If your kitchen sink smells stronger in the winter, you’re not imagining things. Seasonal changes affect how drains, traps, and ventilation work, and with holiday cooking adding more grease and food scraps, odours can build up quickly.
At Doug the Plumber, we get plenty of winter service calls from Comox Valley homeowners battling kitchen sink smells. Fortunately, the causes are simple—and so are the solutions.
Why Odours Get Worse in Cold Weather
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Dry traps: In rarely used sinks, water in the P-trap can evaporate more quickly in heated homes, letting sewer gases escape.
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Grease buildup: Winter comfort foods leave more fats and oils behind, which stick to pipes and start to smell.
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Vent blockages: Snow, ice, or debris can block plumbing vents, pushing odours back indoors.
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Slower drainage: Cold water solidifies grease, making clogs and smells more likely.
Quick Fixes You Can Try
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Run boiling water to melt grease buildup.
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Pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar, then flush with hot water.
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Use your sink regularly to keep the P-trap full.
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Check outside vents for ice or snow blockages.
If smells return after these steps, the issue is usually deeper in your plumbing.
Why Call Doug the Plumber
We use professional tools to clean drains thoroughly, check traps, and ensure your venting system is clear. Our inspections are fast, non-invasive, and designed to stop smells at the source—so your kitchen feels fresh again.
Call us Today!
Doug the Plumber
Enjoy a Fresh Kitchen This Winter
Don’t let odours linger through the holidays. If your kitchen sink smells worse this winter, call Doug the Plumber. We’ll find the cause, fix it, and help you enjoy a clean, comfortable home.