If your garbage disposal smells like sewage it means that the drain line is clogged. This is a common problem that many people experience. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to fix it.
In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of sewage-like smells from garbage disposals and the steps you can take to get rid of them. Keep reading to learn more!
Garbage Disposal Smells Like Sewage | Causes & Solution
If your garbage disposal smells like sewage, it is important to take action immediately:
1) Identify A Source
The first step is to identify the source of the smell. If the sewage smell is coming from the drain there is likely a clog in the drain. This can be caused by a variety of things including food waste, grease and soap scum.
If the source of the smell is coming from the garbage disposal itself it is likely that something is caught in the blades or that the disposal is dirty.
2) Try to Clean it
Once you have identified the source of the smell, you can take steps to clean it. If the sewage smell is coming from the drain, you can try using a plunger or a drain snake to remove the clog.
If the source of the smell is coming from the garbage disposal, you can try running hot water and vinegar through the disposal to clean it.
If you have tried cleaning the source of the sewage smell and it persists it is important to call a plumber. There could be a more serious issue, such as a broken pipe, that needs to be fixed.
Causes of garbage disposal smell like sewage
There are a few different things that can cause the garbage disposal to smell like sewage.
- One of the most common causes is a build-up of food waste in the disposal. When food waste builds up it can create a sewer-like smell. Grease and soap scum can also cause the garbage disposal to smell bad. If your garbage disposal is dirty it will likely start to smell.
- Another common cause of sewage-like smells from garbage disposals is a clog in the drain line. This can be caused by a variety of things including food waste, grease and soap scum. If the drain line is clogged, it can cause sewage to back up into the disposal and create a bad smell.
The best way to prevent a clog in the drain line is to be careful about what you put down the disposal. Avoid putting things like grease, oil, and large pieces of food waste down the disposal.
If you do accidentally put something down the disposal that causes a clog, you can use a plunger or a drain snake to remove the clog.
How To Clean Garbage Disposal?
If your garbage disposal starts to smell bad or doesn’t seem to be working as well as it used to it may be time for a cleaning. Luckily, cleaning garbage disposal is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how:
- Turn off the power to the garbage disposal. This is usually done by flipping a switch under the sink.
- Use a wrench to remove the disposal’s splash guard.
- Pour a cup of baking soda into the disposal.
- Add a few drops of dish soap and then add enough hot water to cover the baking soda.
- Turn on the garbage disposal and let the water and baking soda mixture run through it for a minute or two.
- Turn off the disposal and use a stiff brush to scrub away any remaining grime.
- Rinse well with hot water and replace the splash guard.
- Turn the power back on to the garbage disposal.
That’s it! You’ve now successfully cleaned your garbage disposal.
What can I do to prevent my garbage disposal from smelling like sewage in the future?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your garbage disposal from smelling like sewage in the future:
- Make sure that you are regularly cleaning your garbage disposal. This will help to remove any build-up of food or other debris that could be causing the smell.
- Try using a plunger to dislodge anything that may be stuck in the disposal.
- Run cold water through the disposal for a few seconds after you use it, to help flush anything down that may be causing a smell.
- Consider using a garbage disposal cleaner or deodorizer, to help keep your disposal smelling fresh.
- Make sure that your home’s plumbing is in good working order, as a backup measure.
- If you have a septic tank, have it regularly serviced to prevent any backups that could be causing sewage odors.
- Talk to your plumber if you are still having issues with your garbage disposal smelling like sewage, as there may be a more serious issue that needs to be addressed.
FAQs – Garbage Disposal Smells Like Sewage
Why does my sink smell like septic?
There are a few different things that can cause your sink to smell like septic:
- If you have a garbage disposal, it could be that the food scraps are not being properly disposed of and are causing the smell.
- Another possibility is that there is a leak in your septic system that is allowing sewage to escape and cause an odor. If you suspect a leak you should contact a professional to have your system inspected.
- Finally, if you have not had your septic tank pumped in a while, this could be the cause of the smell. When septic tanks get full they can release odors into the home. If you think this might be the problem, you should contact a professional to have your tank pumped.
Can I pour bleach down the drain?
Yes, you can pour bleach down the drain to clean it; however, you should use caution when doing so. Bleach is a strong chemical and should be used in moderation.
When using bleach to clean your drain, make sure that you do not use more than a cup of bleach per gallon of water. Also, be sure to flush the drain with plenty of water after using bleach to remove any residue.
Finally, it is important to note that bleach should not be used regularly, as it can damage your pipes.
Is baking soda and vinegar safe for drains?
Yes, baking soda and vinegar are safe for drains; however, they should be used in moderation. Baking soda is a strong cleaning agent, so it should be used in small amounts.
When using baking soda to clean your drain, make sure that you do not use more than a cup of baking soda per gallon of water. Also, be sure to flush the drain with plenty of water after using baking soda to remove any residue.
Vinegar is a weak acid, so it is safe for use on most drains; however, it can eat away at some types of pipes if used too frequently.
If you are going to use vinegar to clean your drain, be sure to use it in moderation and flush the drain with plenty of water after use.
Wrap Up
Although it’s unpleasant, the smell of sewage is a good thing because it means your garbage disposal is working properly. If you’re experiencing a bad odor from your garbage disposal, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot the problem and get rid of the smell.
The next time your garbage disposal smells like sewage, don’t panic! It means that you’re taking care of your kitchen hygiene and everything is working as it should.
Follow these simple tips to eliminate that embarrassing sewer smell and keep your kitchen smelling fresh!
