How to Get Rid of That Stubborn Kitchen Sink Smell: DIY Tips and When to Call a Plumber

Kitchen faucet for water. Water faucet in kitchen.

Dealing with a foul odor coming from your kitchen sink can be frustrating. While kitchen sinks handle a lot of food waste, grease, and grime, they shouldn’t leave your kitchen smelling unpleasant. If you’ve noticed a lingering stench that won’t go away, don’t worry—there are several DIY solutions you can try before calling in a professional plumber.

Common Causes of Kitchen Sink Odors

Before diving into the solutions, it helps to understand what might be causing that smell:

  • Food residue or grease buildup in the drain or garbage disposal
  • Bacteria thriving in damp, clogged pipes
  • Dry P-trap, which can allow sewer gases to rise through the drain
  • Clogged or dirty garbage disposal
  • Plumbing issues such as a sewer line backup or improper venting

DIY Solutions for Kitchen Sink Odors

1. Clean the Garbage Disposal

If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, it could be the source of the odor. Food particles often get trapped in the blades, causing a smell over time.

  • Tip: Run cold water and turn on the disposal for 15–30 seconds to rinse away any small food particles.
  • Deep Clean: Pour a cup of ice cubes and half a cup of salt into the disposal, then run cold water while turning on the disposal. This will help scrub the blades.
  • Citrus Freshen-Up: Grind up citrus peels (like lemons or oranges) in the disposal to eliminate lingering smells.

2. Flush the Drain with Boiling Water

Sometimes, grease and debris build up in the pipes, which can cause odors. A quick and simple way to break down grease is by flushing your sink with boiling water.

  • Tip: Boil a kettle of water and slowly pour it down the drain. Repeat if necessary.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Treatment

This natural cleaning combo is great for breaking up grime and neutralizing smells.

  • Step 1: Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain.
  • Step 2: Follow with 1 cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for about 10 minutes.
  • Step 3: Flush with boiling water to wash everything away.

4. Check the P-Trap

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe beneath your sink that holds water to block sewer gases. If it dries out, it can release odors into your kitchen.

  • Tip: Run water in your sink to refill the P-trap if you haven’t used it in a while.

When to Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried these DIY methods and the smell persists, it may be time to call a professional. Here are a few signs it’s best to let a plumber handle the issue:

  1. Persistent Odor After Cleaning If the smell doesn’t go away after thoroughly cleaning the drain and garbage disposal, there could be a deeper issue in your plumbing, such as a clog or buildup that DIY methods can’t reach.
  2. Sewer Smells If the odor smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, this could indicate a sewer gas leak or a serious issue with your plumbing vents or pipes. Sewer odors are a sign you should contact a plumber immediately.
  3. Drain or Pipe Damage If you suspect there’s damage to your pipes or if the odor is accompanied by slow drainage, bubbling, or standing water, it could mean there’s a blockage or pipe damage that needs professional attention.
  4. Sewer Line Backup If you notice a strong sewage smell coming from your sink and possibly other drains in the house, this may indicate a sewer line backup. This is a more serious issue that requires immediate attention from a plumber.

Preventing Future Odors

To avoid kitchen sink smells in the future, follow these preventive tips:

  • Rinse your sink daily with hot water and soap to wash away debris.
  • Use your garbage disposal carefully, avoiding fibrous foods, grease, and coffee grounds.
  • Flush your drain regularly with boiling water to clear out grease buildup.
  • Clean your garbage disposal weekly with ice and lemon peels.

Conclusion

Getting rid of unpleasant odors from your kitchen sink doesn’t always require a professional, but if the smell lingers or worsens, Aqua Knight Plumbing is here to help. Our team can inspect your plumbing system, clear out any blockages, and ensure everything is working properly. Call us today at 630-755-0583 to schedule an appointment!

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