Is your dishwasher giving off a foul, sewage-like odor?
It’s not your nose playing tricks—there are real reasons behind the stink.
Here, explore what might be causing this sewage smell and how to fix it.
Say goodbye to these unpleasant odors and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
Key Takeaways
- A clogged drain pipe can stop your dishwasher from draining.
- Food particles can rot and smell bad if the filter is dirty or blocked.
- Standing water in your dishwasher can get dirty and start to smell.
- It may need fixing if your dishwasher isn’t draining and you think the disposal is at fault.
- Bacteria breaking down food can create smells that are like sewage.
- Put large items like pots on the bottom rack and small items like glasses on the top rack.
- Get quotes from a few plumbers to compare their prices and services.
Common Causes Of Sewage Smell In Dishwashers And Solutions
If your dishwasher is giving off a sewage smell, there are a few common causes you should check.
Here’s a breakdown of what could be going wrong and how you can solve these issues:
1. Clogged Drain Pipe
A clogged drain hose (pipe) can prevent wastewater from leaving the dishwasher properly.
When this happens, dirty water smells bad and has a sewage-like odor.
Here are a few signs of a clogged drain hose:
- Unusual Odors: You may notice a foul smell from the dishwasher.
- Water Backup: The hose might be clogged if you see water pooling in the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Slow Draining: Drain from the dishwasher takes longer than usual.
Here’s What To Do
Inspect the drain pipe for blockages.
It is usually located at the back of the dishwasher, connecting to your sink or garbage disposal.
Clear out any debris you find.
2. Dirty Or Blocked Filter
The filter in your dishwasher catches food particles and debris.
If it’s dirty or blocked, these particles can start to rot, causing a bad smell.
Here’s how to identify filter issues:
- Odor: The dishwasher’s strong, unpleasant smell could state a dirty filter.
- Visible Debris: Check the filter for food scraps or buildup.
- Performance Issues: If your dishes aren’t coming out clean, it might be a sign that the filter isn’t working properly.
Here’s What To Do
Remove and clean the filter according to your dishwasher’s manual (guide).
This usually involves rinsing it under running water and scrubbing off any garbage.
3. Standing Water
Standing water in your dishwasher can become dirty and smell bad over time.
This dirty water can create a sewage-like odor.
Here are a few causes of standing water:
- Clogged Drain: A blockage in the drain pipe can prevent water from draining properly.
- Faulty Pump: The pump that helps remove water might not work correctly.
- Improper Loading: If you overload the dishwasher, water might not be able to reach all areas.
Here’s What To Do
Check for clogs in the drain and ensure the pump is functioning.
Do not overload your dishwasher.
Check that the spray arms can move freely without anything blocking them.
4. Faulty Garbage Disposal Connection
Dishwashers are often connected to the garbage disposal.
If this connection is damaged, like a leak or clog, sewage odors can return to the dishwasher.
Here’s how to identify connection problems:
Odor Near Disposal: If the smell is stronger near the garbage disposal, the connection may be affected.
- Leaks: Check for water leaks or signs of rust around the disposal area.
- Performance Issues: If your dishwasher isn’t draining and you suspect the disposal is the problem, it might need attention.
Here’s What To Do
Ensure the garbage disposal is properly connected and not clogged.
Clear any blockages and check for leaks.
5. Bacterial Growth
Bacteria can grow in warm, wet environments like dishwashers.
When bacteria break down food, they can create bad smells similar to sewage.
Here are a few places where bacteria often grow:
- Filters: Food particles can get trapped and lead to bacterial growth.
- Seals And Gaskets: These areas can trap moisture and food debris.
- Spray Arms: Remaining food particles can get stuck in the spray arms.
Here’s What To Do
Clean the filter, seals, and spray arms regularly.
Run a cleaning cycle with special dishwasher cleaners to help reduce bacteria and end bad smells.
3 Preventative Maintenance Tips
To keep your dishwasher running smoothly and avoid problems, follow these simple tips:
1. Regular Cleaning Routines
Take out the filter and rinse it regularly to remove food and debris.
Clean the rubber seals around the door to keep them free of mold and rust.
Use a dishwasher cleaner every month to help keep things fresh and clean inside.
2. Proper Loading Techniques
Avoid putting too many dishes in at once.
This ensures that water can reach all the dishes and clean them properly.
Place larger items, such as pots and pans, on the bottom rack and smaller items, like glasses, on the top rack.
Make sure nothing blocks the spray arms (spinning part).
3. Routine Inspections
Look at the drain and spray arms to ensure they are clear of blockages.
Frequently check the drain pipe for damage or leaks.
If you notice any strange smells, inspect and clean as needed.
Signs That Professional Help Is Needed
Sometimes, fixing dishwasher problems on your own might not be enough.
Here’s when you should consider calling a professional:
- If your dishwasher still smells bad after cleaning
- Loud and unusual noises that don’t go away
- When you’ve tried everything but the dishwasher still isn’t cleaning well
- If your dishwasher leaks, get a professional to fix it and avoid more damage.
For choosing a reliable plumber:
- Look up customer reviews online to find a plumber with good feedback.
- Get suggestions from people who have had positive experiences with a plumber.
- Make sure the plumber is licensed to ensure they are qualified and trustworthy.
- Getting quotes from a few plumbers to compare prices and services is a good idea.
Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for pro and reliable services.
Conclusion
This article discusses the common causes of sewage smell in dishwashers and the solutions to it. Furthermore, preventative maintenance tips have been discussed.
It also talks about when to call a professional for help. Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for excellent services.