Garbage disposal smells are usually caused by food buildup, grease or bacteria and can often be controlled with regular cleaning and maintenance. However, persistent sewage odors, leaks or drainage issues may signal a more serious problem that requires professional attention.
Have you ever walked into your kitchen and immediately noticed a foul odor coming from your sink? The culprit is likely your garbage disposal.
For Texas homeowners, heat and humidity can make garbage disposal odor even worse, especially in the summer months. The good news is that garbage disposal smells are common and usually due to harmless buildup that’s easy to fix.
However, sometimes a foul odor coming from your sink can indicate a deeper plumbing or sewer problem. While DIY fixes can work in some cases, some situations require professional diagnostics and service.
This guide covers the most common causes of garbage disposal smells and when you should call in the experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services. With years of service calls across Texas homes, our experts have identified the most common local factors. These include hard water, grease-heavy cooking, older systems and hot weather.
This guide also includes expert insights from Michael Marugo, Plumbing Operations Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services. He has both his Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber licenses.
Why Does My Garbage Disposal Smell?
Marugo explains, “This is usually caused by leftover food in the unit, either from not running enough water during or after use, shutting the machine off too soon or leaving food in the unit to be disposed of later.”
Food Buildup Inside the Disposal
Food left inside the disposal can quickly produce a foul odor. Oftentimes, food particles get trapped under the splash guard, or grease coats the internal components of the disposal. Fibrous foods, such as celery or asparagus, can stick to the blades or the disposal chamber.
Bacteria and Mildew Growth
Moist environments, such as a garbage disposal, create odor-causing bacteria. Texas’s warm weather and humidity can make the smell worse and more noticeable.
Drain Line or P-Trap Issues
You may notice the smell coming from your sink, but that doesn’t always mean that the garbage disposal is the cause. It could be due to drain line or P-trap issues, such as standing debris trapped in the drain line.
Sewer Gas Problems
If you notice a rotten egg smell coming from your kitchen sink, it’s a warning sign for more serious plumbing and sewer issues. For example, sewer gas could be causing venting issues, dried-out traps, damaged seals or other issues that allow the gases to enter the home.
Sewer gases can greatly impact the indoor air quality of your home, so it’s best to call a licensed plumber if this is the root cause of the garbage disposal smell.
7 Common Things That Make a Garbage Disposal Smell
According to Marugo, the most common cause of a garbage disposal smelling is decaying food in the grind chamber or drain. However, some of the other common causes listed below may surprise you.
1. Grease and Oil Buildup
When you pour hot grease down your garbage disposal, it hardens as it cools and coats the inside of the disposal and drain pipes. Bacon grease, BBQ fats and fried foods are common culprits of grease and oil buildup in Texas garbage disposals. To avoid a backup and foul odor, dispose of grease in the trash rather than your garbage disposal.
2. Food Trapped Under the Rubber Splash Guard
Your garbage disposal has a rubber splash guard that prevents food from coming back up and keeps your hands safe. However, the splash guard can trap food particles and produce a bad odor.
3. Coffee Grounds and Starchy Foods
Some organic matter, such as coffee grounds and starchy foods, clump together in the garbage disposal and create a thick residue. Rice, pasta and potatoes are the most common foods that clump in the disposal. Over time, the organic matter builds up and creates an unpleasant odor.
4. Eggshells and Fibrous Vegetables
Eggshells and fibrous vegetables, including celery, onion skins and corn husks, can get tangled up in the grinding chamber. Instead of washing away, the food sticks to the internal components of the garbage disposal. They slowly decompose and produce a foul smell.
5. Infrequent Use
If you don’t run your disposal on a regular basis, stagnant water can produce odor-causing bacteria over time. Even if you don’t need to use your disposal to get rid of food, it’s a good idea to periodically run it to flush out any standing water.
6. Dirty Dishwasher Connection
If the plumbing of your dishwasher and garbage disposal is connected, food residue from your dishwasher may be causing the odors coming from your sink. The culprit may be a clogged dishwasher drain hose.
7. Improper Installation or Aging Disposal
If your garbage disposal is old, the rubber seal may be worn down, causing smells to seep into your kitchen. Additionally, older units are more likely to retain odors than newer models. However, if the disposal isn’t installed correctly, it can also cause odors to become more noticeable.
