Why Does My Kitchen Sink Smell?
BY MET Plumbing LLC | May 8, 2017
If your kitchen sink is emitting a foul odor, there could be a couple of things causing the issue. Taking immediate action is recommended to avoid having the smell grow even stronger. The longer you wait, the more bacterial growth could be accumulating, which could attract bugs or worsen existing plumbing problems.
The two most common causes of a stinky sink are rotten food stuck in the drain or garbage disposal or a gas leak around the drain trap or vent. If it smells like old food, the drain may need to be snaked. Alternatively, the garbage disposal may need cleaning or replacing.
If it smells like gas, the drain trap may need to be replaced in case of a leak, or the drain vent may have a blockage. Unless you’re super handy, plumbing services will be necessary for handling any gas-related smells.
Another thing people tend to overlook (and then laugh at themselves later) involves the trash bin. If you keep the trash in the cabinet beneath the kitchen sink, make sure to check the bin to confirm the smell isn’t emanating from outside of the sink.
For minor problems related to food, follow these steps to eliminate the odor:
- Put some ice cubes down the drain and run the garbage disposal to clean the blades.
- Use a store-bought drain cleaner or make your own homemade cleaner with baking soda and vinegar, then flush with boiling water.
- Place small orange or lemon rinds down the drain (one at a time) and run the garbage disposal to deodorize.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to call a plumber to inspect the drain and garbage disposal. Give MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning a call today at 281-599-3336.
