Your kitchen sink smells foul, like rotten eggs, decaying food, or mold. Whatever the cause of the stench, you want it gone ASAP.
Why does it smell under the kitchen sink? Discover the top causes of a nasty-smelling kitchen sink below, then call us for plumbing services in Carlsbad, CA.
Why Does It Smell Under the Kitchen Sink? Troubleshooting Tips for Carlsbad Homeowners
Few things can ruin meal prep and wreck your appetite like a stinky kitchen sink. If you’ve scrubbed your sink until it sparkles but the odor still lingers, there’s probably an issue deeper in your plumbing causing the stench. Here are the top causes of a foul-smelling sink and what to do about them.
There’s Food Debris in the Pipes
Have you committed the cardinal sin of dumping grease down your kitchen sink? If so, you’re not alone. Many Carlsbad homeowners pour cooking grease down the drain because it seems like the sensible thing to do. Although it’s cleaner than pouring grease in the trash can, it doesn’t do your plumbing any favors.
Over time, grease can congeal and harden in your pipes, and eventually, it’ll start to decompose. Rancid grease, especially animal fat, smells downright foul. To make matters worse, food scraps can get stuck in the grease and magnify the stench.
To eliminate the odor, mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda, then pour the mixture down the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then follow up with boiling water.
Your Garbage Disposal Is Dirty
Does your garbage disposal stink to high heaven? Garbage disposals may be convenient, but food debris can get trapped around the blades after months or years of use. When that happens, the scraps will start to decay.
To clean your garbage disposal, toss a handful of salt (any kind will do) and two cups of ice cubes down the drain. Turn on the cold tap and let the disposal run until it has finished chopping up the ice.
The P-Trap Has Dried Out
Why does it smell under the kitchen sink? If you smell a rotten egg odor from the drain, your P-trap is the likely culprit behind the stench.
The P-trap sits under your sink, and despite the name, it’s usually shaped like a “U” instead of a “P.” The P-trap should always contain a bit of water, which helps prevent sewer gases from coming back up through the drain. If the P-trap has dried out, you may smell sewage or rotten eggs.
This one’s an easy fix. Run the hot water for a few minutes, and the smell should fade.
You Have a Water Leak Under the Sink
Smell something musty? If it smells like mold under the sink cabinet, you likely have a leak somewhere in the pipes. Check under the sink for wet spots and signs of mold. You may also notice the pipes dripping.
If you’ve got a leak and the sink smells like mildew, the best thing to do is call a Carlsbad plumber for help.
Why Does It Smell Under the Kitchen Sink? Call Our Plumbers in Carlsbad, California, for Answers
If you’re still wondering, “Why does it smell under the kitchen sink?” and you can’t find the source of the odor, reach out to Thompson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re pros at finding the source of stinky sinks and stopping bad odors in their tracks.
Call us today to book a service in Carlsbad, California. While waiting for our technicians, check out our guide to sustainable home plumbing materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about a foul odor from your plumbing? Find the answers here.
Why Does My Sink Smell, But There’s No Blockage?
If your sink smells but there’s no blockage, you may need to clean out the P-trap. Over time, food debris can get stuck in the trap and release a foul smell as it rots.
Can Baking Soda and Vinegar Dislodge Sink Clogs?
Baking soda and vinegar are great for deodorizing your sink, but aren’t very effective against stubborn clogs. If your drain is clogged, try a plunger or snake instead.
Why Does It Smell Under the Kitchen Sink When I Run the Washing Machine?
Your kitchen sink might smell bad when you run the washing machine due to a buildup of bacteria. The washing machine and kitchen sink share a drain pipe, so if there are bacteria in the machine, you may smell an odor in the sink.
