How To Repair A Garbage Disposal That Smells Bad
- Rated as REALLY EASY
- 5 repair stories
- 2 step by step videos
Splash Guard
If you are getting a bad smell from your food waste disposer it indicates that the splash guard needs to be replaced. The splash guard is the rubber device you see just inside the drain opening. As the rubber deteriorates with age it becomes more porous and will absorb odors more easily. The rubber fingers of the splash guard should also be pliable enough to allow food waste to be pushed past them but stiff enough to close the opening and reduce the chance of odors. If the splash guard is missing any pieces or is no longer flexible, it should be replaced. It is also a good habit to occasionally grind up citrus fruits such as lemons or limes while flushing with cold water to help eliminate odors. You can also clean the disposer periodically by adding baking soda and or white vinegar while flushing with hot water.
Stopper
If you are getting a bad smell from your food waste disposer, you might suspect that the stopper needs to be replaced. On some models of food waste disposers, the stopper and splash guard are combined into one part. Both parts are usually made of rubber and as the rubber deteriorates with age it becomes brittle and more porous and will also absorb odors more easily. If the rubber surface of the stopper is damaged or worn it will not seal properly and any odor from the disposer will not be contained. If the splash guard is missing any pieces or is no longer flexible, it should be replaced as well. It is also a good habit to occasionally grind up citrus fruits such as lemons or limes while flushing with cold water to help eliminate odors. You can also clean the disposer periodically by adding baking soda and or white vinegar while flushing with hot water.
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