How to Fix a Stinky Kitchen Sink Drain

A stinky kitchen sink drain can make the whole kitchen smell bad. The odor is usually caused by water that has been sitting in the trap and allowed mold and bacteria to grow in the drain. When you clean the trap, all the bacteria and mold is removed so there is nothing to cause odors in the kitchen sink drain. Many homeowners are afraid to tackle any plumbing jobs, but this one is easy to do in about an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe wrench
• Plumbing tape
• Old towel
• Soap
• Baking soda
• Vinegar

Instructions

Clean Trap

1. Remove everything from under the sink

2. Lay an old towel under the sink trap. The trap is the pipe that is shaped like the letter "'S."

3. Remove trap with the pipe wrench.

4. Scrub trap with hot, soapy water.

5. Wrap plumber's tape around pipe threads on both pipes.

6. Replace the trap by screwing back in place.

7. Test by running water down in the sink and look for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the screws that hold the trap to the pipes.

Monthly Maintenance

1. Pour boiling water down the drain.

2. Pour about 1 cup of baking soda into the drain.

3. Pour 1 cup vinegar down the drain and allow to sit overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the sink for a day before putting things back under the sink. If there is a leak that wasn't noticed, the plumbing can be adjusted without anything getting wet.

• If the plumbing is plastic, do not overtighten or you make crack the plastic drain pipes.