I recently took apart the pipes under my bathroom sink and scrubbed them because there was a ton of sludge trapped in there. While that seemed to help initially, the bad smell has returned a few days later. What steps can I take now to eliminate the odor?
4 Answers
Make sure to double-check everything! Sometimes, even small areas can trap odors. Check the basin overflow if you have it, as they can get just as grimy. If that’s clear, maybe try running some vinegar or baking soda down the drain and flushing with hot water. It might help in breaking down any lingering residues.
If it’s been days and the smell is still there, I suggest maybe waiting it out or trying to wash your hands in the sink multiple times to see if the issue clears up with regular use. Sometimes that can help dislodge lingering gunk, though it sounds like you’ve done quite a bit already!
First things first, check if your sink has a P trap—the U-shaped pipe. If it does, make sure water is still in there, as that water creates a seal that helps prevent smells from coming up from the sewer. If the trap is dry, it might be worth running some water through to fill it up.
You might want to look into the sink's overflow area if it has one. Those spots can accumulate gunk and often get overlooked. A quick fix is to fill the overflow with shaving cream, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then rinse it out. It'll freshen things up!