Photo by kaboompics from pixabay
Have you noticed a strange smell emanating from your kitchen? Finding that your sink is smelling is never a nice experience, especially when that foul stench is beginning to waft through into other rooms.
Many homeowners find that their kitchen sink smells when the dishwasher runs. If this sounds similar to your experience, we have taken a closer look at what you should do.
First, Identify the Smell
The first thing that you need to do is identify what the smell is. In the vast majority of cases, the smell will be caused by food waste, particularly if you are noticing a smell of rotten eggs. After a number of cycles, your dishwasher and plumbing will begin to see food and grease begin to build up, which causes odors to start escaping from your sink.
Food is not the only cause, though. Another very common reason that your kitchen sink smells when the dishwasher runs is due to standing water. This is often caused by drainage problems, and is usually due to water beginning to stagnate.
Here’s What to do when the Kitchen Sink Smells when the Dishwasher Runs
Photo by congerdesign from pixabay
If you are noticing that your kitchen sink smells when the dishwasher runs, then don’t worry. There are certain things that you can do:
1. Clean the dishwasher
If you are noticing foul smells, then the first thing that you should do is clean your dishwasher. This will help to remove any grease or leftover food from within the dishwasher that could be escaping out through your sink.
To do this, you just need warm water, soap, and something to scrub with. Adding a sprinkle of baking powder to those more stubborn areas can help to improve the effectiveness of your scrubbing.
2. Run a cycle
Once you have given the inside a good scrub, you should then add two cups of white vinegar to a bowl and place it on the lower rack of your dishwasher. You should then run the machine through a full cycle as normal, without any detergent, before then running another cycle with some usual dish detergent.
This will help to ensure your dishwasher is completely free from any food debris. Once clean, make sure you keep it that way by regularly washing out any debris that may be left behind.
3. Clean your drains
If, after cleaning, you are still finding that the kitchen sink smells when the dishwasher runs, it could indicate an issue further down the line. In this instance, you should then turn your attention to the drains. The first thing to do is to wipe away any visible bits of food or grease that might have built up.
You should then make sure that there is not a blockage somewhere in the line. Even if you have not noticed water not draining as normal, there might be something that is preventing food and other debris from being taken away. To do this, use a plunger or drain snake and make sure that your pipes are clean and free from any debris.
If you can’t seem to free up a clog, there may be an obstruction further down the line, closer to the main sewer line. If this is true, you may notice water seeping back up in sinks, toilets, and appliances, as well as a foul smell in other parts of the house.
RELATED: What to Do When Your Faucet Drips
4. Check for damage
If you are still finding that the kitchen sink smells when the dishwasher runs, give your entire system a thorough check to ensure that there are no signs of damage. You should pay particular attention to the waste pipes as a crack in these could be causing the smell to escape.
5. Call the professionals
Are you still noticing the kitchen sink smells when the dishwasher runs? If so, then it might be time to call in the professionals. Here at Premier Plumbing Inc., we know frustrating a smelly sink can be. That is why our expert team is on hand to help you.
What to do when You Can’t Fix the Smell
Photo by Castorly Stock from Pexels
If you can’t fix the smell on your own, it may be time to call a plumber. With over three decades of working across the full spectrum of commercial and residential plumbing, Premier Plumbing in South Michigan is dedicated to giving our customers the very best experience possible. So, if you are finding your kitchen sink smells when the dishwasher runs and need help, get in touch today and let Premier Plumbing Inc. solve it.
Metro-Detroit Plumbing Problems Hotline:
Location: White Lake, Michigan
Phone: (248) 363-5864
Location: Hartland, Michigan
Phone: (810) 632-7420
Location: Fowlerville, Michigan
Phone: (517) 223-4360
Email: [email protected]
Request a FREE repair quote with Premier Plumbing, Inc. online at premierplumbing-mi.com/get-a-plumbing-quote/