My Sink Smells: A Troubleshooting Guide

A smelly sink can ruin your entire kitchen experience. Even if the surface looks clean, odors often come from hidden areas below the drain. Identifying the source is the first step to fixing the problem permanently.

The most common culprit is food buildup in the drain or garbage disposal. Grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps cling to pipe walls, creating bacteria that produce foul odors. Regular flushing with hot water and vinegar helps prevent this.

Another source is the P-trap, which holds water to block sewer gases. If it dries out or becomes clogged, odors can escape. Running water regularly or cleaning the trap usually solves the issue.

In older sinks, deteriorated sealant or hidden moisture under the rim can trap bacteria and mold. In these cases, no amount of cleaning will fix the smell—replacement is often the best solution.

At I Hate My Sink, we help homeowners identify when odors are a maintenance issue and when it’s time for a fresh start. Because a kitchen should smell like food—not plumbing.

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