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Learn How To Get Rid Of A Smelly Kitchen Sink
Learn How To Get Rid Of A Smelly Kitchen Sink
4.8 RATING

Learn How To Get Rid Of A Smelly Kitchen Sink

Struggling with a smelly kitchen sink? Learn easy DIY fixes and when to call Mr. Rooter for expert plumbing repair in Central New Jersey.

October 12, 2026
Learn How To Get Rid Of A Smelly Kitchen Sink

A smelly kitchen sink can make your entire home feel less fresh. If you've noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your drain, it’s time to take action. The good news is that you don’t always need a plumber immediately—many sink smells can be fixed with simple cleaning methods. However, if the smell lingers, a professional plumbing repair service in Central New Jersey might be necessary. When the odor won’t go away, calling a trusted company like Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help ensure your pipes are in good shape.

Why Does Your Kitchen Sink Smell?

A kitchen sink can develop bad smells for several reasons. The most common cause is food particles and grease buildup in the drain. Over time, these leftovers rot and create foul odors. Other possible causes include:

  • Clogged Pipes – When food scraps, grease, or soap scum accumulate, they create blockages that trap odors.
  • Bacteria Growth – Moist, warm environments inside pipes are perfect for bacteria that produce bad smells.
  • Dry P-Trap – If you don’t use your sink often, the water in the P-trap can dry out, allowing sewer gases to rise into your kitchen.
  • Garbage Disposal Issues – If your disposal isn’t cleaned regularly, food can get stuck and start to smell.

Understanding the cause of the odor is the first step to fixing it.

How to Get Rid of the Smell

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Flush the Drain with Hot Water

Start with the simplest fix—boiling water. Pouring hot water down the drain helps melt grease and wash away buildup. Follow it with a splash of dish soap to cut through any remaining residue.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

A natural and effective solution is baking soda and vinegar. Here’s how:

  • Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
  • Follow with one cup of white vinegar.
  • Let it fizz for about 15 minutes.
  • Flush with hot water to wash away debris.

This method not only removes odors but also helps with minor clogs.

Clean the Garbage Disposal

If you have a garbage disposal, it could be the source of the smell. Try these steps:

  • Run cold water and tu on the disposal.
  • Drop in a few ice cubes and citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to freshen it up.
  • Pour baking soda down the disposal and let it sit before rinsing with water.

Keeping your disposal clean prevents food from rotting inside.

Check and Clean the P-Trap

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under your sink. If there’s a buildup inside, it could be causing the smell. Here’s how to clean it:

  • Place a bucket under the trap to catch water.
  • Unscrew the connectors and remove the pipe.
  • Rinse it thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
  • Reattach and check for leaks.

If you’re uncomfortable removing pipes, a skilled plumber can help with this step.

Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning

If home remedies don’t work, it might be time for a professional to clean the drain. A plumbing repair service can remove deep clogs and buildup that household cleaners can’t reach. Professionals use special tools like drain snakes and hydro-jetting to clear out stubbo debris.

Prevent Future Smells

Once you’ve gotten rid of the odor, follow these tips to keep your sink smelling fresh:

  • Run hot water after using the sink to flush out food and grease.
  • Use a drain strainer to catch food scraps before they go down the drain.
  • Clean the garbage disposal weekly with ice cubes and lemon peels.
  • Pour baking soda down the drain every month to absorb odors.

These simple habits will help prevent the problem from retuing.

Call a Professional if the Smell Won’t Go Away

If you’ve tried these methods and the smell still lingers, it may be a sign of a more significant issue, such as a sewer line problem or mold inside your pipes. In that case, don’t wait—call a plumbing repair service to inspect your system. A professional drain cleaning can remove stubbo buildup and prevent future plumbing problems.

Taking care of your kitchen sink doesn’t just keep your home smelling fresh—it also helps protect your plumbing from severe damage. If you’re dealing with persistent odors, don’t hesitate to call a plumber to find a long-term solution.

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