Sewer smell coming from bathroom sink
#1
03-29-02, 12:57 PM
Sewer smell coming from bathroom sink
I have tried several things and I am still getting a bad sewer ordor from the sink. I need some more ideas before I call a plumber. First I tried some Drain Care - did not work! Next I tried some bleach - Did not work! Then I checked the vents on the roof and they don't appear to be clogged. What else can I do?
#2
03-29-02, 03:35 PM
Group Moderator
Assuming that it is sewer gas odor, the only way you should be able to smell that would be if the water in the trap was either leaking out or being sucked out (bad venting). Next time you get the smell and before doing anything else, put a bucket under the trap and remove it to see how much water you get. You should be able to judge by the amount if enough was there to have been stopping the smell from coming back up the drain or alternately, slowly pour about a cup of water down the drain to see if it stops the smell.
#4
03-29-02, 06:47 PM
Reply to the_tow_guy
Originally posted by the_tow_guy
Assuming that it is sewer gas odor, the only way you should be able to smell that would be if the water in the trap was either leaking out or being sucked out (bad venting). Next time you get the smell and before doing anything else, put a bucket under the trap and remove it to see how much water you get. You should be able to judge by the amount if enough was there to have been stopping the smell from coming back up the drain or alternately, slowly pour about a cup of water down the drain to see if it stops the smell.
Assuming that it is sewer gas odor, the only way you should be able to smell that would be if the water in the trap was either leaking out or being sucked out (bad venting). Next time you get the smell and before doing anything else, put a bucket under the trap and remove it to see how much water you get. You should be able to judge by the amount if enough was there to have been stopping the smell from coming back up the drain or alternately, slowly pour about a cup of water down the drain to see if it stops the smell.
When I disconnected the trap and put it back, I thought the smell went away, but it is back. The smell is not as bad as it was before.
Thanks for the help!
#5
03-30-02, 01:14 AM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Northeastern NC On The Albemarle Sound
Posts: 10,701
Upvotes: 0
Received 1 Upvote
on
1 Post
You apparently have a smelly algae build-up inside the sink overflow.
Sometimes it takes more than one dose of bleach or DrainCare to eat it out overnight and then flush with hot water.
Try removing the drain stopper, dry the drain with a paper towel, and duct tape up the overflow hole down in the drain. Use a funnel and fill the sink overflow with bleach or DrainCare.
Let it sit overnight.
Remove the tape, and flush the overflow with hot water.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
Good Luck!
Mike
Sometimes it takes more than one dose of bleach or DrainCare to eat it out overnight and then flush with hot water.
Try removing the drain stopper, dry the drain with a paper towel, and duct tape up the overflow hole down in the drain. Use a funnel and fill the sink overflow with bleach or DrainCare.
Let it sit overnight.
Remove the tape, and flush the overflow with hot water.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
Good Luck!
Mike
#6
03-30-02, 07:25 AM
oldguy - Sounds like you nailed it.
oldguy - I am trying what you said as I type. This makes a lot of sense. The real problem is going to probably turn out to be, I hardly ever use that sink (I can't remember when the last time I ran water in it - Could have been months) and it is letting me know. I think your suggestion is going to work and to prevent further problems if this works, I am going to run water in this sink once in a while to prevent an algae build up or what ever it.
Thanks oldguy and the_tow_guy for the help!
I have a feeling that after a few days of maintenance things will be back to normal. I will post then with a update.
Thanks Again! Excellent Forum.
Thanks oldguy and the_tow_guy for the help!
I have a feeling that after a few days of maintenance things will be back to normal. I will post then with a update.
Thanks Again! Excellent Forum.
#8
04-06-02, 10:59 AM
Success odor gone
Success with tips from the oldguy and the_tow_guy my bathroom sink is now odor free. I put some drain care and X14 cleaner down the sink overflow. It took a few days but it finally cleared up. It must have been some build up in the overflow that started to decay. I had to be patient it took a few days to clear up. Note Pinesol helped mask the odor until it went away. Thanks oldguy and the_tow_guy, I am just now responding to my previos post from last week.