How to Clean a Smelly Garbage Disposal Safely
Marugo says, “An occasional bowl of ice ground up slowly with plenty of cold water is usually enough to clean a disposal. There are also commercially available cleaning agents specifically for disposals.”
Before you clean your disposal, remember these safety tips:
- Never put your hands inside the disposal
- Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners
Step 1: Flush With Hot Water and Dish Soap
Flush your disposal with hot water and dish soap for 30 to 60 seconds. This will clean the disposal and make any grease stuck to the drain pipe to loosen.
Step 2: Clean the Rubber Splash Guard
Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush, and make sure you focus on the underside of the rubber splash guard that comes into contact with food more often than the top part of the flap.
Step 3: Use Ice and Salt
Pouring a bowl of ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt down your disposal and then running cold water over it will help loosen debris, remove buildup and sharpen the grinder.
Step 4: Baking Soda and Vinegar Treatment
Pour half a cup of baking soda into your disposal and follow it with one cup of white vinegar. The solution will deodorize any foul smells. Let it sit in the sink for about ten minutes before flushing it with water.
Step 5: Citrus Peels for Freshness
The final touch is to grind a few lemon or orange peels under cold water to freshen up your garbage disposal. This won’t clean your disposal, but it will freshen it up and help neutralize odors.
What NOT to Put Down a Garbage Disposal
Marugo emphasizes, “While we all call them ‘garbage disposals,’ they are actually food waste disposals, so only food scraps should go into your disposal.”
Never Put These Down the Disposal
- Grease/oil
- Bones
- Pasta/rice
- Coffee grounds
- Fibrous vegetables
- Paint or chemicals
“Surprising” Items That Can Be Hard on Your Garbage Disposal
- Potato peels
- Expandable foods
- Flour
- Onion skins
When a Smelly Garbage Disposal Means You Need a Plumber
Most of the time, a smelly garbage disposal is due to food residue breaking down and producing a foul odor. However, there are some cases where a bigger plumbing problem is the culprit and you need to call in professional help.
Persistent Sewage Smells
If the smell of rotten eggs doesn’t go away, it’s time to call a licensed plumber. There could be an issue with the sewer vent, main drain line or other connections.
Slow Draining or Backups
Slow-draining water or a clog could indicate a deeper problem, such as built-up debris or grease. Call in an expert for a professional cleaning.
Leaks Under the Sink
If your garbage disposal is leaking under the sink, it could indicate deteriorated seals or cracked disposal housing, which requires the help of a plumber.
Humming Noise Without Grinding
A lone humming noise without grinding signals that the disposal’s motor is jammed. Do not try to fix it yourself, call in a pro instead.
Disposal Is Over 8 to 12 Years Old
If you have an older unit, you should consult a professional for guidance on whether a repair will prolong its life or if it’s time for a replacement.
What Our Customers Say
“Excellent and Prompt service. A special thank you to Salomon Bryan for going above and beyond in showing me how to take care of my appliances. I highly recommend!”
— Cesar D.
How to Prevent Garbage Disposal Smells Long-Term
Weekly Habits
- Flush with cold water after use
- Run disposal regularly
Monthly Maintenance
- Ice cleaning (as outlined above)
- Splash guard scrub
Good Kitchen Habits
- Compost food scraps
- Avoid grease disposal
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my garbage disposal smell like rotten eggs?
Can I pour bleach into my garbage disposal?
Why does my sink smell even after cleaning the disposal?
How often should I clean my garbage disposal?
Why does my garbage disposal smell when the dishwasher runs?
Eliminate Garbage Disposal Odors With Professional Help
Most of the time, an odor coming from your garbage disposal is due to food residue and will go away after a cleaning. However, if the odor persists, it could indicate a bigger issue. Rather than try a DIY fix, call a licensed plumber to inspect your garbage disposal.
ABC Home & Commercial Service’s plumbers have almost 600 years of combined experience in the field and 16 Master Plumbers on staff. We serve homeowners across Texas with plumbing diagnostics and garbage disposal repair.
