I am getting a smell of "sewer gas" coming up through my kitchen sink drain. What could be causing this?

Question

I live in the country and my water comes from a well. It is only the kitchen sink where I have this problem. I do have a dishwasher, too.

Answer 1

Sometimes some waste from the sink iteself may get stuck in the S shaped pipe at the bottom and it cakes up. Over a period of time it becomes rancid and ends up producing odors which may appear to smell like sewer gas. It's usually not. The best way to find out is to pour some Liquid plummer down the sink and let it do the trick. If this does not work, then pouring some bleach down the sink removes the odor. If that fails, then you should consider calling the plumber.

Answer 2

The trap under your sink is designed to prevent sewer gas from entering your home. Not only does sewer gas stink it, but it can be dangerous. Check to see if there is some reason that the trap might not be holding water, like lots of corrosion or leaks. If there is, then it is time to replace the affected components. If not then suspect the dishwasher and/or its discharge line to be the culprit. If the dishwasher does not get used regularly or if it is not pumping out the waste water completely, it might provide the smell.

Answer 3

Your trap isn't working properly, or there is no venting system connecting your sink to the main stack. Either way the stink you smell is methane gas and that is not good. Get a man or a woman who knows what they are doing in plumbing and have them fix it. They may have to tear out the wall to connect the vent, or it may just be a matter of putting in a new trap. The old S traps are known to have this problem through wicking in the trap. Replace it with a P trap if that is the problem.
The methane gas from the sewage is what the real problem is, the answer to it could be one of three of four things.

Answer 4

Make sure your pea trap or elbow is not broken. That contains a water barrier to block odors and gas. Check under the sink and see if the angled pipe is at an angle to trap water.

Answer 5

the trap no longer has water in it to prevent sewer gas from comming back up. check to see if the p trap has rusted out and not holding water. try running water down the sink. it could just be something in the disposal, try running an orange peel thru it.

Answer 6

Drain holes on Drainer?????? Do you mean Overflow? I have come across kitchen sink overflows full of dirt food and grime very smelly, pop your head under your sink remove plastic overflow pipe and give it a good clean with bleach and hot water...

Answer 7

there is probably something wrong with the pipes. you should call a plumber to have a look at them.