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Smelly Sink Problem
Apogee
Lancks In Every Game EverRegistered User regular
Lancks In Every Game EverRegistered User regular
Hey guys,
So, I've long since moved into my new condo, and thinks are mostly hunky-dory. I've noticed, whoever, that my bathroom sink smells. Not terrible or overpowering, but it definately has an odour, and I'd like to be rid of it.
I've used that terribly caustic drain-o type stuff, and it goes away if I pour it down the run-off drain (the high level one on the back of the sink). So I'm guessing it's a mold or something in there? It comes back a couple days after drain-o-ing it. Any suggestions on how to kill/remove it? Lots of bleach? I would have thought drain-clearing fluid would be enough, but apparently not.
So, I've long since moved into my new condo, and thinks are mostly hunky-dory. I've noticed, whoever, that my bathroom sink smells. Not terrible or overpowering, but it definately has an odour, and I'd like to be rid of it.
I've used that terribly caustic drain-o type stuff, and it goes away if I pour it down the run-off drain (the high level one on the back of the sink). So I'm guessing it's a mold or something in there? It comes back a couple days after drain-o-ing it. Any suggestions on how to kill/remove it? Lots of bleach? I would have thought drain-clearing fluid would be enough, but apparently not.
Apogee on
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If you are certain it's still coming from the sink, you could get a plumber to replace the piping and see if that helps.
You can find videos on Youtube showing you how to take apart a sink drain.
You don't have to turn off the water, but it's a good habit to get into, like turning off breakers when you do electrical work, albeit not nearly as dangerous obviously.
If you're working with the drain, there is no reason to turn off the water.
Don't compare it to electrical work. Apples and oranges, since any electrical work has the chance to shock you. Working on the drain in your sink, there is no chance that water is going to shoot up out of it, since gravity doesn't work that way.
Wait about an hour after you shower, then dump about a gallon down the drain. Wipe away any bleach that may have splashed. Then, don't use that drain for a few hours, preferably longer if possible.
Its worth a shot before disassembling pipes.
NintendoID: Nailbunny 3DS: 3909-8796-4685
Yeah, they said drain-o. I find bleach works better, and the more I use, the better the results.
Oh, and lemon juice works wonders for odors in the kitchen sink. Just something else to consider.
NintendoID: Nailbunny 3DS: 3909-8796-4685
Really, though, you only need a wrench and 10 minutes to fix this properly. If your drain has the kind of plug that you move up and down via a little knob above your faucet, then I'm even more sure that trapped hair is your problem.
You could also have shit built up in the overflow channel underneath the sink itself. Most sinks have a plastic "channel" chaulked onto the bottom of the sink that takes water back down into the drain if the sink is too full. Lots of times, shit can get built up in here from going down the drain but diverting into here instead.
If this is the case, you'll likely need to take the sink out completely and go to town with a hose/cleaner/rags/etc. Taking a bathroom sink out is a lot easier than it sounds if it's just a drop-in. You will need to turn the water off at this point, unless you have shut-off valves under the sink.
If you own this condo, I recommend installing shut-off valves if you don't have them already. It's a $20 job.
Be extremely careful that if you are using bleach or anything that contains chlorine that you have flushed out any other chemicals previously used VERY THOROUGHLY. This is especially important if you've been using any stain or scale removers like CLR or Lime-A-Way or other acid or ammonia containing products. Bleach/Chlorine reacts badly with lots of things to create chlorine gas which can cause serious respiratory tract irritation that can lead to death depending on the concentrations you are exposed to.
I always use bleach when I get that funky smell in my drains and it works wonders.
Figgy, are you a plumber, perchance? My dad used to be one years ago and he used to tell me that working on sinks was the 2nd nastiest thing to do because of hair getting stuck on the drain plug riser mechanism. He said that worst case you'd pull out the drain plug and have nasty, moldy hair stuck to it that hung down for 6-10".
I am in no way a plumber and my advice shouldn't be taken as if I am.
In fact, I had a thread here a few months ago wherein I fucked shit up in behind my shower and had to call a plumber out to fix it... on the weekend.
But I've taken my share of hair buildups out of those risers. When we bought the house we're in now, I did it to all the bathroom sinks/tubs and found a good size glob of rotting hair. Fun fact, all that sludge turns gooey and white. And it stinks.
If your clog is in the riser, your job is even easier since you can just loosen the little arm mechanic under the sink in order to remove the plug and pull the hair out that way. You likely won't even need a wrench.
Wow, that is disgusting. I will try everything else first just to avoid doing that :P.
The vinegar + bakng soda thing sounds fun, though. I'll give that a go. :P.