How To Fix Stinky Sink

A smelly sink is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of things, including food debris, grease, soap scum, and bacteria. If your sink is starting to smell, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

1. Clean the sink. The first step to fixing a stinky sink is to clean it thoroughly. This means removing all of the food debris, grease, and soap scum that has accumulated in the sink. You can use a sink cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean the sink. Be sure to scrub the sink well, especially around the drain.

2. Clear the drain. If the sink is still smelly after you have cleaned it, the problem may be with the drain. The drain may be clogged with food debris, grease, or hair. You can clear the drain by using a drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Be sure to follow the directions on the drain cleaner or vinegar bottle.

3. Check the garbage disposal. If you have a garbage disposal, it may be the source of the smell. The garbage disposal can become clogged with food debris, which can lead to bacteria growth and a foul odor. To clean the garbage disposal, run cold water down the drain and turn on the garbage disposal. Add ice cubes and a few tablespoons of baking soda to the garbage disposal and run it for a few minutes. This will help to clean and deodorize the garbage disposal.

4. Check the P-trap. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that is located under the sink. The P-trap traps water, which creates a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering the sink. If the P-trap is clogged, sewer gases can escape and cause the sink to smell. To clean the P-trap, remove the nuts that hold the P-trap in place and take the P-trap apart. Clean the P-trap with a sink cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Be sure to rinse the P-trap thoroughly before reassembling it.

5. Check the vents. The vents in your sink allow air to circulate, which helps to prevent the sink from smelling. If the vents are clogged, air cannot circulate and the sink may start to smell. To clean the vents, remove the vent covers and vacuum the vents. Be sure to clean the vents thoroughly, especially around the edges.

6. Call a plumber. If you have tried all of the above steps and the sink is still smelly, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber can inspect the sink and drain and identify the source of the smell. The plumber can then clean or repair the sink and drain to fix the problem.