as necessary to keep your disposal smelling fresh and clean.
Less Common Sources of Sink Odors
Sometimes there’s an odor you just can’t get rid of, regardless of your efforts. This could be caused by a leak at a plumbing vent or U-bend, which is not a project you should attempt to tackle yourself. At this point, it is time to call a trusted Ann Arbor plumber who can diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs so you can enjoy a fresh smelling sink and kitchen once again. Garbage disposal odors have a way of lingering throughout your home – not a good thing.
For all of your garbage disposal installation or repair needs, count on the professionals at Haley Mechanical for solutions you can rely on every time.
