My house is 7 years old and has a septic tank. The disposal motor quit about one week after warranty expired. I put mesh strainers in drain and did not replace disposal since I am the only resident now. It has been nearly 2 years and I have begun to smell dirt (like digging in a garden) around the sink. Just read all the advice about hot water, bleach, etc. which I intend to try (the disposal side does drain, but slowly, and I'd rather not destroy the innards. On the other hand, maybe I should have a new disposal put in (and new hose?). Dishwasher is used once a week; water is mainly run on sink side to rinse off dishes. House was meant for 3 residents plus guests--now water use is minimal. Is that a problem?

Just read not to use bleach because of septic tank. Vinegar's OK, I think. What about drain cleaners?

You should replace the disposal or remove it and install a P trap. There is likely a build of food debris in the unit and that will bred all sorts of smells. Better than just bleach try this. I've increased the normal a mounts to get some action going in the disposer. Cup of salt mixed with a cup of baking soda, stir and dump into the disposal. Add a pint of vinegar andf allow to sit over night, flush a buckets of hot water in the morning. DON'T PUT YOUR FACE OVER THE DRAIN WHEN YOU ADD THE VINEGAR.

Thank you--will replace disposal since the rest of the house is up-to-date (geo-thermal, etc.). I do not like the disposal brand--expensive and it died just after warranty expired. But I understand it is more difficult to put in a different brand. I will return to the appliance store after my upcoming vacation. In the meantime, I will use salt, soda, and vinegar!