Why Is There a Smell Coming from My Sink?

December 16, 2021

Picture this: You walk past your bathroom or kitchen sink and suddenly get a whiff of an awful odor. How could this be? Your counters and sinks seem to be in pristine condition, yet there’s still a stench. The answer could be more complex than you think.

Keep reading to learn the cause of the odor coming from the bathroom sink and what can be done to solve it.

Why does my sink stink?

As we just mentioned, there are quite a few potential causes for a stinky sink. Here are a few of the leading culprits:

  • Mold and mildew: A foul smell around your sink might not be an issue with the sink itself but rather the plumbing and wood around it. An undiagnosed leak can lead to mold growth and result in a musty odor. Be sure to check for signs of leaks before blaming your sink for the stink.
  • Bacteria growth: All of the food scraps and hair strands that fall down the sink are bound to cause bacteria buildup over time. These bacteria are usually harmless, but the wrong types can result in a nasty odor, particularly after a clog.
  • Clogged sewer vent: When a sewer vent is clogged, the gases that are normally sent out from your pipes get trapped. Since those odorous gases have nowhere to go, they’ll often come back up through your sink. A clogged sewer vent leads to greater plumbing issues than bad smells, and you’ll most likely need to hire a plumber to fix it.

How to solve an odor coming from bathroom sink

Regardless of the odor’s origin, you’ll want to correct it as soon as you can. Here are a few potential ways to solve the smell:

  • Hot water and dish soap: A mild odor can often be remedied with piping-hot water and some dish soap. Simply fill your sink with a few inches of hot water, and add some liquid dish soap. Once the water is bubbly, open the drain, and let the soapy water run through it.
  • Baking soda and vinegar: Start by boiling water on the stove. While the water is boiling, pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar down your sink. After letting it sit for a few minutes, flush it with the boiling water. This could help eliminate the smell.
  • Consider calling a pro: If the steps above don’t work, it’s best to bite the bullet and bring in a professional. A plumber can often take one look at a sink and determine the cause of the smell. From there, your plumber will develop a solution right away.

Talk to Moody & McClendon Plumbing Inc.

If your sink has an odor and your home remedies aren’t doing the trick, hire our team at Moody & McClendon Plumbing Inc. We’ll send someone out right away to diagnose the issue and set your plumbing straight ASAP. Call us today to get a quote or to learn more about why your sink stinks.

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