skip to main content

Mold in sink drain!!!!!

14 years ago

Six weeks ago, there was a black, powdery mold growing out of a bathroom sink drain. There are double sinks in this vanity. I don't believe I saw the issue in the other.

I closed the drain and made a 50% mixture of bleach and water. It slowly leaked through the "plug". I wiped the residual mold around the drain plug away.

Tonight it is back.

Any suggestions on how to treat?

Do we need to put a new pea trap and pipes above?

The sewer pipe that served this bathroom was broken this spring and since was repaired. Is it related?

It gives me the heebie jeebies...like something from an Alien movie! Please help!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

jillyjax
Original Author
14 years ago
Updating my concern!
jillyjax
Original Author
14 years ago
Husband just suggested boiling water down the drain?
Related Discussions
Center Drain Sinks vs. Back Drain Sinks
Q
Comments (3)
I didn't really consider the drain issue with our bathroom we just did. We went with a square undermount sink with center drain and overflow in the front. But, I do have to tell you that because of the distance front the drain to where our faucet is installed in the concrete countertop, that because there's too much distance, the drain will hardly come up at all (it's not a "pop-up" drain). So, we either have to be creative and try to make something so the drain pull that is hidden behind the faucet will work to pull-up the drain, or purchase a pop-up drain and install it. Here's the faucet we got. Here is a link that might be useful: Loki faucet
...See More
pop-up drain in a 2-faucet, 1-drain sink
Q
Comments (1)
Can you get a "click clack" drain? You push it down to close it , and push it again to pop it up. We just had those installed in our Lacava sinks. Only had them a week, but I really like the way they work. After all, what do you have in a sink, that you cannot put your hand in to touch the drain to let the water out? Then you don't need the pull up jobbies on the faucets. Probably the best bet is to check with the sink manufacturer. -Babka
...See More
Replacing center-drain kitchen sink with an offset-drain sink
Q
Comments (9)
Thanks, Vith. The goal is to gain counter space to one side of the existing sink cabinet, and I thought we might gain enough by shifting the sink cabinet as far to one side as the existing plumbing (inflows) allows. We may end up moving plumbing anyway, but we're on a tight budget so I was looking at less costly options. But if I understand correctly, you're saying the drain could still be in the center of the sink; is that right? I like the fact that an offset drain allows you to empty the strainer without removing, say, a large baking sheet from the sink, so I may opt for the offset drain anyway. I thought it might also simplify the under-sink plumbing as well.
...See More
Help me pick kitchen sink: offset drain or "perfect drain"?
Q
Comments (9)
I have to respectfully disagree with Anglophilia. I am in my second kitchen with a sink with an offset drain. Each has had a 3/4 hp batch feed Waste King disposal which is a pretty large model. No issue with fitting it under the offset drain. I suppose the case may be different with different sinks, so Anglophilia has a good point that it would be a good preemptive idea for the OP to check her disposal and under-sink dimensions. I have not had an issue though with 2 sinks. One advantage of an offset drain is that the disposal is off to the side leaving more of a clear area under the sink for storage (vs the disposal hanging in the center of the storage area).
...See More
brickeyee
14 years ago
How are the sinks trapped?

Common trap or separate?

If a common trap is used check and see it the drain line is partially clogged beyond the trap.
One sink will fill the drain line for the other, and then the water will slowly drain away past the partial obstruction.

Bleach can only kill things that are present, if the source of the mold remains and the line is not cleaned it can quickly return.

You may need a large 'bottle' brush to scrub everything clean.

Unless you remove the trap and close off the line from the sink any bleach solution is going to run off before being very effective.

Boiling water will have the same issue.

Neither will contact the entire surface inside the pipe.
davidro1
14 years ago
do your sinks have overflows? can you post an image onto photobucket and link to it? are the drains a "continuous waste" configuration? Search on this (continuous waste) and let me know.
jillyjax
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for both your help.

I've relayed an incorrect message. There are two separate sinks, 30" apart, with separate drain pipes and pea traps that join in the wall out to the sewer line (which was crushed this spring and then replaced). We had lots of back up in this bathroom's tub and separate shower.

There is an overflow drain in each sink.

Since last posting, we leaned on the hope that the mold was caused by the back ups we had this spring. We tried vinegar and baking soda (foam).

Should I force something to clean the overflow drain?

Related Stories

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY How to Combat Mold in a Flooded House

Before you rebuild or restore your water-damaged home, take these steps to keep mold at bay

KITCHEN DESIGN 8 Stylish Sink Types for Kitchens of All Kinds

By The Inman Company

Choose the wrong sink and your kitchen renovation efforts may go down the drain — these sinks will let you clean up in the style department

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Choose the Best Drain for Your Shower

By By Any Design Ltd.

Don't settle for a cheap fix when you can pick a shower drain that suits your style preferences and renovation codes alike

KITCHEN DESIGN Tap Into 8 Easy Kitchen Sink Updates

By Danyelle Mathews

Send dishwashing drudgery down the drain with these ideas for revitalizing the area around your kitchen sink

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Up to 65% Off Bathroom Sinks and Faucets

Stunning bathroom fixtures for less to keep your dollars from going down the drain

0

KITCHEN SINKS Everything You Need to Know About Farmhouse Sinks

By Anne Ellard Design

They’re charming, homey, durable, elegant, functional and nostalgic. Those are just a few of the reasons they’re so popular

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Choose the Right Bathroom Sink

By Anne Ellard Design

Learn the differences among eight styles of bathroom sinks, and find the perfect one for your space

MOST POPULAR How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink

By Mary Jo Bowling

Learn about basin configurations, sink shapes, materials and even accessories and specialty sinks

KITCHEN DESIGN 8 Kitchen Sink Materials to Consider

By Jennifer Ott Design

Learn the pros and cons of these common choices for kitchen sinks

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Sinks: Stainless Steel Shines for Affordability and Strength

By Rachel Grace

Look to a stainless steel sink for durability and sleek aesthetics at a budget-minded price

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

More Discussions

Shower faucet system

3

Plumbing question

1

Upgrading tub from a shallow surround to a soaking tub. Recs please

12

Best skirted toilet for reduced clogs?

11

Fotile In-Sink Dishwasher

0