Every time you turn on the faucet in your kitchen, you smell that awful stench of sewer gas. What’s going on? Why does my kitchen sink smell like sewer? First of all, don’t panic! There are ways to fix this problem.
No one wants to deal with a smelly kitchen sink, but unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence. You can’t be mindful all the time, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with an unsightly and smelly sink either.
So in this guide, learn why your kitchen sink smells like sewer and how to fix the problem for good. And make sure to take preventive measures, so you don’t have to deal with the same issue in the future.
How to Determine Where The Sewer Smell Is Coming From
Before you can fix the problem, you first need to determine where the sewer smell is coming from. You can’t just start spraying things willy-nilly without knowing the issue. You might end up making the problem worse.
There are a few different things that could be causing the smell. It might be coming from the sink drain, the drain pipe, or even the sewer line. So try some of these methods to help you determine where the smell is coming from:
◼Place A Bottle of Vinegar Down the Drain
One way to help determine where the smell is coming from is to place a bottle of vinegar down the drain. If the smell gets worse, it means it is coming from the sink drain. If the smell doesn’t change, it means it is coming from somewhere else.
So if you’re dealing with a smelly kitchen sink, it’s a good idea to try this method. Just make sure you pour the vinegar down the drain slowly, so it has a chance to work its way down. And don’t forget to flush the drain with hot water afterward.
◼Check The Drainpipe
Another place you can check is the drainpipe. It’s possible that there might be a blockage or something else wrong with the pipe that’s causing the smell. To check, remove the trap from the drainpipe and look inside.
If you see any buildup or clogs, remove them and put the trap back in place. While you have the trap off, it’s also good to pour some boiling water down the pipe to help clean it out.
◼Check The Sewer Line
If you have experience with plumbing, you might want to check the sewer line. There may be a blockage or other problem with the line causing the smell.
To check, remove the clean-out plug from the sewer line and look inside. And if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can always call a professional to take a look.
◼Soak a Towel in Activated Charcoal
Another way to determine where the smell is coming is to soak a towel in activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is excellent for absorbing bad smells. So if you place the towel near the source of the smell, it will help absorb the odor.
Simply wait for the towel to start absorbing the smell, and then you’ll know where the smell is coming from. If the smell is coming from the sink drain, the activated charcoal will help to absorb it. If the smell is coming from somewhere else, the charcoal won’t affect it.
◼Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain
Another way to determine where the smell is coming is to pour boiling water down the drain. You can do it by slowly pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain or using a garden hose to pour it directly into the sewer line.
Either way, the boiling water will help dissolve any buildup or clogs that might be causing the smell. And it will also help to kill any bacteria or germs that might be lurking in the drain.
◼Call a Professional
If you’re not comfortable trying to determine where the smell is coming from on your own, you can always call a professional. They will be able to come over and look at your sink and determine where the smell is coming from.
They also might have some other tips and tricks to help get rid of the smell. So if you’re at your wit’s end, it might be a good idea to give them a call. Just find a reputable plumbing company, as some of them might not be as reliable.
7 Causes of a Sewer Smell In Your Kitchen Sink
After knowing where the smell is coming from, you have to know what is causing the smell. There are many causes of why a kitchen sink smells like sewer, and not all of them can be fixed by you. So be sure to determine what’s causing the smell before fixing it.
1️⃣Clogged Drain
One of the most common reasons a kitchen sink smells like a sewer is a clogged drain. If the water can’t flow freely down the drain, the smell will build up. But why?
That’s because the sewer gas will start to flow back up the drain and into your kitchen. And that’s not a smell you want to be dealing with regularly. It’s also why it’s so important to keep your drains clear and free of any buildup.
2️⃣Broken Pipe
If you have a broken pipe, that can also cause a sewer smell in your kitchen sink. Pipes can break for several reasons, such as corrosion or wear and tear. And if the water can’t flow through the pipe, the smell will start to build up.
That will cause the sewer gas to flow back up the pipe and into your kitchen. So it’s vital to have a broken pipe fixed as soon as possible. Or else you’ll be dealing with that smell daily.
3️⃣Sink Overflowing
If your sink is overflowing, that can also cause a sewer smell in your kitchen. When water overflows from the sink, it will start to back up the drain. And that will cause the sewer gas to flow back up the pipe and into your kitchen.
So if you’re experiencing an overflow, be sure to fix it as soon as possible. And make sure not to put too much down the drain, so it doesn’t happen again.
