That awful rotten egg smell coming from your sink is usually an indicator that something is wrong with the pipes. Whether it is some sort of build up or blocking, dealing with it can be a right nightmare. For that reason, many people would quickly result to buying the most expensive unblocking and cleaning products or call a plumber but an expert revealed that sorting out that sickly smell doesn't have to be costly.

"When your sink gives off that rotten egg smell, it's usually bacteria growing in your pipes, it's usually bacteria growing in your pipes," explains Peter Jones from ADI Leak Detection. "But there's actually a 10-second fix using just hot water and lemon that can solve the problem instantly." 

There are four main causes of the unpleasant sulfur smell, according to the expert, and that includes a build-up of bacteria, where they break down organic matter and release hydrogen sulfide gas. Biofilm formation is a "slimy" layer that forms inside pipes and traps food particles, which then results in a "breeding ground for smelly bacteria".

Additionally, stagnant water can also develop a "signature smell" as bacteria multiply and a clogged P-trap, which is the curved pipe under your sink, releases sewer gases if it is clogged or dry.

However, Peter's quick combination of lemon and water will have your sinks sorted in no time. "The hot water melts away greasy build-up while the lemon cuts through grime and kills odour-causing bacteria," he continues. The method couldn't be any easier.

The 10-second Lemon Water Hack

1. Boil a kettle of water - A full kettle is ideal for creating a strong flush
2. Cut a lemon in half - Squeeze all the juice into boiling water
3. Pour directly down the drain - Do this quickly while the water is still very hot
4. Wait 10 seconds - Count to 10 while the mixture works its magic
5. Turn on cold water - Run cold water for a few seconds to flush everything through

And just like that you've tackled the "root causes" of the bad smells. For stubborn smells, the expert recommends dropping the used lemon halves into the drain and grinding them up if you have a disposal unit, or repeating the process for three consecutive days.

He adds: "What makes this hack so effective is that it works on multiple levels - cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorising all at once. You don't need fancy chemicals or expensive call-outs for what is essentially a minor plumbing issue. I recommend doing this once a week as part of your regular cleaning routine to prevent the smell from coming back, especially in bathrooms or kitchens that get heavy use."