31 May

12 Tips to Get Rid of Smelly Sink Drain Odours

A smelly sink drain is not only unpleasant, but it’s also a sign that your plumbing needs attention. If your kitchen drain stinks or you’ve noticed an odour coming from your bathroom, knowing how to get rid of sink smell quickly can save you from much bigger problems down the line!

In this post, we highlight what may be causing sink odours and provide 12 tried-and-true tips on how to get rid of drain smell…fast and effectively.

My Sink Drain Smells Bad: What’s Causing This?

Regardless of the type of sink you have, clogs and unpleasant smells can happen. Some of the common culprits behind a stinky sink drain include:

• Food particles: Leftover food can decompose in the drain, causing bad smells.
• Grease build-up: Pouring grease down the drain leads to a residue that traps odours within your pipes.
• Bacterial growth: Warm, moist environments in drains are ideal for bacteria, resulting in foul smells.
• Dry P-trap: A dry P-trap allows sewer gases to enter the home, causing unpleasant odours.

Whatever the culprit may be, rest assured that there are ways to eliminate bad sink smells.

12 Effective Methods to Eliminate Sink Drain Odours

You need to act fast whenever your kitchen sink drain smells bad! While it may not seem as urgent as a leaky sink, it can cause major issues as time goes on. Here are 12 battle-tested methods that can help deodorize your drain today.

  1. Flush with Boiling Water

A simple boiling water flush can work wonders for mild odours! Here’s what you can do:

• Bring a kettle (or pot) to a boil
• Slowly pour boiling water down the smelly sink drain
• Repeat once more after 10 minutes if you feel the first round wasn’t effective
• Use this weekly to prevent grease, food buildup or lingering odours

  2. Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Good news—you can effectively combat smelly drains with both of these handy household items:

• Sprinkle ¼ cup of baking soda into the drain
• Add juice from half a lemon
• Let it sit in the drain for ~15 minutes
• Flush with boiling water

Image source: Canva

  3. Salt and Ice Cubes

If you have a garbage disposal, ice and salt can sometimes work to ‘scrub’ any debris and residue out of your kitchen sink drain:

• Add a handful of ice cubes to your drain
• Sprinkle coarse salt on top of them
• Run the disposal for ~30 seconds
• Rinse with hot water
  

  4. Clean the P-Trap

If your sink smells persistently, you may need to clean the P-trap more routinely or address and eliminate a clog! Try this: 

• Place a bucket under the sink
• Unscrew the P-trap carefully
• Remove gunk and rinse with hot water
• Reattach securely
  

  5. Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is a classic, powerhouse combination for clogged drains and sinks that often helps with deodorizing and unclogging, without using any harsh chemicals:

• Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the train
• Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar
• Let it fizz and foam for 15 minutes
• Rinse with hot water

  6. Use Bleach

Sometimes, odours require stronger solutions, especially if mould is present. Be sure to be cautious when using bleach, and do not combine it with other chemicals:

• Mix 1 tbsp of bleach with 1 L of water
• Pour it (slowly) into the smelly sink drain
• Let it sit for ~5 minutes
• Rinse with cold water

  7. Install a Drain Screen

While this isn’t a solution for a drain that currently stinks, it’s a great way to prevent smells in the first place:

• Food and hair can clog your pipes
• Purchasing a drain screen (found at most Canadian hardware stores) is a proactive measure that can prevent many common plumbing issues

  8. Try a Drain Snake

For deep, stubborn blockages (especially hair and toothpaste in slow-draining bathroom sinks), it’s recommended to call a plumber for professional drain camera inspection. If you suspect the drain clog isn’t too serious, a manual snake tool from your local hardware store should do the trick.

• Insert your snake tool into the drain
• Twist to catch debris and buildup
• Pull out and dispose

Image source: Canva

  9. Use Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme-based cleaners can dissolve organic matter, such as food particles or soap scum. We recommend that you search for eco-friendly products that are safe for your community’s plumbing system.

• Purchase an enzyme-based cleaner, preferably one that is designed to break down organic material in (smelly) drains
• Clearly read and follow the label instructions for the recommended amount and application
• Pour the cleaner down the drain
• Let it sit overnight, then flush with warm water the next day

  10. Check for a Dry P-Trap

Your P-trap may be too dry, not clogged. This issue can cause sewer gas to flow through your pipes. Running water for 1-2 minutes can easily resolve this issue.

  11. Dispose of Grease Properly

Never pour hot oil or grease down your drain! Instead:

• Pour any grease into a container
• Let it solidify, then discard
• Note that even if your sink seems fine, this is a great proactive measure

  12. Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all the above tips and your smelly sink drain persists, it may be time to get expert help! Plumbing issues, such as sewer line backups or deeper clogs, may require emergency plumbing services from your local trusted plumber.

Emergency Drain Help? We’re On It!

Sink smells are unpleasant, but common. When your kitchen sink drain smells bad and nothing seems to work, it’s time to bring in the pros!

At PlumbWize, we offer emergency plumbing services in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville, as well as the surrounding areas. Our team knows exactly how to get rid of sink smells and stop plumbing problems before they worsen.

Don’t let your clogged, smelly sink issues linger—contact us today to learn more about our affordable and efficient clogged drain and sink repair services.

0