I recently bought an older home. From the beginning, I've noticed a fishy smell coming from the kitchen sink.

A week ago, I installed a new dishwasher. When I found a couple of minor leaks, I called in a plumber. We ran a rinse-only cycle to assess and fix the problem. However, when I later opened the dishwasher to add a few dirty dishes, I was overwhelmed by the smell of dead fish. It was the first time I'd opened the door since the rinse-only test earlier in the day, and the dishwasher was empty. (I rarely, if ever, prepare any type of seafood at home, including tuna fish, so I know it's not the dishes or their contents causing this.)

I am on city water. I have NEVER noticed a similar problem with the city-supplied water anywhere else: my parents, brother, office, etc. all offer very good, clean water. I use a standard 55-gallon, gas-fueled water heater. I am unaware of any softeners, filters or other systems in place that would affect my water supply. The previous owner replaced all the old pipes with new copper plumbing about three years ago, but I doubt that included the supply line in from the city.

Curiously, I haven't noticed this smell with water in the two bathrooms or the laundry. So far. I am concerned that my showers will turn into a fish steam bath and that my clothes will emerge from the washing machine smelling like the fishmonger.

I've seen similar questions asked here, but none that address my specific issue. Any guidance, input, suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I spent quite a bit of money on my new dishwasher and hate the idea of it being broken in with such foul-smelling water!

When your dishwasher was installed did they install an air gap on the counter, a large loop in the drain hose or nothing at all to avoid the drain hose from back draining into the washer sump. I think you are getting gray water siphoning back into the washer when the cycle ends.

Thanks for the response. Yes, there is an air gap in place; I installed it myself and the plumber confirmed the correct installation when he made his service call. I thought maybe that was the reason for the same foul smell with the old dishwasher and hoped that adding the necessary air gap (it wasn't there before) would be the solution, but it's only getting worse!

Sorry but I was thinking missing or improper air gap.

No problem, ballengerb1... I'm grateful for any and all suggestions! (Also, when I "rated the answer" above, I didn't realize it got posted for all to see--I thought it was just for internal evaluation purposes--I hope it didn't come off as me being a jerk... I truly appreciated your attempt to help!) Peace.

Actually Truman that rating not only shows here for all to see but it is reserved for factually inaccurate answers. I wasn't answering your question since I need to know how the dishwasher was trapped. I was only asking you a question, neede more info. Those little green things under our names stand for 100 accurate answers for each greenie.

Did the dishwasher go through the dry cycle after the rinse cycle. Over on the electrical site people complained of a fish smell, one individual found that a high wattage halogen bulb was put in a lamp and burned the plastic which gave off a fish odor. Look to see if the heating element could have had any thing on it or be touching part of the cabinet or bottom. Maybe papers were taped to the element and someone did not remove all of the tape. Look for burned or melted residue.

Just reread your post and notice that you said "that from the begining you noticed a fishy smell coming form the kitchen sink". Next time you smell the odor pour about 3 cups of water (no more) down the drain. This will be enough to seal the trap if it is dry and not enough to make it syphon out if you have a venting problem. If this consistently stops the odor you have a blocked kitchen vent.

OK it looks like Harold has one possible source of the smell. Anybody else have athought just jump in. Truman, have you checked the sump area of the dishwasher for debris that can be rotting down there? (just a question)

Another possible source could be the sump in the bottom of the tub. All dishwashers have a sump that the hose drains back into when the pump stops. Bacteria can grow down in there and produce bad odors. Tonight at bedtime pour 1/2 gallon of bleach in the tub and let it set over night. Next morning put some rubber gloves on and wipe the sump out with a damo cloth and then cycle the washer. Smell all better now? Regards, Tom