Smelly water at some sinks but not others

[JEG in Raleigh]

My house is on a well and my bride has been complaining of stinky water for several years. I smell it occasionally, but nowhere near as much as she does. I have done a lot to try to address it but the problem persists. Here's the background and pertinent info:

I have the following filtration/treatment on the system:

1. Water softener
2. VIQUA VH410 UV Water Filter for Coliform bacteria
3. Katalox Light backwash filter
4. Hydrogen Peroxide (Neutra Sul) injection system
5. Catalytic carbon backwash filter
6. Whirlpool Item #631984 Model #WHKF-DWHBB cartridge sediment filter

My water has been tested by the county several times and the results associated with possible smell came back as follows:

• 1. Negative for Thibecillus Thiopanus sulfur bacteria and negative for sulfate-reducing bacteria.
• 2. Manganese: <0.03 mg/L

I have a Rheem Marathon water heater, so it is plastic.....not metal and there is no anode rod to change.

• The small is not present in the kitchen sink
• The smell is not present in a hall bath with a sink type that is not used elsewhere in the house
• The smell is not present in the deep, fiberglass utility room sink
• The smell is present at times at the washing machine
• The smell is present at times in the 2 master bath sinks and one other bathroom sink. Those 3 sinks are all identical and they were provided and premounted by the quartz countertop contractor. They are no-name, probably imported sinks that the contractor buys in bulk.

With those 3 bathroom sinks, if you let the hot water run for a while, the smell dissipates.
If I spray a diluted bleach solution into those 3 sink's overflow holes, the smell goes away for a week or so but comes back.

So, that's what I'm dealing with. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Is the problem with the water or with the sinks?

I'm wondering if the 3 bathroom sinks are just a poor design and accumulate gunk and sitting water in the waste & overflow channels and that begins to stink after a little while. If so, is there a more complete cleaning process or a better cleaning solution I can use to purge the stink-producing material for a longer period of time? Should I maybe use some muriatic acid?

And while spraying bleach solution into the overflow holes gives temporary relief with the sinks, I don't know how to address the stink at the washing machine. Any suggestion there would be appreciated.

 

[dmmsr]

Depends on what you using as far as soaps, shampoos, conditioners etc that may go In drains that get caught up on hair no past the trap can cause a foul odor. May get caught up on the tailpiece as well. Take the traps off and take out the pop ups and check for build up and on pipe, pop up and trap and clean off good. Us a good enzyme in each drain as directed. I like the enzymes duracable carries.

 

[JEG in Raleigh]

Depends on what you using as far as soaps, shampoos, conditioners etc that may go In drains that get caught up on hair no past the trap can cause a foul odor. May get caught up on the tailpiece as well. Take the traps off and take out the pop ups and check for build up and on pipe, pop up and trap and clean off good. Us a good enzyme in each drain as directed. I like the enzymes duracable carries.

Thanks.

 

[frontporch]

Just my .02$ as a homeowner and DIY guy. The normal sink drain that comes with a faucet has holes in the drain to let the overflow area drain. Is it possible the drain holes are blocked by a sealer that the installer applied or do some drains not have these holes?

It’s not uncommon for washing machine odors especially on HE front loaders seals

 

[JEG in Raleigh]

Just my .02$ as a homeowner and DIY guy. The normal sink drain that comes with a faucet has holes in the drain to let the overflow area drain. Is it possible the drain holes are blocked by a sealer that the installer applied or do some drains not have these holes?View attachment 38927

It’s not uncommon for washing machine odors especially on HE front loaders seals

My sink's drain hardware holes are open. Thanks for the suggestion. Regarding the washing machine, I have a top-load Speed Queen. We never use bleach and I'm now wondering if maybe I should run a few cycles with bleach added to the water.....maybe pull the power plug when it's going through the spin cycle so not all the water is evacuated and water will be remaining in the discharge piping of the washing machine for a number of hours before plugging it in again.....wonder if that might work for the smell at the washing machine?

 

[dmmsr]

There are washing machine refreshners/deodorizers.

 

[rrose002]

My sink's drain hardware holes are open. Thanks for the suggestion. Regarding the washing machine, I have a top-load Speed Queen. We never use bleach and I'm now wondering if maybe I should run a few cycles with bleach added to the water.....maybe pull the power plug when it's going through the spin cycle so not all the water is evacuated and water will be remaining in the discharge piping of the washing machine for a number of hours before plugging it in again.....wonder if that might work for the smell at the washing machine?

I have a top-loading Whirlpool, and it smells until I run the machine empty with (Afresh) and a cup of bleach as recommended

 

[dmmsr]

There are filters in the washing machine that you may need to clean out. This will cause your clothes to smell as well.

 

[JEG in Raleigh]

There are filters in the washing machine that you may need to clean out. This will cause your clothes to smell as well.

Didn't know that, thank you!

 

[sawsaw]

Didn't know that, thank you!

Also, the gasket at the door should be lifted after esch use to dry underneath it, as that can contriibute foul odors.