We all want our kitchens and bathrooms to smell fresh and clean. But sometimes, no matter how many precautions we take, the sink will always stink! Even if you diligently use a sink strainer or garbage disposal, food particles, grease, hair, and other debris will still make their way down the drain. There’s nothing more unpleasant than foul odors coming from the sink, but fortunately, we’re exploring what causes a bathroom or kitchen sink to smell like a sewer and how to get rid of it!
What Causes a Bathroom or Kitchen Sink to Smell Like a Sewer?
Sink stink is relatively common in both bathrooms and kitchens and usually has three causes:
- Rotting food – Food and grease buildup that gets stuck in the garbage disposal or sides of the pipe can rot. Rotting food creates bacteria, and over time it will decay and smell.
- Smells coming up from your sewer pipes – If you have a blockage in your sewer line, it can cause sewer gasses to drift upward. Sewer problems are associated with a rotten egg smell.
- Common sink clogs – Sinks become clogged with hair, soap, and other debris. The buildup can create mold and mildew, resulting in a sour smell emanating from your drain.
How to Get Rid of the Smell in the Kitchen or Bathroom Sink
Now that you’ve diagnosed where the smell is coming from, the master plumbers at Fosh have a few tips and tricks to get rid of it and prevent it from coming back.
Boiling Water – Boil a pan of water and slowly pour it down the drain. Wait five minutes and then run cold water to force out any grease and remaining debris.
White Vinegar – Pour a small amount of vinegar into the drain and let it sit for thirty minutes. Finally, rinse with warm water.
Ice, Salt, and Lemon Peels – If you have a foul odor coming from your drain and you have a garbage disposal, this method will help. Toss a few ice cubes and a handful of salt down the disposal. Turn the disposal on and grind everything up. The ice will remove food particles from the grinder, and the salt scrubs the sides. Flush with warm water, and then grind up some lemon peels for a fresh and clean smell.
Baking Soda and Vinegar – Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let the mixture foam up and sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, pour boiling water down the drain to flush everything out.
Drain Cleaner – If none of these DIY drain cleaning methods work, you can try a chemical cleaner. These cleaners can be dangerous, so always wear gloves and read the instructions carefully before use.
If you’re smelling rotten eggs, you should check the U-bend pipe under your sink. The U-bend, also known as the sewer gas trap, should always be filled with water. If it’s not, there is no barrier to stop the sewer gasses from escaping out of your drain. Most of the time, this is a simple fix, but if you spy drips or dampness under the sink, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Why Choose Fosh Plumbing & Heating Inc?
If you’ve been searching for residential plumbers near me that can help with drain clogs or blockages, you’ve come to the right place. At Fosh, we have helped homeowners with any drain cleaning service. Our technicians are armed with the most advanced tools and technologies to ensure your drains are always working. If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of the smell in your kitchen sink, contact us today for drain maintenance and preventative care!
