Bad Smells Coming From Your Sink in Cambridge, ON? Here’s What’s Causing It

If you’ve noticed a foul smell coming from your kitchen or bathroom sink, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common plumbing complaints homeowners in Cambridge, ON deal with.

The smell might be:

• Rotten eggs
• Sour or musty
• Like sewage
• Moldy or damp
• Strong and sulfur-like

Whatever it smells like — it’s not normal.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common reasons sinks smell bad, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

The Most Common Cause: Bacteria and Organic Buildup

Over time, food particles, grease, soap scum, toothpaste, hair, and other debris collect inside your drain pipe.

That buildup creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

As bacteria break down organic matter, they release foul-smelling gases. That odor then travels up through your drain and into your home.

Signs This Is the Problem

• Smell is strongest right at the drain opening
• Water drains slowly
• Gurgling sounds
• No other plumbing issues in the house

In many Cambridge homes, especially older properties, drain buildup is the primary cause of sink odors.

Dry P-Trap: A Hidden Sewer Gas Problem

Every sink has a curved pipe underneath called a P-trap. Its job is simple but critical: it holds water.

That standing water creates a seal that blocks sewer gases from entering your home.

If the sink hasn’t been used for a while, the water inside the trap can evaporate. Once that happens, sewer gas can come up through the drain.

Signs of a Dry P-Trap

• Smell is strong and sewage-like
• Sink hasn’t been used recently
• Odor appears suddenly

The fix can be as simple as running water for 30 seconds to refill the trap.

However, if the smell returns quickly, there may be a venting issue.

Plumbing Vent Issues

Your plumbing system includes vent pipes that run through the roof. These vents allow sewer gases to escape safely outside and help water drain properly.

If a vent becomes blocked by:

• Debris
• Leaves
• Snow or ice
• Bird nests

Pressure inside your plumbing system changes. That can allow sewer gas to push back into sinks and drains.

Signs of a Venting Problem

• Multiple drains smell
• Gurgling toilets
• Slow drains throughout the house
• Odors that worsen after flushing

Venting issues are more common than homeowners realize — especially in areas like Cambridge where seasonal weather shifts can impact roof vents.

Food Waste and Garbage Disposal Odors

If the smell is coming from your kitchen sink and you have a garbage disposal, that’s often the source.

Food particles can stick to the disposal blades and interior walls. Over time, they rot and create strong odors.

Grease buildup is also a major culprit.

Warning Signs

• Smell is strongest when disposal runs
• You notice small food particles backing up
• Drain works but smells persist

Garbage disposals need routine cleaning — not just water flushing.

Mold and Mildew in Overflow Drains

Bathroom sinks often have an overflow hole near the top of the basin.

Water and soap residue can sit inside that channel, creating mold and mildew growth.

Because it’s hidden, homeowners rarely clean it — and odors develop.

If the smell is strongest near the sink basin rather than inside the drain pipe, this could be the cause.

Sewer Line Problems

If the odor is strong, persistent, and affecting multiple fixtures, the issue may be deeper in your sewer line.

Potential causes include:

• Cracked sewer pipes
• Partial blockages
• Tree root intrusion
• Backups forming

Cambridge homes with older clay or cast iron sewer lines are more vulnerable to these issues.

If you notice:

• Slow drains in multiple areas
• Water backing up
• Strong sewage smells indoors or outside
• Gurgling toilets

You may need professional inspection.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Sink Odors

Many homeowners treat sink smells as a minor annoyance.

But persistent odors can indicate:

• Drain clogs forming
• Venting system failure
• Sewer line damage
• Bacterial overgrowth

Sewer gas also contains methane and hydrogen sulfide. In high concentrations, those gases can be hazardous.

If the smell is strong or worsening, it’s best not to ignore it.

DIY Fixes You Can Try First

If the problem appears minor, you can try:

1. Pouring boiling water down the drain
2. Flushing with baking soda and vinegar
3. Cleaning the P-trap (with a bucket underneath)
4. Running water to refill unused traps
5. Cleaning your garbage disposal thoroughly

However, avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners. They can damage pipes and rarely solve the root cause.

If the smell returns quickly, the underlying issue likely remains.

When to Call a Professional Plumber in Cambridge, ON

Call a professional if:

• Odors keep returning
• Multiple drains smell
• Water drains slowly
• You hear gurgling
• You suspect sewer line problems

Professional drain cleaning removes buildup completely — not just temporarily.

At Reliant Plumbing, we use proper tools and inspection techniques to identify the exact cause of sink odors and eliminate them safely.

Preventing Future Sink Odors

Prevention is easier than repair.

Here’s how Cambridge homeowners can reduce odor problems:

• Avoid pouring grease down kitchen drains
• Run hot water after using the sink
• Clean garbage disposals regularly
• Use sink strainers to catch debris
• Run water in rarely used sinks monthly
• Schedule routine drain maintenance

Regular maintenance dramatically reduces odor-related plumbing calls.

Sink Smells in Older Cambridge Homes

Many homes in Cambridge were built decades ago. Older plumbing systems may have:

• Aging vent stacks
• Corroded pipes
• Improper slopes
• Outdated sewer connections

If your home is older and experiencing repeated odor issues, a professional inspection may uncover underlying problems before they become major repairs.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Live With That Smell

Bad sink odors are common — but they’re not normal.

Whether it’s simple drain buildup or a deeper sewer issue, the right diagnosis matters.

If you’re dealing with persistent sink smells in Cambridge, ON, professional help ensures the problem is fixed properly the first time.

Need Help With a Smelly Sink in Cambridge, ON?

Reliant Plumbing provides expert drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and plumbing repairs throughout Cambridge and surrounding areas.

If your sink smells bad and you’re not sure why, we’ll find the cause and fix it properly.

Call 519-778-3828 to schedule service today.

Google Business Profile Update (Under 600 Characters):

Bad smell coming from your sink in Cambridge, ON? It could be drain buildup, a dry P-trap, venting issues, or even sewer line problems. Don’t ignore persistent odors. Reliant Plumbing provides professional drain cleaning and inspections to eliminate sink smells properly. Call 519-778-3828 for expert plumbing service in Cambridge.