4️⃣Bad Odor from Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is giving off a foul odor, that can also cause a sewer smell in your kitchen. That’s because garbage disposal is supposed to help get rid of food waste. But if it’s not working correctly, that food waste will start to build up.
And that will cause the foul odor to flow back up the drain and into your kitchen. So it’s essential to keep your garbage disposal clean and free of any buildup.
5️⃣Sewer Gas from Vent
If the sewer gas is coming from the vent, that means the plumbing system is backed up. And that can be a big problem, as it can cause a range of different issues.
The sewer gas will flow back up the drain and into your kitchen. And that’s not a smell you want to be dealing with regularly. So it’s vital to have the plumbing system checked out as soon as possible.
6️⃣Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet can also be the culprit of a sewer smell in your kitchen sink. If the water isn’t flowing correctly, it can create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. And that bacteria will release an unpleasant smell.
So if you’re experiencing a leaky faucet, be sure to get it fixed as soon as possible. It might seem like a minor issue, but it can actually cause many problems down the road.
6️⃣Clogged Sewer Line
Another common reason a kitchen sink smells like a sewer is a clogged sewer line. If the sewer line is clogged, that will cause the sewer gas to flow back up the drain and into your kitchen.
But if you do something as simple as pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain, it can help clear that clog. And will stop the smell from coming back up into your kitchen.
What to Do With The Sewer Smell In Your Kitchen
As you can see, there are several different reasons for “Why does my kitchen sink smell like sewer?” But don’t worry, there are also a number of different solutions. So if your kitchen sink is smelling like a sewer, be sure to try one of these solutions:
➣Use a Plunger
If the smell is coming from the drain, you can try using a plunger to clear out the clog. Be sure to plunge it in and out of the drain several times. And if that doesn’t work, you can try using a snake to clear the clog.
That will help get rid of the smell and stop it from coming back up into your kitchen. And if the clog is too deep, you might need to call a plumber to clear it.
➣Pour a Boiling Pot of Water Down the Drain
If the smell is coming from the garbage disposal, you can try pouring a boiling pot of water down the drain. That will help clear out any food waste that’s causing the smell.
And it’s a solution that you can do yourself, without having to call a plumber. So if you’re experiencing a sewer smell in your kitchen, be sure to try this solution.
➣Clean the Garbage Disposal
If the smell is coming from the garbage disposal, you can also try cleaning it. Be sure to remove any buildup that might be causing the bad odor. And you can do this by using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
That will help clear the garbage disposal and stop the smell from coming back up into your kitchen. If you don’t have any baking soda or vinegar, you can also try using lemon juice.
➣Use a Deodorizer
If you can’t seem to get rid of the sewer smell in your kitchen, you might want to try using a deodorizer. There are several different deodorizers that you can buy at your local store.
Just be sure to read the instructions carefully, so you know how to use it properly to not make the problem worse. But generally, you’ll just have to place it near the area that’s smelling bad. And it will help absorb the smell and get rid of it.
➣Clean The P-trap
If the smell is coming from the P-trap, you can try cleaning it. The P-trap is the section of pipe that’s located under your sink. And it can often become clogged with food waste and other debris.
But by cleaning it, you can help clear out the clog and stop the smell from coming back up into your kitchen. All you need is a bucket, some dish soap, and hot water. Just be sure to disconnect the P-trap from the sink before you start cleaning it. And then, use the bucket to dump the hot water and dish soap down the drain.
➣Flush Out The Drain with Bleach
If all else fails, you can try flushing the drain with bleach. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles when you do this, as it can be a complicated process.
And make sure that you don’t mix the bleach with any other cleaning products, as that can create a dangerous chemical reaction. Instead, just pour a gallon of bleach down the drain and let it sit for an hour. And then flush it out with hot water. That will help clear the clog and stop the smell from coming back into your kitchen.
➣Remove The Trap
If you have a horrible sewer smell in your kitchen, you might want to try removing the trap. The trap is the section of pipe that’s located under your sink. And it’s where all the debris and food waste tends to accumulate.
Removing it will give you a better view of the clog and make it easier to clear out. Just be sure to put a bucket under the pipe to catch any water that might come out. It’s a process that you can do yourself, but it might be a little tricky. So if you’re not comfortable doing it, you might want to call a plumber.
