I have gotten flamed a few times for telling the Linux fanboys the hard truth.
If I have to hit Terminal even once with an average setup the OS is not ready for mainstream use. No exceptions. It has to work out of the box on the newest systems.
I use Linux the same way that you have: for a few applications that need a rock solid stable system. Once you get the damn thing setup, it truly is wonderful. Stable, reliable, easy to use. But getting there… Fuck that.
I think I had one clean distro install where everything worked. The PC was 7 years old when I installed it.
I would have a plumber look at it. A sink smelling is a possible sign that sewer gases are pushing past the p-trap. This may be because of an obstructed vent.