Troubleshooting Garbage Disposal Smells & Noises
June 9, 2025
Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Smells and Noises
Your garbage disposal is a handy kitchen tool—until it starts to stink or make unsettling noises. At Charlotte Plumbing, we regularly help homeowners deal with these exact issues. Fortunately, many of the most common problems can be diagnosed and resolved without professional tools. Here's how to troubleshoot foul smells and strange sounds coming from your disposal.
What to Do When Your Garbage Disposal Smells or Sounds Off
Unusual odors or noises from your garbage disposal typically indicate food buildup, foreign objects, or minor mechanical issues. If ignored, they can lead to clogs, leaks, or even motor failure. Before you call a plumber, here are safe and effective steps you can try at home.
Step 1: Identify the Source of the Smell
Foul smells usually come from trapped food particles or grease:
- Turn off the disposal and unplug it for safety.
- Shine a flashlight down the drain to check for visible debris.
- Use tongs (never your hand) to remove anything stuck.
If the smell persists, it’s time for a deeper clean.
Step 2: Clean the Disposal with Ice, Salt, and Citrus
A natural deodorizer and mild scrub:
- Pour 2 cups of ice and 1 cup of coarse salt into the disposal.
- Turn on the cold water and run the unit for 10–15 seconds.
- Follow up by grinding citrus peels (lemon, orange, or lime).
This scrubs the blades and neutralizes odors without chemicals
Step 3: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar for Deep Cleaning
For stubborn grime:
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar.
- Let the foam sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with boiling water to flush out residue.
Avoid mixing with commercial drain cleaners, which may damage your system.
Step 4: Troubleshoot Strange Noises
If your disposal is rattling, humming, or grinding unusually:
- Rattling: Something might be bouncing inside (bones, utensils). Turn it off and remove the object safely.
- Humming: The flywheel may be jammed. Use an Allen wrench on the underside of the unit to manually free it.
- Screeching or Grinding: The motor or internal components may be failing—this is when you should stop using it and call a professional.
Dealing with a loose or wobbly faucet handle? Charlotte Plumbing walks you through quick DIY steps to tighten it up and restore proper function—no plumber needed.
Discover simple DIY solutions to fix a slow-draining bathtub before calling a plumber. Charlotte Plumbing shares expert tips to clear buildup and keep drains flowing.
Is your shower head leaking nonstop? Discover the causes and DIY tips to stop the drip—or call Charlotte Plumbing for fast, expert repairs in the Charlotte, NC area.
Need to unclog a toilet without a plunger? Charlotte Plumbing shares safe, effective DIY methods using items you already have at home. Learn step-by-step solutions from local pros.
If you’ve tackled a plumbing project at home, you’ve probably come across two common sealing products: plumber’s putty and Teflon tape (also known as thread seal tape). Both play an important role in preventing leaks — but they’re not interchangeable. At Charlotte Plumbing, we often see DIY jobs go sideways simply because the wrong sealant was used in the wrong place.
A running toilet is more than just an annoyance — it’s a steady drain on your water bill and a potential sign of wear inside your tank. One of the most common causes? A worn-out toilet flapper. At Charlotte Plumbing, we help homeowners across the Charlotte area resolve small issues before they turn into costly problems. If you’re the DIY type, here’s a straightforward guide to replacing a toilet flapper and stopping that constant running.
Clean, safe water is something every homeowner wants — and a whole-home water filtration system is one way to get it. But are these systems right for everyone? At Charlotte Plumbing, we install and service water filtration systems across the Charlotte area, and we’ve seen firsthand the benefits (and limitations) they can bring. Here's a breakdown to help you decide if a water filtration system makes sense for your home.
Chemical drain cleaners might seem like an easy fix for a clogged sink or slow-draining tub, but they come with risks that homeowners should understand before reaching for the bottle. At Charlotte Plumbing, we believe in educating our customers so they can make safe, informed decisions about their home’s plumbing. Here’s what you need to know about using chemical drain cleaners — and when it's best to call in the professionals.
When it comes to home improvement, plumbing upgrades aren’t always top of mind—but they should be. At Charlotte Plumbing, we’ve helped countless homeowners in the Charlotte area invest in smart, value-adding upgrades that not only improve daily comfort but also boost resale potential. Whether you're preparing to sell or just want to modernize your home, plumbing improvements can make a lasting impact.
As temperatures begin to drop in the Charlotte area, it’s essential to protect your home’s outdoor plumbing from freezing. At Charlotte Plumbing, we often see costly damage caused by burst pipes and neglected winter prep—most of which could be avoided with a few proactive steps. If you’re unsure how to get your plumbing ready for cold weather, this guide will walk you through the basics of winterization.
