Post By Admin
January 23, 2025Have you ever walked into your kitchen or bathroom, only to be hit with a smell so foul it feels like you’ve wandered into a sewage plant?
You might not know what’s causing this disgusting odour, but one thing’s for sure—you can’t live with it any longer. Before you reach for the phone and call a blocked drain service, stop right there!
Read on to discover why your sink smells like sewage and, more importantly, how you can fix it yourself.
Why Foul Smells Come Out of Your Kitchen Sink
Before getting into ways to get rid of the bad odour, let’s explore why your drain smells like sewage:
1. Growing Bacteria
When food particles, grease, and grime settle in your pipes, they create a perfect breeding ground for growing bacteria.
These microscopic invaders thrive in the damp, dark environment of your kitchen drain, releasing gases that make even the toughest noses recoil. It’s no wonder why a kitchen sink smells like a science project gone awry!
If you’re also dealing with a smelly drain in the bathroom, a similar cause might be the culprit.
2. Clogged or Dirty Pipes
Over time, food scraps, soap scum, and oils can build up in your pipes. This leads to trapped organic matter that decomposes, releasing gases into your kitchen. If you’re dealing with a smelly drain in the kitchen, chances are these clogs are the culprits behind the stench.
3. Dry P-Trap
That U-shaped pipe under your sink, called a P-trap, holds water to block sewer gases from escaping. But when the P-trap dries out, often due to infrequent use, those gases creep into your home, leaving you wondering “why does my kitchen sink smell?”. This, by far, one of the most common causes.
4. Garbage Disposal Residue
If your garbage disposal isn’t cleaned regularly, food particles can stick to its blades and interior. Over time, this residue decays and causes a foul odour.
A poorly maintained disposal is often to blame for a smelly kitchen sink drain that refuses to go away.
Also read: How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Sink
How to Get Rid of Bad Smells from Your Kitchen Sink
Here are some practical methods to banish those bad odours and restore your sink to its fresh, clean glory.
1. Clean Your Sink
The first step to tackling the smell is giving your sink a proper deep clean. Scrub the sink basin, faucet, and drain with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove grease and grime. Don’t forget to clean the drain cover or strainer, as food particles often get trapped there, adding to the odour problem.
2. Unclog the Blockages
Clogs are one of the main reasons behind a smelly drain. To clear out debris and grime, use a drain snake to fish out food particles, grease, and other blockages lurking in your pipes. It’s a simple, affordable solution that can work wonders for eliminating bad smells.
3. Pour Enzyme Cleaners
If your sink still smells after cleaning, it’s time to bring in the heavy hitters. Commercial enzyme cleaners are highly effective at breaking down organic matter in your pipes without damaging them.
Unlike hacks like baking soda and vinegar, enzyme cleaners target the root of the problem for longer-lasting results.
Avoid pouring boiling water into your sink, as it can warp certain types of pipes, causing more problems in the long run. Stick to the safer option with enzyme cleaners for an odour-free kitchen.
How to Prevent Unpleasant Odors in Your Kitchen Sink
Now that you’ve tackled the problem, let’s make sure it doesn’t come back. Keeping your sink fresh and odour-free doesn’t require a lot of effort—just a few simple habits can do the trick.
1. Don’t Put Dirty Dishes for Too Long
Leaving dirty dishes in the sink is like sending an open invitation to food residue, grease, and bacteria. These leftovers quickly build up and cause that dreaded kitchen sink drain smells. Make it a habit to rinse or load your dishes into the dishwasher promptly to keep your sink clean and free of odours.
2. Rinse Your Sink Daily
After washing dishes, give your sink a quick rinse with warm water. This simple step helps wash away soap scum, food particles, and grease before they have a chance to settle and create smells.
3. Dispose of Food Properly
Avoid tossing large food scraps into the sink, especially if you don’t have a garbage disposal. Use a strainer to catch debris and empty it into the bin regularly. This will reduce the chances of clogs and the resulting odours.
4. Use Enzyme Cleaners Periodically
Even if your sink seems clean, grease and grime can still lurk deep in the pipes. Pour a commercial enzyme cleaner down the drain every few weeks to break down organic matter and prevent odours from forming.
5. Keep the P-Trap Wet
If you don’t use your sink often, the water in your P-trap can evaporate, letting sewer gases escape. Run the tap occasionally to keep it filled with water to ensure those gases stay trapped where they belong.
FAQ about Smelly Kitchen Sink
1. How do I get rid of the sulphur smell in my sink?
The methods are similar to how you would get rid of a sewage smell. Start by cleaning your sink thoroughly, use a drain snake to clear out any clogs, and pour a commercial enzyme cleaner to break down bacteria and grime. Regular maintenance will ensure the smell doesn’t return.
2. Can sewer gas come through a sink?
Yes, sewer gas can come through your sink if the P-trap under it dries out. The P-trap holds water to block sewer gases, so if it’s empty due to infrequent use, those gases can escape. Running water for a few seconds will refill the trap and solve the issue.
3. Does vinegar get rid of sewer smell?
Vinegar can help with mild odours but isn’t always effective for strong sewer smells caused by clogs or bacteria. For a more reliable solution, use a commercial enzyme cleaner, which is designed to break down organic buildup and tackle the root cause of the smell.
Conclusion
A sink smells like sewage is a common issue that many homeowners face, but the good news is, you can usually fix it yourself with a little effort and the right tools.
However, if the smell persists despite your best efforts, don’t stress—call us at Neighbourhood Plumbing, and we’ll fix it in no time!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
