Problems with odor in sink drain - anyone who can help?

[KitSileya]

I have a problem with my bathroom sink, or rather with its drain. Last week, I got sick and managed to get only as far as the bathroom sink before I threw up. Before I managed to get everything flushed, I ended up having to go to the ER, and stay in hospital for several days. When I came home, of course the mess in the sink had fossilized, (I live alone) but I used drain cleaner and managed to get the drain open. I also poured bicarbonate of soda and vinegar down there, with hot water a few minutes later, to get rid of things. However, there's still a disagreable odor coming out of the drain when I use hot water in the sink. Any idea what I can do to make it go away?

[HopeHoops]

Best thing to do is remove the trap and either clean or replace it.

It shouldn't be difficult - put a bucket or low-profile plastic storage tub under the trap and disconnect it by turning the wheels on either end. If it is metal, you might need a monkey wrench, but the plastic ones can usually be taken off by hand. If it induces further vomiting, replace it. Otherwise just clean it out and put it back on.

[KitSileya]

3. I feared that might be the end solution.

If the other suggestions don't work out, I might just have to do that. Of course, I'm moving out of the apartment in less than a month, and the parental units are coming down to help, even if I'm only moving in next door (literally), so I might just chicken out and smile nicely and see if any of them are willing to do it. I did just spend several nights in hospital, so I must have earned some parental guilt/worry....

[flvegan]

1. Odoban is my go to for all things smelly or dirty

Home Depot, Sam's Club etc all sell it. Cleans just about anything.

[KitSileya]

5. Thanks for the tip!

If fresh lemon juice doesn't help the problem, I'll be sure to pick up the equivalent. I live in Norway, so I won't find that specific product anywhere here, but I keep forgetting someone's probably had the same problem before, and invented something for it.

[FloridaJudy]

2. A plumber I know

(no, not Joe!) swears by grinding up lemons to remove odors from garbage disposals. Fresh lemon juice might do as well for your bathroom sink. If not, try Citra-Solve. That stuff will clean anything.

[KitSileya]

4. I do have a lemon that was left out on the counter....

I will definitely try! Thanks.

[PRETZEL]

6. Definately try the lemon or any other drain cleaner.

hair buildup along with the other thing mentioned could cause that.

Also, if the drain is slow in emptying then it's quite possible you would need to take the stopper out and clean that. I know from past experience, people with longer hair who brush that haid over the sink generally gets the stopper clogged with hair,soap, etc.

If those don't work, it's possible there is a clog that is before the vent pipe that allows gas buildup to escape. You'd need a plumber to snake that out since they generally go through the vent pipe.

[dembotoz]

8. yeah check the stopper

I have cleaned hideous stuff off off those.

Might also try filling the sink up with hot water, add some like mr clean, the drain it all out.

[LibertyLover]

7. If the lemon doesn't work

you might get some enzymatic cleaner intended to neutralize the odors of dog and cat accidents. I had one, Petzyme, that I bought in the local pet store, that worked on urine, vomitus and poop. Pour some down and see if it helps.