The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
The sink is undoubtedly the workhorse of the kitchen.
Think about all of the food debris and grease you put down there on a weekly basis.
It can quickly accumulate and cause some pretty bad smells.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
Not all stinky sinks are food-related, though.
You may have a plumbing issue and a potential health risk on your hands.
Is It Food or Something Else?
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
Food smellscan be rotten and mask the scent of more serious problems.
Grease and oil can coat the inside of your pipes, trapping food particles that should be flushed out.
Try these methods to clean out the drain anddisposal.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
Squirt some dish soap in and pull the plug.
Turn on the disposal while the sink drains.
While you are waiting, boil a pot (about six cups) of water.
Pour the boiling water down the drain to help move along any residual particles.
If you are smellingsewer gasin your kitchen, something has gone awry with the system.
This is not only irritating, but it can also be a health hazard.
It isolates the drain line from the fixture, which blocks irritating smells.
If the P-trap is dry, it would cause a sewage smell to emanate from the sink.
wipe the blockage and initiate the water for a few seconds to fill the trap back to optimal levels.
Leak
The connections on either side of the P-trap are easy to remove.
Unscrew the connections and remove the P-trap.
Remember that it may be full of water!
Inspect the pipe for a leak, and give it a good clean while you have it out.
Clogged Vent
Every house has at least one main vent that exits through the roof.
If the vent is clogged, it can slow the water from draining properly.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
