Burning Smell from Your Garbage Disposal? Causes, Fixes, and Prevention Tips

Is your garbage disposal giving off an unpleasant burning odor? This smell often signals a jam or blockage, causing friction and overheating. The good news? Fixing it is usually a straightforward process.

By the end of this guide, your disposal should be working smoothly again, and your kitchen will be free of unwanted odors.

Common Causes of a Burning Smell in Garbage Disposals

Here are a few typical reasons for this issue:

Stuck Items: Food scraps or foreign objects caught in the flywheel can cause it to seize up. When the motor struggles to turn the stuck flywheel, friction builds, producing heat and a burning smell.
Electric Motor Problems: Overheating due to prolonged use, jammed components, or electrical issues can cause the motor to break down and release a burnt odor.
Electrical Issues: Loose connections or electrical shorts can lead to high resistance and excess heat, potentially melting insulation and producing the smell. Water leakage into internal parts can also exacerbate the problem.

Safety Tips Before Starting Repairs

Always prioritize safety when dealing with any appliance. Keep these precautions in mind:

Turn Off Power: Unplug the disposal or switch off the circuit breaker to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
Allow Cooling Time: Let the disposal cool down if it was recently in use to avoid burns.
Work Carefully: Avoid rushing to prevent accidents and maintain precision.
Proper Lighting: A well-lit workspace helps you clearly see and access parts.
Clean Work Area: Keep the space free from clutter, children, and pets.
Dry Hands and Workspace: Avoid working with wet hands or in damp conditions to prevent electrical hazards.
Consult the Manual: Check the user manual for specific instructions regarding your disposal.
Use Proper Tools and Safety Gear: Wear insulated gloves, and consider safety glasses or a dust mask if debris or chemicals are involved.
Handle Parts Gently: Excessive force can damage components or cause injury.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Odors

Routine maintenance can help keep your disposal functioning well and prevent odors:

Avoid Overloading: Feed food waste into the disposal in small batches to prevent jams and reduce motor strain.
Watch What You Dispose: Throw away items like bones, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables, as they can clog the disposal.
Run Cold Water: Use cold water while the disposal is running to help carry debris through the system.
Deodorize Regularly: Drop citrus peels and a small amount of baking soda into the disposal to freshen it up.
Sharpen Blades: Use ice cubes occasionally to maintain blade sharpness.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Stick to the maintenance and usage instructions provided in your disposal’s manual.

How to Troubleshoot a Garbage Disposal

Here are the steps to identify and resolve common issues with your garbage disposal:

Step 1: Check for Leaks

Turn off the garbage disposal at the circuit breaker and unplug it from the wall outlet.
Use a flashlight to inspect all plumbing connections going to and from the disposal.
Look for signs of moisture or drips around hose clamps, slip joints, the dishwasher inlet, the drain line, and the electrical conduit.
Tighten any loose clamps or fittings.
Replace cracked or worn-out hoses and gaskets, if necessary.

Step 2: Check for Clogs

Examine the disposal for food scraps or objects stuck between the flywheel and the grinding ring.
If the disposal has an access port, use an Allen wrench to rotate the flywheel in both directions to clear blockages.
If there is no access port, use a wooden spoon or similar tool to gently rotate the flywheel through the sink drain opening.
Avoid putting your hands inside the disposal.
After clearing clogs, restore power briefly and run water through the disposal while turning it on and off quickly to flush away debris.

Step 3: Reset the Overload Protector

Locate the small red reset button on the base of the disposal unit.
Press the button to reset the breaker.
If the button trips repeatedly, move to the next steps to identify the problem.

Step 4: Check for Damaged Wiring

Inspect the power wiring for signs of damage, such as brittle or cracked insulation, exposed copper wires, or scorch marks.
Replace damaged wires with ones of the same gauge and insulation type.
Make sure all connections are tight and the wire insulation is stripped properly before reconnecting.

Step 5: Replace the Motor

Use a multimeter set to the Ohms setting to test the motor.
With the disposal powered off, touch the multimeter probes to the motor windings.
If the multimeter shows an open line (OL), no resistance, or resistance outside the acceptable range in the user manual, replace the motor.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Use Your Garbage Disposal

Taking an environmentally conscious approach benefits both your disposal and the planet:

Compost When Possible: Divert suitable food scraps like fruit peels and vegetable waste to compost rather than disposal.
Minimize Water Use: Use only the necessary amount of water to flush waste while keeping the unit clean.
Recycle Oils and Grease: Instead of pouring grease down the drain, collect it in a container and dispose of it through local recycling programs.
Plan Waste Disposal: Separate non-disposable items like bones or fibrous foods before running the disposal.
Opt for Natural Cleaners: To reduce chemical use, clean the disposal using natural solutions such as lemon, vinegar, and baking soda.

How to Prolong the Life of Your Garbage Disposal

Adopting good practices can extend the lifespan of your disposal and reduce the need for repairs:

Regular Cleaning: Use vinegar and baking soda periodically to clean and deodorize the unit.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Skip chemical drain cleaners, which can corrode components.
Flush Thoroughly: Run cold water for several seconds after each use to remove debris from the drain.
Inspect for Leaks: Check for water pooling under the sink to catch leaks early.
Monitor for Wear: Look for signs of dull blades, cracked housing, or frayed wires during routine maintenance.
Use Only Approved Items: Confirm that the waste being disposed of is suitable for garbage disposal, avoiding items like metal, plastic, or tough, fibrous foods.

Summing Up

When your garbage disposal starts giving off a burning smell, it’s normal to feel concerned, but the solution is often simpler than it seems. Problems like a jammed flywheel or electrical issues can cause this, but you can usually fix them with a few straightforward steps.

That smell is a signal that something needs attention. Leaving it unchecked could mean bigger problems, like costly repairs or replacing the whole unit. Taking simple steps like regular cleaning and mindful usage can prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

With these tips, you’re ready to handle any trouble your disposal throws at you. Addressing problems early and keeping up with maintenance means your disposal will keep working smoothly without the hassle or stress.