Summary: It becomes disgusting to live a life in a house where it smells like hell. One can get rid of this foul odor from sinks and tanks by using few chemical combinations; one of them being the oxygen bleach.

Question: I have been experiencing this problem for the past one year and I live in a house that is almost four years old. Strong odor from the sink welcomes you at the entrance in the bathroom, although not frequent. Strong odor comes out, especially during the mornings. It seems to be developing at the entrance of the sink due to overflow. I would like you to give me some useful suggestions so that I can get rid of this problem as soon as possible.

For your information, I have investigated for any kind of residual debris in the pipeline which may be one of the reasons. Besides, there is no sound indicating that something is stuck in the pipe. These days, even our shower emanates the smell. I have used black plastic pipe, however, I would like to hear your ideas regarding the above mentioned issue.

Answer: I think I got your point and possible problem as well; it has a very simple solution. First let me tell you why this is happening. According to my examination, it is because of bacteria, which keep developing in the bio-film; coating the vertical tailpiece between the fixture trap and the actual drain outlet in the fixture. Besides, you also state that there are no gurgling sounds; means that there is no obstruction in the vent pipe.

In the morning, when you open the tap for the first time in the day, the water comes in contact with bio-film and produces the bad smell which spreads in the air.

Now let us see how to remove the odor from its origin. First you need to remove the drain strainer in the shower and clean the slimy layer on it. I can say this because it will be there for sure. Follow the same for the basin as well. Removing the stopper is a difficult task and you would need to reach its tail piece. All these have to be cleaned thoroughly as the layer is the main reason for this problem. The best cleaning agent would be the oxygen bleach. You have to squirt the solution into the overflow tube vigorously several times and let it sit there in order to coat the entire lining of the tube.

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