Effects of The Sewer Smell on Your Health
The foul odor coming from the kitchen sink is not just unpleasant. It can also be dangerous to your health. The sewer smell contains sulfur gas, which can be harmful if you breathe it in. Here are some of its effects on your health:
●Headache
When you breathe in the sulfur gas, you might experience a headache. That’s because it contains high carbon dioxide levels, which causes headaches in high concentrations.
●Respiratory Problems
Breathing in the sulfur gas can also cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, as it contains harmful chemicals like ammonia.
●Eye Irritation
The gas can also cause eye irritation, so it’s essential to keep your eyes closed when trying to get rid of the smell to avoid getting it in your eyes.
●Nausea
The sewer smell can also make you feel nauseous. That’s because it contains several harmful chemicals, including methane and hydrogen sulfide.
●Dizziness
Breathing in the gas can also make you feel dizzy. That’s because it lowers your oxygen levels and can affect your brain function.
●Exhaustion
The gas can also cause you to feel exhausted, lowering your energy levels. So if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to get out of the area immediately.
●Vomiting
In some cases, the sewer smell can also make you vomit. So if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to get out of the area immediately.
●Diarrhea
It’s also not uncommon to experience diarrhea when you’re exposed to the sewer smell. So if you’re feeling sick, it’s best to see a doctor.
●Shortness of Breath
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, it’s essential to get out of the area and seek medical attention. That’s because it could be a sign that you’ve been exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide.
●Chest Pain
Once exposed to the gas, you might experience chest pain. That’s because the gas can cause inflammation and irritation in your lungs.
Prevention Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Sink Smelling Fresh
Keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh and clean is not only crucial for your health, but it’s also vital for the well-being of your family. So you should know more kitchen repair tips and improvements to keep your sink and drainage system working properly. Here are a few prevention tips that you can use to keep the smell at bay:
👍Clean Your Sink Regularly
The best way to prevent the smell from coming back is to clean your sink regularly. That means washing it down with soap and water at least once daily. And be sure to wipe up any food debris or waste that might accumulate.
That way, you’ll be sure to get rid of any foul odors before they have a chance to develop. Soap and water are the best way to get rid of the smell, but you can also use a household cleaner or vinegar.
👍Dispose of Food Waste Properly
Another way to prevent the smell from developing is to dispose of your food waste properly. That means putting it in the trash can or compost bin rather than down the drain.
If you put food waste down the drain, it will rot and create a bad odor. And if you have a garbage disposal, be sure to use it properly by grinding up the food waste.
👍Avoid Putting Grease Down the Drain
Another thing to avoid putting down the drain is grease. That’s because it will build up over time and create a blockage. And once that happens, it will only increase the smell.
So be sure to wipe up any spills and put them in the trash can. And if you’re cooking, be sure to use a pan to catch the grease.
👍Use a Sink Trap
If you’re having a lot of trouble getting rid of the smell, you might want to consider using a sink trap. A sink trap is a device that helps keep foul odors from coming back up through the drains.
It’s an easy way to keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh. And you can find them at most hardware stores. So if you’re having trouble getting rid of the smell, a sink trap might be the best solution for you.
👍Install a Drain Filter
Another way to keep your sink smelling fresh is to install a drain filter. These filters are designed to catch all the food debris and waste that accumulates in the drain.
It will help keep the drain clog-free and stop the foul odors from developing. If you’re not sure how to install it, you can find a tutorial online or ask a professional.
👍Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers also work well in getting rid of unwanted smells. So if you’re experiencing problems with the sewer smell, you might want to consider using one.
They work by sucking the moisture out of the air, which will help get rid of any foul odors. And they’re not too expensive, so it’s an excellent option to consider.
Importance of Keeping Your Kitchen Sink Smelling Fresh
After reading all information above, you might ask yourself why keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh is important. So here are 12 reasons why:
◼To Keep Your Family Healthy
One of the most important reasons your kitchen sink should smell fresh is that it keeps your family healthy. However, if you don’t clean your sink regularly or dispose of food waste properly, it can accumulate bacteria.
And that can cause all sorts of health problems, from nausea and vomiting to diarrhea and fever. So keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh is an important way to keep your family healthy.
◼To Keep Your Kitchen Looking Clean
Another reason you should keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh is that it helps keep your kitchen looking clean. A smelly sink can quickly ruin the appearance of your kitchen.
It’s also a sign that you’re not taking care of it correctly and that it needs to be cleaned. So keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh is a quick and easy way to keep your kitchen looking clean.
