Foul Odor Detection with Disposals and Smoke Testing

Serving Dallas – Ft.Worth (DFW) Metroplex including Highland Park and University Park

Over the years, Levy & Son has helped solve many foul odor mysteries related to the residential and commercial plumbing system. All of these types of issues are not the same. Some are caused from obvious problems while others require investigative work.

Garbage disposers are a common source for foul odors caused by food buildup inside the grinding chamber. Be sure to run the disposer with a moderate flow of cold water and continue to run the cold water for a few seconds after grinding is complete. Avoid using hot water when grinding food waste. It is okay to drain hot water into the disposer between grinding periods. Never pour grease or fat into your disposer. Grinding ice cubes aids in the removal of food particles that build up inside the grinding chamber. Use a disposer cleaner to relieve objectionable odors or grind citrus fruit peels to freshen up the unit. Disposers may also be cleaned with a product called Disposer Care, available in home centers, hardware stores, and grocery stores.

Smoke testing is a common method Levy & Son plumbers perform to locate the source of foul odors caused from problems with the sanitary sewer system. Smoke candles are lit and placed inside a fan-assisted sealed canister and smoke is forced into the sanitary sewer through an exterior cleanout or roof vent. If the odor is originating from the sewer system, this technique has proven to be  almost fool-proof.

Other sources of objectionable odors can be caused from showers, toilet seals, lavatory overflows, seldom used plumbing fixtures with dry traps, and water heaters. If you are experiencing these types of problems, just give us a call.