How Do I Get Rid of a Drain Smell in My Home?

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How Do I Get Rid of a Drain Smell in My Home?

October 9, 2024

Let's get rid of that smelly sink smell...

A faucet is pouring water into a stainless steel sink.

A smelly drain or sink in your home can be frustrating and unpleasant, turning a comfortable space into a source of embarrassment. Whether it's in the kitchen or bathroom, that persistent odour coming from your drains is something you’ll want to tackle quickly.

But what causes a smelly drain, and more importantly, how can you get rid of it? In this article, we’ll explore common reasons behind drain smells and share some effective solutions to eliminate the problem for good.

What Causes a Smelly Drain or Sink?

Before you can solve the issue, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes of a bad-smelling drain.

There are several potential culprits:

1. Blocked Drains

Food scraps, soap scum, hair, grease, and other debris can build up over time in your drains, leading to blockages. As this material decomposes, it creates foul odours that rise up through the sink or drain.

2. Dry P-Trap

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe beneath your sink that holds a small amount of water to block sewer gases from entering your home. If a sink hasn’t been used for a while, the water in the P-trap may evaporate, allowing those gases to escape and cause bad smells.

3. Bacteria Build-Up

Warm, moist environments like drains are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. Over time, bacteria can thrive in the pipes and cause unpleasant odours, especially if organic material is also trapped in the pipes.

4. Issues with the Venting System

A plumbing vent system allows air to flow through the drains, preventing water in the P-trap from being siphoned away. If there's a problem with the venting system, it could cause your P-trap to dry out, leading to those nasty smells entering your home.

5. Sewer Line Issues

In more severe cases, the smell could be coming from a problem with your main sewer line. A crack or blockage in the sewer line can result in sewer gases being pushed back through your home's plumbing.

How to Get Rid of Drain Smells: The Best Solutions

Now that you know what might be causing the odour, let’s look at the best ways to eliminate the smell and prevent it from returning.

1. Flush the Drain with Boiling Water

A simple solution to start with is flushing the drain with boiling water. This can help dislodge any grease, soap scum, or small blockages that may be causing the smell.

Instructions: Boil a kettle of water and pour it slowly down the drain. You may need to do this a few times to clear any buildup.

2. Clean with Baking Soda and Vinegar

A black and white photo of a hot water faucet

For a natural, yet effective cleaning solution, baking soda and vinegar are a great option. The combination helps break down organic material and neutralises odours.

Instructions: Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for about 10–15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

3. Check and Refill the P-Trap

If you suspect the smell is due to a dry P-trap, the solution is simple - refill it with water.

Instructions: Run the tap for a couple of minutes to allow water to fill the P-trap. This should block any sewer gases from rising through the drain.

4. Use a Drain Snake or Plunger

For more stubborn blockages, you may need to physically remove the debris from your drain.

Drain Snake: A drain snake (also called a plumber’s auger) is a flexible tool that you can insert into the drain to break up and remove any blockages.

Plunger: Alternatively, you can use a plunger to try and dislodge any buildup that’s stuck in the pipes. This can help improve drainage and eliminate odours.

5. Clean the Overflow Hole

In bathroom sinks, the overflow hole can accumulate debris, leading to bad smells. Cleaning this area regularly can help prevent odours.

Instructions: Use a funnel to pour hot, soapy water or a mixture of vinegar and water down the overflow hole to clean it out.

6. Use a Commercial Drain Cleaner

If the smell persists, a commercial drain cleaner may be necessary.

Be sure to choose a cleaner that’s safe for your pipes and use it as directed to avoid damage to your plumbing.

7. Inspect Your Plumbing Vent System

If none of the above methods work, the issue may be with your home’s plumbing vent system. You may need to have a professional inspect and repair any venting problems.

8. Contact a Professional for Serious Issues

If you’ve tried these solutions and the smell persists, or if you suspect there’s a problem with your main sewer line, it’s time to call in the professionals. Blockages or cracks in the sewer line can cause serious issues, so it’s important to have these inspected by a qualified drainage specialist.

Preventing Future Drain Smells

To avoid the return of foul odours, it’s important to maintain your drains regularly. Here are some tips to keep your pipes clean and free from smells:

Regularly flush drains with boiling water to prevent grease and soap buildup.

Use drain strainers to catch hair, food, and other debris that can cause blockages.

Run water in seldom-used sinks to ensure the P-trap doesn’t dry out.

Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain - these can solidify and cause clogs.

A close up of a sink drain with water coming out of it.

Need Help? Contact CDS Ltd for Expert Drainage Solutions

At CDS Ltd, we specialise in professional drainage services and can quickly diagnose and resolve any issues with smelly drains. Whether it’s a blocked drain, a sewer line issue, or a simple cleaning, our team is here to help.

Don’t let a drain smell linger in your home - get in touch with us today for expert advice and solutions.

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