◼To Keep Insects and Rodents Away
A smelly kitchen sink is also a sign that you have an insect or rodent problem. If you see any evidence of insects or rodents, it’s essential to address the problem as soon as possible.
Otherwise, it will only worsen, and the smell will become even more unbearable. So keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh can help you identify and address any pest problems early on.
◼To Have a More Pleasant Cooking Environment
A smelly kitchen sink can also make cooking unpleasant. It can distract and make it difficult to focus on your food.
It can also make the kitchen feel hot and stuffy. So keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh can help make cooking a more pleasant experience.
◼To Keep Your Kitchen from Stinking in General
Another reason why you should keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh is because it helps keep your kitchen from stinking in general. If you have a smelly sink, it’s only a matter of time before the entire kitchen starts to smell bad.
So keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh is a crucial way to maintain a pleasant odor in your kitchen.
◼To Prevent Blockages in the Drain
A smelly kitchen sink is also a sign of something wrong with the drainage system. If food waste isn’t disposed of correctly or if there’s too much moisture, it can lead to a clog.
And a clogged sink is not only unsightly, but it can also be a health hazard. So keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh can help prevent blockages in the drain.
◼To Prevent Mildew and Mold from Forming
Mildew and mold can also form if your kitchen sink doesn’t smell fresh. They thrive in moist environments, so a smelly sink is a perfect place for them to grow.
And once they’ve taken hold, they can be difficult to get rid of. So keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh is an important way to prevent mildew and mold from forming.
◼To Keep Your Kitchen Looking New
A kitchen that smells fresh is also a kitchen that looks new. If you’ve just remodeled your kitchen, it’s important to keep it looking that way.
And the best way to do that is by keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh. So why not give it a try?
◼To Increase the Value of Your Home
A smelly kitchen sink can also decrease the value of your home. It’s one of the first things potential buyers will notice when they walk into your home.
And if the smell is bad enough, they might not even bother looking any further. So keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh can help increase the value of your home.
◼To Make Guests Feel More Welcome
If you have guests over, the last thing you want them to do is to smell your kitchen sink. It’s not a hospitable smell, and it can make people feel uncomfortable.
So why not take some simple steps to keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh? It will make your guests feel more welcome, and it will show that you care about their comfort.
◼To Avoid Further Damage to Your Kitchen
A smelly kitchen sink can also lead to further damage to your kitchen. If the smell is bad enough, it can cause the paint on your walls to peel or the finish on your cabinets to fade.
It can also cause rusting or corrosion of your fixtures. So keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh is an important way to avoid further damage to your kitchen.
◼To Keep Yourself from Getting Tired of the Smell
The last reason why you should keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh is that you might get tired of the smell. It’s not a very pleasant smell, and it can be quite overwhelming after a while.
So why not take some simple steps to keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh? It will make your kitchen more pleasant to be in, and it will help you avoid getting tired of the smell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should I clean my kitchen sink?
You should clean your kitchen sink at least once a week. It will help prevent clogs, and it will also help keep the smell down. And if you have a garbage disposal, you should also run it every week.
2. Can I use bleach to clean my kitchen sink?
You should not use bleach to clean your kitchen sink. It can damage the finish on your fixtures, and it can also be harmful to your health. There are other products that can be used to clean your sink safely. But if to only flush it down the drain, it’s okay as long as you wear gloves.
3. Can a smelly kitchen sink be a sign of a plumbing problem?
Yes, a smelly kitchen sink can be a sign of a plumbing problem. If the smell is coming from the drain, it could be a sign of a clog. And if the smell is coming from the taps, it could be a sign of corrosion or rusting. If you have a plumbing problem, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible.
4. What can I use to freshen up my kitchen sink?
There are many products that you can use to freshen up your kitchen sink. You can use a citrus-based cleaner, a baking soda and vinegar mixture, or a commercial product like Febreze. But be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it’s safe to use around food.
5. What happens if I’ll just let the smell go?
If you let the smell go, it can cause further damage to your kitchen. It can also lead to health problems. So it’s important to take steps to keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh. By taking a few simple steps, you can keep your kitchen looking new and smelling fresh.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the answer to why does my kitchen sink smell like sewer, how to determine if you’re at risk, and some prevention tips, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. So be sure to keep these tips in mind the next time you experience this problem!