What does it mean when you have a foul odor coming from a sink. Is it the sewer gasses where the trap is dry?
Answers:
as far as your trap question there are 2 basic types of traps, p-traps and s-traps. The p-trap is used when waste needs to exit horizontally like through a wall. The s-trap is used when the waste needs to exit verticaly like through the floor. Check with your local codes though b/c s-traps have been outlawed here in michigan.
Other answers:
Typically that's the problem, yes. One way to combat it is to run a little water in that sink every day. Or you could maybe install a different style trap...
Typically that's the problem, yes. One way to combat it is to run a little water in that sink every day. Or you could maybe install a different style trap...
I am not sure. I have never had that problem, I think the best thing to do would to call a plumber.
it probably means you have a build up of gunk in your trap. usually a trap doesn't dry out as long as you are useing it. pour some clorox or some drain cleaner in & let it soak.
The trap might have been bumped with something the sink. Check the geometry of the existing trap setup. The drain line from the wall should be above the bottom of the trap. Try to ensure this to keep water in the trap. If it's not, you can loosen the trap and move it around a little to help fix the geometry.
That's what I've been told also, but it never really stopped the odor. The trap needs to be kept wet but if you've been doing this and the odor persists than you've got something else going on. My suggestion is to flush with bleach for several days in a row, keep the trap wet and if the odor still hangs in there, then call a plumber but when scheduling him make sure that no water has been run in the trap and ask the company to send along time experienced plumber rather that may have experienced this problem before .
I don't use alot of chemicals in the pipes in our house. I do most of my extra housework on Saturdays, and have a practice of putting about 3 TBLS Baking Soda and 1/2 cup white vinegar down all drains and follow with a pot of boiling water. It flushes the pipes so smells don't build up, flushes out soap scum or hair left from my husband shaving, etc. Knock on wood. We don't have plumbing problems. One of those "prevention is the best medicine." It should work in your situation.
It could be that the trap is dry. I've heard it suggested to pour some vegetable oil down the drain to keep it from drying out if you plan on being gone for a while (vacation). It may also be that your vent stack is blocked. It's spring and birds are building nests, the vent stack seems to be a popular place for them.