Bathroom Sink Smells Like Sewage

If your bathroom sink smells like sewage, it can be a frustrating and unpleasant problem. The smell can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Clogged Drain

One of the most common causes of a smelly bathroom sink is a clogged drain. Hair, soap scum, and other debris can build up in the drain over time, creating a blockage that prevents water from draining properly. This can lead to the accumulation of sewage in the sink, which can cause a foul smell.

Dry P-Trap

The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that is located under the sink. It is designed to hold water, which creates a seal that prevents sewer gases from escaping into the bathroom. If the P-trap dries out, it can allow sewer gases to escape, which can cause the sink to smell like sewage.

Damaged Drainpipe

The drainpipe that carries wastewater away from the sink can become damaged over time. This can allow sewage to leak into the bathroom, which can cause a foul smell.

Vented Drain System

The plumbing system in your home should be vented to allow air to circulate and prevent the buildup of sewer gases. If the vent system is not working properly, it can cause the sink to smell like sewage.

How to Fix a Bathroom Sink That Smells Like Sewage

There are a few things you can do to fix a bathroom sink that smells like sewage:

Unclog the drain. If the drain is clogged, you can try to unclog it yourself using a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner. If you are not able to unclog the drain yourself, you may need to call a plumber.
Fill the P-trap. If the P-trap is dry, you can fill it by pouring a cup of water down the drain. This will create a seal that will prevent sewer gases from escaping into the bathroom.
Repair the drainpipe. If the drainpipe is damaged, you will need to repair or replace it. This is a job that is best left to a plumber.
Check the vented drain system. If the vented drain system is not working properly, you may need to call a plumber to inspect and repair it.

If you have tried all of the above and your bathroom sink still smells like sewage, you may have a more serious problem. In this case, you should call a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.