You cleared the clog, water drains fine again, but there's still a smell coming from the drain. That's a different problem than the clog itself — and a common one.
The Clog Is Gone, but Residue Isn't
Snaking or plunging clears the blockage that was stopping water flow, but it doesn't necessarily remove everything coating the inside of the pipe. Hair, soap scum, toothpaste, and skin cells build up along the pipe walls, and that residue keeps producing odor even after water moves freely again.
A Dry P-Trap
Every sink has a P-trap that holds a small amount of water specifically to block sewer gas from coming up the drain. If the sink hasn't been used in a while, or if the clog-clearing process disrupted that water seal, sewer gas smell can come through until the trap refills with use.
Biofilm Buildup
Over time, a slimy layer called biofilm forms on pipe interiors, especially in bathroom sinks that handle soap, toothpaste, and hair regularly. This layer holds odor-causing bacteria and doesn't fully clear with a single snaking — it needs to be flushed or cleaned separately.
Quick things to try first
Run hot water for a minute to refill the P-trap and flush loose residue, then try a baking soda and hot water flush. If the smell persists after that, biofilm or a deeper residue buildup is the more likely cause.
When It's Worth a Professional Look
If the smell doesn't improve after a few days of normal use, or if it's accompanied by slow draining returning, the buildup is likely deeper in the line than a home remedy reaches — that's when a proper drain cleaning clears both the clog risk and the odor source together.
Smell won't go away after unclogging? Our clogged drain clearing service clears residue buildup a snake alone can leave behind. Curious if what you're hearing is normal? Read is a gurgling drain a sign of a bigger problem.