Why Does My Bathroom Sink Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

You use your bathroom sink countless times throughout the day, such as when you’re getting ready in the morning and unwinding after a long day. As such, it can be incredibly frustrating — and worrisome — when you start to notice a rotten egg smell wafting up from the sink drain.

So, why does your bathroom sink smell like rotten eggs? There’s a fairly simple reason for this problem, and there are many ways to fix it.

What’s Causing That Sulfur Smell?

If your bathroom smells like rotten eggs, it’s important to know that what you’re smelling is likely hydrogen sulfide gas. Hydrogen sulfide is a harmless sewer gas — but it’s certainly not something you want to smell on a daily basis.

Clogged Drain

Does the water in your bathroom sink drain much slower than it should? If so, it’s possible that a drain clog is creating this foul, sulfuric smell. When food waste, hair, and other debris collect in the drain, bacteria can grow and create hydrogen sulfide.

Many of us dump food waste into our garbage disposals, thinking it will get ground up and disposed of without a hitch. However — this isn’t always the case. Garbage disposals struggle to grind up food items such as fibrous vegetables, coffee grounds, and pasta. These food particles can end up building inside your sink, providing the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Dry P-Trap

Why does your bathroom sink smell like rotten eggs if you don’t have a clogged drain? In order to answer this question, you’ll want to look at the P-trap under your sink.

Every sink has a P-trap that holds a small amount of water. This water creates an airtight seal in the pipe, preventing smelly sewer gases from rising up and entering your home. If you haven’t used your sink in a long time, it’s possible that the P-trap has dried out. If there isn’t any water in the P-trap, sewer gases can easily enter your home — leading to that foul, sulfuric smell.

How to Get Rid of Egg Smell in Bathroom Sinks

Why does your bathroom sink smell like rotten eggs? As you can see, there are various answers to this question. Clogged drains are some of the most common reasons for this issue, which is unfortunate. Sink blockages can appear seemingly out of nowhere — and can wreak a lot of havoc.

Are you tired of dealing with that sulfur smell in your bathroom? As a homeowner, you might have tried ignoring the smell hoping it would eventually go away. Unfortunately, the only way to truly remove the odor once and for all is to take matters into your own hands.

The excellent news is that there are many ways to tackle this problem! Let’s discuss some of the best methods below.

Restore the P-Trap Barrier

If you think that you have a dry P-trap, there’s a fairly easy way to fix this issue. First and foremost, you’ll want to start by pouring a large pot of water into the smelly drain. Ensure that you’re using at least a half gallon of water, as this will help restore the water that’s missing from the P-trap.

Snake the Drain

Do you have a stubborn drain clog that requires a more robust solution? If so, you might want to consider using a drain snake to remove the blockage. Drain snakes are drain cleaning tools that can usually be purchased at your local home improvement store. These tools include a handle, a long cable, and an uncoiled spring.

When you extend the cable into the clogged drain, the spring will wrap around the blockage and pull it free. If your bathroom smells like rotten eggs, removing the blockage inside the sink should help clear up any odors.

Of course, you should only use a drain snake if you feel comfortable doing so. If you’ve never used one of these tools, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber for assistance.

Contact a Plumber

If your bathroom smells like rotten eggs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, you don’t have to fix the problem all on your own. A plumbing expert can diagnose the issue and provide a reliable solution. Although there’s a good chance you have a clogged sink drain, you could also be dealing with a water heater or toilet problem.

Does everything smell normal when you use cold water, but then you notice a sulfur smell when you turn on the hot water? It’s possible that you have a water heater issue on your hands. Your plumber might suggest replacing your water heater’s anode rod.

If the source of the smell is coming from your toilet, the plumber might suggest replacing your toilet’s wax right.

Restore Your Comfort With the Plumbing Experts

So, why does your bathroom sink smell like rotten eggs? There are various reasons why you could be experiencing this problem. Although you can try tackling it on your own, one of the best ways to fix this issue is to contact an experienced plumber. Luckily, this is where the experts at LimRic come in!

We’re proud to offer a wide range of services to our customers, including same-day plumbing and heating solutions. Our professional team specializes in drain cleaning, water heater repairs, and more.
If you have a problem with your plumbing system, don’t put it off any longer than necessary. We do whatever it takes to fix clogged kitchen sinks, strange toilet smells, and more. Contact us today for more information about our plumbing services in Charleston, SC!