The Common Causes of Bathroom Sink Odors

• Hair: If you are brushing or washing your hair in your bathroom sink, the hair can accumulate and mix with items like toothpaste, soap scum, shaving foam, and many more. Over time, the accumulation and mixing of these items can result in bacteria breaking down these materials and causing odors.
• Food Debris: Food debris has similar effects to hair accumulation. If food debris accumulates in the sink, it can collect in the pipes underneath. Since most sinks have a U-bend, the accumulated items result in a blocked sink that starts rotting with the activity of the bacteria.
• Fat, Oils, and Grease (FOG): Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) should never be poured into a drain. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of pouring it, which solidifies in the drain under the sink. They partially clog the sink and make it easier for the above mentioned items to cause blockages.
• Plumbing Problems: Drains can smell if your plumbing system doesn’t function efficiently. A missing system part, a simple leak, or even an aging drain tube can cause odd odors.
• Sewer Gases: A horrible smell may emanate from sewer gases instead of your bathroom sinks in certain situations. Call a plumbing service today to learn the exact cause of your bathroom sink odors.

Eliminate Bathroom Sink Odors

Now that we know what can cause sink odors, we should eliminate it before the problem grows. The methods mentioned in this section can help remove the odor but may not provide a permanent solution. If you are looking to eliminate a bathroom sink odor and fix any underlying problem, call a trusted plumber today.

• Flushing of Boiling Water: Boil a few cups of water and slowly pour it down the drain that smells. If grease or debris is causing clogs, boiling water can help break the blockage and the flow of the items.
• Baking Soda & Vinegar: Put a generous amount of baking soda into the drain, squeeze a fresh lemon juice over the baking soda, and wait fifteen minutes. Then, rinse the mixture with hot water and wait another fifteen minutes.
• Lemon & Baking Soda: Pour half a cup of baking soda and a cup of white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for at least fifteen minutes. Then, pour hot water down the drain and wait another fifteen minutes.
• Clean the P-Trap: P-traps are among the most common places debris accumulates. If there is a clog, it can be a good idea to clean the P-trap to eliminate the problem's cause.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

This article discussed some causes of bathroom sink odors and ways of eliminating them. By consistently following maintenance and cleaning tips, you can ensure that your bathroom sink smells fresh instead of funky. If the cleaning methods mentioned above don’t work, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to eliminate the cause and smell of your bathroom sinks. Call us today to learn more about us and our services.