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TDW2009 · Jul 30, 2009, 01:19 PM

Hi everyone,

There is a terrible smell coming from under my kitchen sink. It is not a sewer smell, but just a generalized and indescribable smell. The cabinet is about 1.5 years old, as is the sink and plumbing. I don't have a water softener or a garbage disposal. It is adjacent to the dishwasher. The smell isn't coming from the drains and the smell is not noticeable if you smell the top of the drain in the sink basin. I removed all the items underneath and cleaned the area. No help. I removed the traps (double sink) and cleaned them well and reinstalled them. No help.

It's gross and I would love ANY suggestions!!

Thanks so much in advance!

:)

crazzygrll09 · Jul 30, 2009, 03:03 PM

Try Ecocare Activator, this product is eco friendly and works really well.

speedball1 · Jul 31, 2009, 05:45 AM

A much less expensive way then Ecocare Activator, (which is mainly usesd on septic tanks) would be to scrub the cabinet floor down with full strength bleach.
Good luck, Tom

TDW2009 · Aug 2, 2009, 08:39 PM

Thanks, I've tried both of those things and no luck. I can't tell where the smell originates, but I'm pretty sure it's not the base cabinet itself. Anyone have any other thoughts? Maybe something to do with the dishwasher or a step by step thing I can try to eliminate certain components?

THANKS!!

speedball1 · Aug 3, 2009, 05:04 AM

Could a critter have died under the cabinet floor? What do you think? Tom

TDW2009 · Aug 3, 2009, 07:50 AM

I'm not sure, though I live in a 3rd floor condo. I don't think that's the issue because it comes and goes. It is always sort of there, but the smell gets much stronger. I haven't figured out what causes the smell to intensify.

:(

speedball1 · Aug 3, 2009, 08:00 AM

You're getting real close to be forced to start opening things up to track down the source. This could also be a leak in the horizontal drain line in the wall that allows stinky water to drain down under your cabinet. To check that the wall would have to be opened up. Regards, Tom

TDW2009 · Aug 4, 2009, 06:38 AM

So, last night I ran the dishwasher and that seemed to intensify the awful smell. Does this help anyone in diagnosing my problem?

THANKS!

speedball1 · Aug 4, 2009, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by TDW2009

So, last night I ran the dishwasher and that seemed to intensify the awful smell. Does this help anyone in diagnosing my problem?

THANKS!

That points to the drain. Are you quite sure the smell isn't coming fror the sink as you drain?

TDW2009 · Aug 4, 2009, 02:49 PM

If I smell the top of the drain (like where the water goes in the top of the sink basin) it smells fine. Similarly, if I smell the dishwasher, it smells fine too. It is sad, but true, that I've smelled many of the individual pipes/connections under the sink in an attempt to locate the problem, but with no luck. The smell does seem to get worse when I run the dishwasher. I can post some pictures if you think it may help with the diagnosis. There are no leaks from what I can tell.

THANKS!!

speedball1 · Aug 4, 2009, 03:11 PM

Smells and weird noises are among the most difficult for us to solve. Pictures don't do much to help track smells. See if you can nail it down to where we can open something up that points toward the source. Good luck, tom

Rule · Aug 8, 2009, 04:07 PM

Possible tap may be leaking under plate between the counter / or tap plate seal / perimeter rubber sink seal allows water from counter to wick under the unprotected press board. Mold and bacteria develops creating smell. Remove your sink and take a look.

plzanswer · Sep 13, 2009, 07:24 PM

I am going through the same thing. Top floor of apartment building. They installed a brand new disposal but that was just because the other one was broke when I moved in a month ago. They deny they even smell anything! When I moved in there was stagnant water in the dishwasher, I have used bleach in the dishwasher and drain to no avail, but the smell is there, I swear I even have a weird taste in my mouth just being in my apartment. Please tell me TDW2009 if you find a solution. Thank you!

cyberheater · Sep 14, 2009, 05:40 AM

My guess - your dishwasher drain that runs from your disher to your drain under the sink.

I know you said that you smelled that area, but if it happens when you run the dishwasher, then my first response would be to check the location from the hose that goes to from the dishwasher to the drain. The next
Location would be the area at the point in your dishwasher that drains into that tube. (food particles can build up there). You may not be able to smell it in the dishwasher while it's not running.

I only redirect you to those area's because it's more common, and people seem to be confused because of the "on and off" again smell. You could also have a leak at the point where the hose leaves the dishwasher.

You could pull out the dishwasher (carefully) and take a look too. Just make sure you disconnect any pipe/tubes that will pull when you do.

jstone819 · Jul 22, 2013, 09:19 AM

I have the same problem and have had a plumber come out and replaced my garbage disposal, but that didn't work either. The smell is really bad when you open the cabinet doors underneath my sink, but also the smell comes through the drain in the sink. I have taken everything out, cleaned it, had plumbers look at it and it still is horrible. It smells like marijuana if you know what that smells like. I had the condo rented out at one point and thought maybe someone was hiding that there, but nope, nothing there. I have been living there for almost 2 years and nothing helps the smell.

EstherG · Nov 11, 2013, 05:43 PM

Was this ever resolved? I am having the same issue. Thanks in advance.

Australian Bev · Nov 7, 2014, 05:06 PM

I have the same problem and am sure it's something to do with the dishwasher connection - maybe foul water (or worse) stuck in it. I've put up with it now for over 6 months and it's getting worse so time to call in a plumber. I disconnected all the pipes under the sink and couldn't find anything.