[ronhillman]

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!

I have a similar problem. I even changed out the dishwasher. Re-plumbed the drain to "free fall" into a utility tub below. Still have the smell. The smell is not always present. I'm changing my zinc rod in my hot water heater. If that doesn't fix it, I plan to clean my water softener. Did you solve the problem?

[speedball1]

Hi ronhillhan and Welcome to The Plumbing Page. At AskMeHelpDesk.com. You're responding to a 4 year old dead thread so I gave you one of your own. Look in then upper left hand corner of the first post form the date in the first post before you post, Thanks,

I have a similar problem. I even changed out the dishwasher. Re-plumbed the drain to "free fall" into a utility tub below. Still have the smell. The smell is not always present. I'm changing my zinc rod in my hot water heater. If that doesn't fix it, I plan to clean my water softener.

Did you sponge out the sump and fill it with bleach and then let it set before you flushed it out? Let me know, Tom