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Why Is My Garbage Disposal Smelly?

Do you avoid rinsing dishes and preparing meals because of your stinky garbage disposal? Are you concerned that your smelly kitchen sink may be a…

May 05, 2026
Why Is My Garbage Disposal Smelly?

Do you avoid rinsing dishes and preparing meals because of your stinky garbage disposal? Are you conceed that your smelly kitchen sink may be a sign of an underlying plumbing issue? At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we provide high quality residential and commercial plumbing services including garbage disposal repair and replacement in New Jersey. Here are some common reasons why garbage disposals develop foul odors, and what you can do to fix it. 

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Smelly?

Common Causes of Smelly Garbage Disposals 
There are many different reasons why garbage disposals can begin to smell. This is a device that is used to grind up food before it enters your drain line. The constant exposure to food and water creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which often emit terrible smells. The stench could also come from decomposing food and grease that has become stuck to the interior walls of your drainpipe. In some cases, the foul odors may be sewer gases that are rising through the drain. If so, then the problem is not caused by the garbage disposal at all but is probably due to a dried-up trap or sewer vent issue.  

Prevention Tips 
Periodically clean the drain with a vinegar, dishwashing soap and baking soda solution. Then, leave the hot water on for a while to rinse out the debris. It is also a good idea to run cold water into the drain when the garbage disposal is being used. Dropping lemon peels and ice cubes into the disposal once a month can help to dislodge debris from the blades while leaving a behind a pleasant smell. It is also important to avoid placing certain food items into your garbage disposal, such as bacon grease, celery stalks, eggshells, rice, potatoes, carrot peels, chicken bones, co husks and coffee grounds. These materials will cause clogs inside your sewer line and can harm the disposal. 

When Should You Call a Professional Plumber?
If you have kept your drains cleaned and are properly using your garbage disposal, but are still dealing with bad odors, then you may need to contact a nearby plumber. A professional can inspect your disposal, remove buildup on the unit, clean your drain line, or check for issues with the trap or vent. 

Do You Need Help with Your Garbage Disposal? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today 
Have you determined that the stench in your kitchen sink is caused by a sewer or drain line issue? Do you need to repair or replace your garbage disposal? Then call the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our team of certified, licensed and insured plumbers are ready to lend a helping hand. Contact our office to lea more about our wide variety of commercial and residential plumbing services or to schedule a convenient appointment with a qualified plumber in Jackson Township, Oakhurst, Ocean Township, Colts Neck, Rumson Township, Eatontown Township, Red Bank, Freehold Township, Howell Township, Middletown Township, New Jersey and surrounding metro area communities. 

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