Causes
A foul smell coming from your sink could be caused by a number of issues. Identifying the most likely culprit will go a long way in helping to troubleshoot and eventually solve the problem.
- First, consider what the sink is most often used for. Is this a kitchen sink used for cleaning dirty dishes, or a bathroom sink used primarily for washing hands and brushing teeth?
- Secondly, establish where exactly the smell is coming from. Is it emanating up from inside the drain, or is it spilling out of the faucet with the water?
If the smell is coming up from the drain, it’s likely that some debris has built up in the pipe, and is gathering bacteria which causes foul odors. If the smell is coming from the faucet itself, the source of the issue could be any number of things, from issues with the water heater, to problems with the water source itself.
Fixing the Problem
If the smell is coming from the drain, the fix is fairly simple. In the cabinet below the sink, you’ll find a number of pipes. One of these pipes will connect directly into the bottom of your sink, drop straight down for a bit, and then make a little U shape before disappearing into the wall. This U shaped section of pipe is designed to keep water from flowing back up into your sink. It also tends to trap debris and junk that gets washed down your drain. You can unscrew this U bend, and clear it of that debris easily. There are two threaded sections on either end. Simply unscrew them, and use a long scrub brush or similar tool to clean out the inside of the pipe. Be sure to have a bucket handy, as the pipe is likely to have some water in it.
If the smell is coming from the water itself, there are fewer options for the amateur plumber. Calling a local, licensed plumber is probably your best bet in this situation. They’ll be able to check your water heater, the pipes themselves, and the source of the water for any issues, and address them skillfully and professionally.
Stinky sinks can be caused by a number of issues. If the problem resides within the sink itself, cleaning it out and eliminating the odor can be a fairly simple task.
If, however, the smell is coming from the faucet itself, the solution isn’t likely to be as simple, and should be left to professionals such as A Absolute Plumbing & Heating
|____________________________________________________________|
home remodeling reference (links to internal page)
 |
 |
 |
 |
| directory | photos | forms | guide |
Helpful article? Leave us a quick comment below.
And please share this article within your social networks.
