If you’re struggling with a garbage disposal smell in your New York home, you aren’t alone. A functional garbage disposal is a necessity for convenience and safe food waste management, but over time, food particles, grease, and debris can become trapped and lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odors.
In this article, the plumbing experts at AP Plumbing offer garbage disposal tips for Syracuse homeowners to ensure proper care and eliminate odors, and prevent gnats.
Refresh With Citrus Peels
One way to combat garbage disposal odor in Rochester homes is to put citrus peels from lemons, limes, or oranges down your disposal. The natural oils in these peels not only coat the inside of your disposal, leaving a fresh scent, but also can help break through grease buildup thanks to their mild acidity.
Flush With Baking Soda and Vinegar
Since baking soda neutralizes odor, it’s a great natural way to address garbage disposal smells. We recommend combining it with vinegar since its acidity can dissolve grime and kill bacteria. Together, they will fizz and break up residue within your system.
Grind Ice Cubes
When your garbage disposal grinds down ice cubes, it eliminates food particles that are stuck in the grinding chamber and blades. Homeowners can even add a bit of rock salt to the mix for added abrasiveness and greater scrubbing action.
Scrub The Splash Guard
The rubber splash guard at your sink’s opening can often go ignored. Unfortunately, it is one of the main areas that cause odors, as food residue tends to cling to it. Homeowners can use a coarse brush and soapy water to scrub away any debris, especially on the underside.
Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning
If the odor isn’t coming from the disposal, but from your kitchen drain, it may be time to schedule professional drain cleaning. A professional has the tools and techniques to remove grease and food buildup, eliminating hidden odor sources and preventing clogs.
Plumbing Tips for Syracuse and Rochester
At AP Plumbing, we offer a wide range of plumbing tips for NY homeowners to keep their systems working properly, including:
- Consider a water softener to combat Syracuse and Rochester water hardness that can lead to mineral buildup and clogs inside kitchen pipes.
- If your older Syracuse and Rochester home has galvanized steel or cast iron pipes, it’s essential to keep food and grease out of your drains, as they can corrode and narrow over time, leading to increased clogs.
- Many New York homes have small-diameter kitchen drains that can’t handle a lot of food waste. Use your disposal for small items and put larger pieces of food in the trash.
- If you notice backups or slow draining in your garbage disposal, it could be bigger issues like tree root intrusion or misaligned pipes.
When To Call a Plumber About a Smelly Garbage Disposal
If you’ve followed our tips and tricks for garbage disposal cleaning and still experience a persistent smell, it may be time to call a professional. Odors that continue even when the disposal itself has been thoroughly cleaned are more likely caused by issues within your drain pipes and should be assessed by a professional to determine the best solution.
Call AP Plumbing Today for Garbage Disposal Repair in Syracuse
Regular plumbing maintenance is critical for Syracuse homeowners looking to keep their home clean, functional, and smelling fresh. At AP Plumbing, we offer reliable plumbing care to help you do just that. Our team is licensed and insured to provide high-quality care for every aspect of your plumbing system. Plus, we provide same-day services to handle urgent issues.
Call AP Plumbing today to schedule garbage disposal services for your Rochester home.
