Why Does My Sink Smell Like Rotten Eggs? 

If the kitchen or bathroom sink in your Macomb Township, home smells like rotten eggs, you have a plumbing problem. 

It may not be a significant issue like a blocked sewer line or a damaged pipe in your Michigan home. It could be as simple as decomposing food bits in your garbage disposal. 

No matter how complex or straightforward the problem is, your sink will continue to smell bad unless you address the odor. 

Your Nearby Plumbing Professionals in Macomb Township

At Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing, we help countless homeowners with stinky sinks and other smelly plumbing problems. With locations in Farmington Hills and Clinton Township, we serve customers throughout Macomb and Oakland counties. 

Nothing interrupts your daily routine like the unmistakable rotten egg smell emanating from your sink. Our skilled, licensed Great Dane plumbers can quickly diagnose the underlying plumbing issue, provide practical solutions, and restore a fresh, odor-free environment to your home.

What Causes My Sink to Smell?

Hydrogen sulfide gas typically causes the rotten egg odor. How does this gas get into your sink? It may come from plumbing issues, dirty drains, or garbage disposal. Let’s break it down:

Sewer Gas Leaks

A sewer gas leak is one of the most common causes of the rotten egg smell in your sink. The plumbing system in your Clinton Township, MI, home includes a series of traps. You can find these curved pipes under sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.

These traps are designed to hold a small amount of water, which forms a barrier that prevents sewer gases from escaping into your home.

If the water in the trap evaporates, sewer gases can escape, creating a rotten egg smell. Traps sometimes dry up in sinks that are used infrequently, such as a guest bathroom or basement sink. A cracked pipe may also cause an odor.

Buildup in the Drain

Another cause could be bacteria in your drain. Over time, organic material such as food particles, soap scum, and hair can build up in your sink drain, providing a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can produce hydrogen sulfide as they break down organic matter.

This issue occurs more frequently in kitchen sinks, especially if food waste goes down the drain regularly.

Smelly Garbage Disposal

If you notice the smell specifically after using your garbage disposal, the culprit might be a problem with the disposal itself. Food particles can stick in the disposal’s nooks and crannies, and, over time, this organic material can rot, causing a sulfur-like smell.

If the garbage disposal malfunctions or does not drain correctly, stagnant water can collect in the unit, exacerbating the odor.

Water Heater Woes

Your water heater may release hydrogen sulfide, creating a rotten egg smell in your hot water supply.

According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), bacteria may react with the magnesium anode rod in your water heater. Ask us at Great Dane for replacement rod options. 

How to Fix a Smelly Sink

Before involving a plumber, you can try a few do-it-yourself fixes to rid your sink of odors. Here are a few recommendations:

Sewer Gas Leaks

If you suspect a sewer gas leak is causing the odor, check the trap underneath your sink to ensure it has water. If the sink hasn’t been used regularly, pour some water into the drain to refill the trap. 

If the smell persists or the water evaporates quickly, it could indicate a crack in the pipe or a more serious issue with the plumbing system. At this point, it is time to call a professional for leak detection or pipe repairs.

Our Great Dane plumbers can inspect your pipes for leaks and replace damaged sections to prevent sewer gases from leaking into your home.

Clean the Drain

Cleaning the drain in your sink can eliminate bacteria and debris buildup. One easy method is to pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar down the drain.

Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to break down any organic material and kill bacteria. Then, flush the drain with hot water to rinse everything away. 

The downside to this method is that it may worsen leaks and weaknesses in aging or corroded pipes. An alternative is enzymatic drain cleaner, which can eliminate buildup and is safer than chemical products. 

Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal is the source of the smell, thoroughly clean it. Start by running hot water through the disposal and using a brush to scrub any visible debris inside.

You can also use a few cups of ice cubes and a maximum of one cup of rock salt to clean the blades and grind up any stuck food particles. 

Be sure to allow cold water to run before adding the salt and ice. Turn on the disposal for a few seconds to grind its contents. Flush with hot water afterward. 

The downside to this method is pipe corrosion caused by excessive or frequent salt use. 

Grinding lemon peels can help eliminate odors and freshen the disposal. Remember to run cold water while operating the disposal.

Inspect the Drain for Blockages

Sometimes, a drain blockage traps water and food particles, triggering the stinky smell. You can use a plunger or a plumbing snake to dislodge clogs. If this does not work, it may be a sign of a more serious issue, like a deeper clog or pipe damage, which requires professional attention.

When to Call the Professionals

If you have tried the do-it-yourself methods and the rotten egg smell persists, it is time to call our licensed plumbers at Great Dane. Here is what we offer: 

• Drain Cleaning: Our expert plumbers use cable machines to clear stubborn clogs and restore drainage in bathroom, kitchen, and floor drains.

• Garbage Disposals: We maintain, repair, and install garbage disposals. 

• Water Heaters: We diagnose and repair water heater problems, including those causing foul odors.

• Leak Detection: We canlocate hidden leaks and repair or replace damaged pipes. 

Eliminate Sink Odors Today!

A persistent rotten egg smell is an unpleasant nuisance that may signal a severe plumbing issue. Let us at Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing keep your plumbing system in top condition so you can enjoy a clean, odor-free environment in your Macomb Township, home. Call us at 586-799-0960 or request service online.