What should I do when odours come from my sink?

March 11th, 2022

When you own a house, you have to expect to have a few small glitches from time to time. In these cases, it is better to know how to react. If for several days, you find that there is a foul odour emanating from your pipes, it is not hopeless. This is something that happens frequently and can be fixed without the use of chemicals. The following article will give you advice on how to solve the problem in a permanent way.

Cleaning the siphon

The first thing to try in the presence of suspicious odours emanating from your pipes is to clean the siphon which may be clogged. To do this, it is a question of bringing gloves and an empty basin. You must then place the basin under the siphon and unscrew it. It is normal for a small amount of water to come out, hence the usefulness of the basin. You can then remove the waste that would have stuck inside by hand. You will only have to screw the siphon back on and open the tap for a few minutes to make sure there are no leaks. If you do not want to unscrew the siphon, it is also possible to lift the waste with a suction cup. First of all, block all the air inlets with a damp cloth and pump vigorously to remove the clog. If you feel the blockage is beyond the siphon, then a “ferret” should be used which is basically a long rod with a corkscrew on the end. Introduce it carefully into the conduit until you feel the blockage then press to release it.

Baking soda

Baking soda is an essential product in a home. It is an extremely effective ecological deodorizer, particularly in situations of foul odours in the pipes. It is then a question of pouring a large spoon of baking soda into the siphon, a spoon of salt and a glass of white vinegar. The chemical reaction that occurs cleans the conduit. Leave on for 30 minutes before turning on the water. You can also use boiling water instead of vinegar, but there won’t be that chemical reaction that’s so effective when you combine vinegar and baking soda.

The coffee grounds

Coffee grounds can also be an ally for cleaning the siphon in addition to acting as a deodorant. Once a day, put a tablespoon of coffee grounds down the drain and turn on the hot water. It is an ecological and economical solution.

If all the above tips don’t work, it’s time to call a plumber. A professional will know how to find the problem quickly and can solve the odour problem for good. Do not hesitate to pick up the phone and ask your plumber for advice. He will be very happy to come to your rescue to get rid of that embarrassing smell.