Why Is There a Smell Coming from My Bathroom Sink?

Let’s be honest — few things are worse than stepping into your bathroom and being hit with an unpleasant whiff from the sink. It’s one of those small-but-annoying issues that lots of Exeter homeowners come to us about.

The good news? In most cases, it’s something you can identify (and sometimes fix) without much hassle.

Let’s break it down.

Common Reasons Your Bathroom Sink Smells

1. Dry or Dirty Waste Trap

Your sink’s waste trap (that U-shaped pipe under the basin) holds water to block smells from coming back up the drain. If it’s dry (especially in sinks that don’t get much use) or has a buildup of gunk, smells can sneak through.

Fix: Run the tap for a minute to refill the trap. If that doesn’t help, you may need to unscrew it and give it a clean — we always recommend putting a bowl underneath first to catch any water.

2. Blocked or Sluggish Waste Pipe

Soap scum, hair, toothpaste, and general grime can line the inside of your pipes over time. Eventually, it starts to rot — and stink.

Fix: Try using a proper drain cleaning solution or a baking soda and vinegar combo (pour them in, leave for 15–30 mins, then flush with hot water). If that doesn’t clear it, it may be time to get us in to rod or jet the pipework.

3. Poor Ventilation

Bathrooms that don’t have decent airflow can trap musty, stale smells — which often seem like they’re coming from the sink when really it’s the room itself.

Fix: Make sure your extractor fan works properly and gets used. Leave the door open when the bathroom’s not in use, and try running a dehumidifier if damp is a regular problem.

4. Mould or Mildew Around the Sink

Grout, silicone seals, or even the base of your tap can harbour mould and bacteria — especially in warm, damp rooms.

Fix: Use a mould-killing spray around the sink area. If seals are blackened or loose, replacing them can make a big difference (and look much nicer too).

5. Something’s Gone Down There That Shouldn’t

This one comes up more than you’d think, especially in family homes. Kids have been known to rinse all sorts of things down the bathroom sink — from bits of food to tiny toys.

Fix: If you suspect something’s lodged down there, you might need to remove the trap and check. If it’s jammed further down, that’s where we come in.

Preventing Future Smells

Run hot water regularly in little-used sinks.
Clean the trap every few months if it gets a lot of use.
Avoid pouring oils or greasy products (even liquid soap) in large amounts down the sink.
Keep the area dry and ventilated to discourage mould and bacteria.

When to Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried the basics and the smell keeps coming back, or if there’s slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or water backing up, there could be a bigger problem in the waste system or pipework.

We’ve sorted issues like this for customers across Exeter — and sometimes it’s a quick fix, other times it needs a more thorough look. Either way, you’ll always get clear advice and no-pressure recommendations.