A garbage disposal makes kitchen cleanup a breeze, but only if it’s used correctly. Misuse can lead to clogs, odors, or even a burnt–out motor. If you’re unsure of the best practices for keeping your garbage disposal in top shape, you’re not alone.

Here, we’ll cover the essential do’s and don’ts to help you maintain your disposal with ease.

Do: Run Cold Water While Using the Disposal

Always run cold water while the disposal is operating and for a few seconds after shutting it off. Cold water solidifies any grease or fat, making it easier for the disposal blades to chop it up and flush it through the pipes. It also keeps your motor cool and prevents residue from building up in the system.

Using hot water might seem like a good idea, but it can cause fat to melt and coat your pipes, turning into solid clogging material as it cools further down the drain.

Don’t: Pour Grease or Oil Down the Drain

Grease, oil, and fat are your garbage disposal’s worst enemies. Even if they seem liquid at first, they’ll harden as they cool, creating stubborn blockages in your pipes. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, collect it in a sealed container and throw it in the trash once it solidifies.

This simple habit can save you from costly plumbing repairs and keep your disposal working like new.

Do: Feed Waste Slowly

One of the biggest mistakes people make is overloading the disposal. Feeding too much waste at once can cause jams and strain the motor. A steady, gradual feed of scraps ensures the blades process food efficiently and prevents clogs.

Before operating the disposal, turn it on and allow it to reach full speed. Then, add small amounts of food waste slowly while a steady stream of cold water runs through the system.

Don’t: Put Fibrous or Starchy Foods in the Disposal

Not all food scraps are disposal-friendly. Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and banana peels can tangle in the blades, causing jams. Starchy foods like potato skins or rice can turn into a sticky paste that clogs pipes and gums up the disposal’s moving parts.

Instead, throw these items in the trash or compost bin. Your plumbing system will thank you.

Do: Keep It Clean

Keeping your garbage disposal clean is essential for avoiding odors and maintaining performance. After grinding food, run cold water for a few extra seconds to clear out any remaining debris.

For a deeper clean, try these methods:

• Grind ice cubes to sharpen the blades and dislodge stuck-on residue.

• Add citrus peels for a natural deodorizer. The oils in the peel help clean the blades and leave a fresh scent behind.

Regular cleaning helps your disposal perform at its best while keeping unpleasant smells at bay.

Don’t: Use Harsh Chemicals or Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners can erode your disposal’s components and damage the seals. If you notice bad odors or performance issues, avoid reaching for chemical solutions.

Instead, try a more natural approach:

• Pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the disposal, then rinse thoroughly with water. This will remove grime and odors without harming the disposal.

If the issue persists, it’s wise to call a plumber for professional assistance.

Do: Know When Something’s Wrong

Sometimes, your garbage disposal will give you warning signs that it’s struggling. If you hear buzzing, grinding, or humming without movement, power it off immediately. These noises often signal a jam or foreign object stuck inside.

Never stick your hand into the disposal to retrieve items, even if it’s turned off. Instead, use tongs to carefully remove obstructions. For recurring issues, consider bringing in a professional to diagnose and fix the problem safely.

Use It Right, and It’ll Work Like It Should

Garbage disposals are durable and reliable, but they’re not invincible. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can avoid common mishaps like clogs, jams, or motor burnout. A little maintenance and mindful usage go a long way toward extending the life of your disposal.

If your disposal still isn’t working as it should, Super Service Today is here to help. Contact our experienced team for fast, hassle-free plumbing solutions. We’ll have your garbage disposal up and running in no time!

There’s nothing like stepping outside for some fresh air, only to be greeted by a foul, lingering sewer smell. If you’re noticing an odor in your yard that smells like rotten eggs, sulfur, or sewage, it’s not just unpleasant. It could be a warning sign of a plumbing issue beneath the surface.

Here’s what might be causing that smell, and what you can do to fix it before it turns into a bigger, messier (and more expensive) problem.

Common Causes of Sewer Odors in Your Yard

1. Damaged or Cracked Sewer Line
One of the most common causes of sewer smells outdoors is a cracked or broken sewer line. Over time, aging pipes, shifting soil, root intrusion, or heavy traffic over buried lines can cause the pipe to crack, allowing gases and waste to escape into your yard.

If the smell is strongest near a specific area, or your lawn has a soggy patch that doesn’t dry out, this could be your culprit.

2. Clogged or Blocked Sewer Line
When the main sewer line gets clogged due to buildup, grease, wipes, or foreign objects, sewage may back up and leak from cleanouts or joints in the system. This backup can lead to foul odors escaping into the yard, even if you don’t see visible sewage above ground (yet).

3. Dry or Open Sewer Cleanout
Many homes have an outdoor cleanout access point that connects to the main sewer line. If the cap is missing, cracked, or not sealed tightly, sewer gases can easily escape. In some cases, the cleanout itself may be buried just below the surface, so you may not even realize it’s the source.

4. Septic System Issues (If Applicable)
If your home uses a septic system, odors in the yard could be a sign of an overfilled tank, leaking lines, or issues with the drain field. These problems often cause pooling water, patches of overgrown grass, or visible waste near the surface – along with that unmistakable smell.

Is It Dangerous?

The smell isn’t just a nuisance; it can indicate the presence of methane or hydrogen sulfide gas, both of which can be hazardous in high concentrations.

While outdoor exposure is less dangerous than indoors, prolonged leaks can impact your soil and air quality, and eventually back up into your home’s plumbing system.

This Is What You Can Do

1. Pinpoint the Smell
Walk around your yard and try to identify where the smell is strongest. This can help professionals locate the source faster.

2. Check for Cleanouts
Look for any visible sewer cleanout caps in your yard and make sure they’re sealed tightly. If you see signs of sewage or water leaking from the area, don’t wait – call a plumber.

3. Don’t Try to Dig or Flush It Yourself
It might be tempting to pour drain cleaner down your sinks or start digging where the smell is strongest, but this can make things worse. Chemical cleaners can damage your pipes, and unintentional digging can break other lines or create sinkholes.

How the Pros Can Help

At Super Service Today, our team uses advanced diagnostics like sewer cameras and smoke testing to pinpoint the source of outdoor sewer odors without tearing up your yard. Once we’ve located the problem, we’ll walk you through repair options that are effective, code-compliant, and designed to last.

Whether you need a simple cleanout cap replaced, roots removed from your line, or a section of damaged pipe repaired, we’ve got the tools and expertise to handle it.

Don’t Let Sewer Smells Linger

A sewer odor in your yard won’t go away on its own, and the longer you wait, the more likely it is to cause property damage or health concerns. If you’re in Wilmington or surrounding areas and dealing with outdoor plumbing issues, Super Service Today is here to help.

Call us today or schedule service online to get the issue diagnosed and resolved before it turns into something worse. Clean air and peace of mind are just a call away.