How to fix sewage smell from kitchen sink permanently?« Back to Previous Page

The most likely cause is a compromised or dried-out P-trap, a common issue in Dubai's older buildings. The U-shaped pipe under your sink holds water to block sewer gases; high evaporation rates from constant AC use can dry it out. The timing with your neighbor's dishwasher points to a possible shared vent stack issue or negative pressure siphoning the water seal.

First, run water in all sinks for a minute to refill every P-trap, especially those rarely used. Check the sink's overflow channel—a hidden source of odor—by cleaning it with a brush and bleach solution. For a deeper clean, use an enzymatic drain cleaner weekly to break down organic sludge without damaging pipes.

If the smell persists, the building's main vent stack could be blocked by sand or debris, a frequent problem after dust storms. This requires building management to engage a licensed DDA-approved plumbing contractor. They can perform a smoke test to pinpoint the exact breach in the system. Given the age of the building and the correlation with neighbor activity, a professional inspection is the most reliable path to a permanent fix.